Nervous System Malfunctions:

Question 1

Define an autoimmune disease

Answer 1

the body’s immune system attacks parts of the body itself.

Question 2

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Answer 2

An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the Myelin Sheath on nerve cells, particularly within the CNS.

The damaged nerve tissue forms scarring. This prevents effective transmission on nerve impulses.

Question 3

Whats the cause of Multiple Sclerosis?

Answer 3

What triggers this is unknown but it has been linked to genetic, environmental and viral factors.

Question 4

What are some symptoms of MS?

Answer 4

There is a great variety of symptoms and the disorder can be unpredictable.

Tingling
Numbness
Poor vision
Incontinence
Decreased mobility
Fatigue
Depression

Question 5

How would you monitor multiple sclerosis?

Answer 5

The most reliable way to monitor progression of MS is to record symptoms over a period of time.
MRI scans are the most widely used technology for diagnosis.

Question 6

Whats a limitation of using MRI scans to diagnose MS?

Answer 6

Results from these do not correspond with the severity of symptoms and disability reported by the individual.

MRI scans show us acute inflammation but do not show the slow deterioration that occurs. Therefore MRIs are not predictive of sustained neurodegeneration.

Question 7

Why is MS hard to monitor?

Answer 7

At the beginning of the disease most people will experience relapsing-remitting symptoms meaning they come and go. This makes it hard to monitor.

In later stages most people will develop secondary-progressive disease where the symptoms are more persistent and become more severe.

Question 8

Whats the treatment for MS?

Answer 8

There is no cure for MS however, it can be managed using different treatments:

Steroid
Therapies for specific symptoms
Disease modifying therapies

Question 9

What are the two types of Stroke?

Answer 9

Ischaemic

Haemorrhagic

Question 10

Whats an Ischaemic stroke?

Answer 10

Ischaemic- This is when a clot forms in one of the blood vessels in the brain depriving an area of brain tissue of oxygen and vital nutrients. As a result the brain cells in that area die.

Question 11

Whats an Haemorrhagic stroke?

Answer 11

This is when a blood vessel leading to the brain ruptures which then cuts of the supply of blood to a specific area. The released blood is then confined by the skull creating pressure on the Brain which damages the cells.

Question 12

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Answer 12

Common symptoms include:
Weakness on one side of the body
Numbness on one side of the body
Dropping on one side of the face
Difficulty speaking
Loss of consciousness
Blurred vision.

Question 13

When may a stroke occur?

Answer 13

A stroke could occur during sleep so the

Individual might wakeup with symptoms!

Question 14

If a stroke occurs on the right side why is the left side of the body affected and vice-versa.

Answer 14

The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body.

If a stroke occurs on the right side then the left side of the body will be affected and vice-versa.

Question 15

What is the brain split into?

Answer 15

The Brain is split into two hemisphere and control of the body is contralateral (meaning ‘opposite side’).

Question 16

What does the left hemisphere of the brain govern?

Answer 16

Logic

Analysis

Language

Question 17

What does the right hemisphere of the brain govern?

Answer 17

Emotion

Creativity

Empathy

Question 18

Long term symptoms of a stroke include?

Answer 18

Difficulty swallowing 
Incontinence 
Memory loss
Depression 
Anger outbursts 
Mobility issues 
Fatigue

Question 19

What does treatment of a stroke aim to do?

Answer 19

You cannot undo damage that a stroke causes but the treatment aims to prevent another stroke occurring.

Question 20

How do doctors determine if a stroke is Ischaemic or Haemorrhagic?

Answer 20

Brain scans such as CT and MRI will be done to determine if the stroke was ischaemic or haemorrhagic. This should ideally be done within an hour of the stroke.

Question 21

What is a treatment of Haemorrhagic strokes?

Answer 21

For a haemorrhagic stroke they might be prescribed medication to lower blood pressure to try and reduce the risk of rupture.

Question 22

What is a treatment of Ischaemic strokes?

Answer 22

Patients will likely be prescribed medication to reduce clots forming if the stroke was ischaemic. These are commonly known as ‘blood thinners’

Question 23

How is a stroke monitored?

Answer 23

They will have regular monitoring visits with their GP for blood pressure checks, blood tests and monitoring of medication.