Nervous System - Neuromuscular Disorders

Question 1

ALS/ Motor Neuron Disease

Answer 1

Affects the motor neurons, results in loss of movement and eventually loss of breathing. Still have 100% of cognitive function. And mortality is 100%

Question 2

ALS Disease progression

Answer 2

weeks to months:

twitching and cramping
loss of control in hands and legs
fatigue
slured speach

> 1year:

difficulting breathing
difficulting swallowing
paralysis

Question 3

ALS Life Expectancy

Answer 3

2-5 years

Question 3

ALS Mechanisms

Answer 3

Exact is unknown

There are genetic factors and environmental factors (the environmental factors makes it really hard to determine the exact genetic factors)

Genetic dysfunctions leads to protiein aggregation (disrupts cells) in upper and lower motor neurons

Question 3

Multiple Sclerosis Summery

Answer 3

MS is a demyelinating disease of the CNS affecting the ability to conduct electrical signals. Survivable is controlled, won’t reduce life expectancy too much.

Question 4

MS Symptoms

Answer 4

Blurred vision

Uncontrolled movement

Loss of sensation

Can affect parts of cognition

Question 5

MS Development

Answer 5

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) - first attack

Relapsing-remitting (RRMS) - predictable pattern where symptoms worsen then improve

Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) - if untreated can develop into a more aggressive form

Question 6

ALS And the Military

Answer 6

Military personell 1.5-2X as likely to develop ALS

Question 7

ALS Treatment

Answer 7

Main treatment is symptom management

There is a drug that can increase survival by ~3months

Question 8

MS Treatment

Answer 8

No cure, symptom management and damage limitation

Most of the drugs are aimed to reduce relapses and inflamation (inflation causes nerve damage)

There is also a level psychological support and rehabilitation