Neuro A&P, migraines, PD, MG, MS Flashcards
Explain the diagnostic requirements for migraine
2 features must occur: Unilateral head pain, throbbing pain, worsens with activity, moderate/severe pain.
& one of these: N/V, Photophobia, phonophobia.
photophobia
avoidance of light
phonophobia
avoidance of sound
Define the classifications of migraine
Aura present (visual, sensory, or motor)
Aura not present (most common)
Chronic: 15 days/month for 3 months
risk factors for developing a migraine
Family history
Estrogen and progesterone
Genetic and environmental factors
Triggers for migraines
Fatigue
Sleep Disturbance: too much or too little
Missed meals
Overexertion
Weather change
Stress
Hormonal changes
Alcohol: red wine
Bright lights or strong smells
Pathophysiology for migraines
Change in neurotransmitter levels in CNS.
Blood vessel tone.
what are the clinical phases of a migraine?
premonitory phase
migraine aura
headache phase
recovery phase
describe the premonitory phase
Hours to days before the onset of the aura or the headache.
1/3 have fatigue, irritability, loss of concentration, stiff neck, food cravings.
describe the migraine aura
Up to 1/3 have aura symptoms lasting up to 1 hr.
describe the headache phase
Throbbing pain: begins on one side then spreads to the entire head.
Fatigue, N/V, dizziness, hypersensitivity to touch on head.
Last 4 to 72 hrs.
describe the recovery phase
Irritability, fatigue, or depression.
Can linger for hours to days
Abortive (Symptomatic) Therapy
Aspirin-like drugs: ASA, acetaminophen, NSAIDs.
Serotonin1B/1D Receptor Agonists: sumatriptan (Imitrex).
Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP) Antagonist: rimegepant (Nurtec).
sumatriptan
Class: Serotonin1B/1D Receptor Agonists
MOA: Constrict intracranial blood vessels, Suppress release of inflammatory neuropeptides, Block brain pathways for pain
indication: migraines
Route: Sub-q, PO, intranasal
SE: injection site reaction (SQ), chest pressure, flushing, weakness, headache, bad taste (nasal)
Considerations: avoid with ischemic stroke or heart disease, and angina
rimegepant
Class: Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP) Antagonist
MOA: Mediates pain transmission
indication: migraines
Route: PO
SE: GI upset
Considerations: CYP substrate
preventative therapy for migraines
Beta-blockers: Propranolol (Inderal)
Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline
Antiepileptic drugs: divalproex (Depakote), topiramate (Topamax)
Estrogens: Menstrual migraine
migraines: Preventative Therapy Goals
Reduce attack frequency, severity, and duration.
Improve responsiveness to treatment of acute attacks.
Improve function and reduce disability.
Prevent progression or transformation of episodic migraine to chronic migraine.
Discuss the basic organization of the nervous system.
A highly specialized system responsible for control and integration of the body’s activities.
Can be divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
the CNS
consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Ascending tracts carry sensory information from the periphery, muscles, and organs to the higher levels of the CNS.
Descending tracts carry impulses from the brain and result in voluntary muscle movement.
the PNS
consists of the cranial/spinal nerves and the autonomic nervous system
Neurons
the primary functional unit of the nervous system.
Neurons (in general) do not divide or replace themselves.
However, some new neurons may generate from stem cells after a brain injury.
Neuroglial cells
more numerous and are supportive to the neuron.
can replicate. provide support, nourishment, and protection to neurons.
They make up almost half the brain and spinal cord and are 5-10x more numerous than neurons.
Different types of glial cells have different functions.
Define the 4 main parts of a neuron:
the cell body: the metabolic center of the neuron.
axon: extend varying distances from the cell body and carry nerve impulses. They can be myelinated or unmyelinated.
dendrites: short extensions from the body that receive and conduct nerve impulses.
myelin sheath: a white lipid substance that insulates and helps conduct the impulses.
Describe the 3 types of neuroglia
Oligodendrocytes: produce the myelin sheath for nerve fibers in the CNS and help make up the “white matter” of the brain.
Schwann cells: myelinate the nerve fibers in the periphery.
Astrocytes: provide structural support to neurons and form the blood-brain barrier. They are found in the “gray matter” of the brain.
Describe how a nerve impulse travels from neuron to neuron.
The initiation of a nerve impulse involves the generation of an action potential.
After the action potential is initiated, a series of action potentials travel along the axon.
When it reaches the end of the nerve fiber, it is transmitted across the junction (gap) between nerve cells by neurotransmitters.
neurotransmitter
a chemical agent involved in the transmission of an impulse across this junction
Examples of neurotransmitters
acetylcholine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine
Define Parkinson’s disease
a progressive, degenerative disorder of the basal ganglia function
PD is Characterized by…
rest tremors, rigidity, & bradykinesia
PD: Primary
Idiopathic = Parkinson’s disease, genetic or sporadic.
PD: secondary
Acquired= infection, intoxication, trauma, drug-induced
PD: risk factors
age (after 50, peaks at 70, average onset 60), gender: men, genetics: both dominant & recessive, environmental exposures, depression, head trauma, hysterectomy, coffee consumption (protective)
PD: Pathogenesis
-Destruction of substania nigra in basal ganglia
-Dopamine levels decrease
-Imbalance between dopamine & ACH
-excess of ACH
-Loss of controlled movement & balance
why is the substantia nigra significant?
has cells that produce dopamine
how does the basal ganglia work in PD?
the basal ganglia works with the cerebellum to make smooth, coordinated movement.
dopamine
Inhibitory neurotransmitter
Function = message transmission
Controls movement and balance
Helps muscles work smoothly, controllably, and without unwanted movement