Neuro Flashcards
what are the names of cells that produce myelin in the CNS?
oligodendrocytes
what are the names of cells that produce myelin in the PNS?
schwann cells
which nervous system does MS affect?
central
what is the most common presentation of MS?
optic neuritis
what are 4 risk factors for MS?
FHx and genetics
EBV infection
Smoking
Low vitamin D
what are 5 signs of upper motor neurone lesions?
Inspection - No significant wasting
Tone - Increased (spasticity/rigidity) + Ankle Clonus
Power - Pyramidal (extensors weaker in arms, flexors weaker in legs)
Reflexes - Hyperreflexia
Plantars - Upgoing (Babinski)
What are 5 signs of lower motor neurone lesions?
Inspection - Fasciculations + Wasting
Tone - Reduced (or normal)
Power - reduced in affected nerve distribution
Reflexes - reduced or absent
what are 2 eye signs of MS?
optic neuritis (pain on eye movement and temporary vision loss to one eye)
Eye movement abnormalities (Internuclear opthalmoplegia or conjugate lateral gaze disorder - 6th CN palsies)
what are 4 motor signs of MS?
Bells palsy
horners syndrome
limb paralysis
incontinence
what are 4 sensory symptoms of MS?
triegeminal neuralgia
Numbness
Paraesthesia
Lhermitte’s sign
what is Lhermitte’s sign? What condition does it signify?
MS
Electric shock sensation that travels down spine into limbs when flexing neck (due to disease in DCML of cervical spine)
what is Uhtoff’s phenomenon?
worsening symptoms of demyelinating disorders (MS) when the body becomes overheated hot weather or hot showers
what are 2 coordination symptoms of MS?
sensory ataxia (due to loss of proprioception +ve romberg)
cerebellar ataxia
what is the mcdonald criteria for MS diagnosis?
2 or more episodes of central nervous system damage disseminated in time and space
Demonstrated on MRI
What is one episode of an MS like attack called?
clinically isolated syndrome
what are 3 patterns of disease in MS?
relapsing-remitting
secondary progressive (starts relapsing-remitting then progresses)
Primary progressive
what 2 investigations can be done to diagnose MS?
MRI brain and spinal cord - gadolinium enhanced T2 weighted
Lumbar puncture
what is seen on LP in someone with MS?
oligoclonal bands in the CSF
what is seen on LP in someone with MS?
oligoclonal bands in the CSF
what are 4 key features of optic neuritis?
Central scotoma (enlarged blindspot)
pain on movement
impaired colour vision
relative afferent pupillary defect
what can be seen o/e in optic neuritis?
Pale optic disk
internuclear ophthalmoplegia
what are 7 causes of optic neuritis?
MS
Sarcoidosis
SLE
Syphilis
Measles and Mumps
Neuromyelitis optica
Lyme disease
what is the management of optic neuritis?
High dose corticosteroid - pred or methylpred
what is the treatment for acute MS relapse?
Methylprednisolone 500mg orally OD for 5 days
OR
1g IV Methylprednisolone daily for 3-5 days (in severe cases)
(plasma exchange can be used in V severe disability)