Neuro (Dr Halse) Flashcards
Which parts of the nervous system are UMN?
CNS - Cortex, pyramidial decussation, brain stem and spinal cord
In which type of disease if forehead spared?
UMN
Why is forehead spared in UMN?
Bicortical innovation
If visual fields are affected, what part of the brain can NOT be involved and why?
Brainstem - the visual pathway does not go through the brain stem
What does dysarthria mean?
Slow speech
What is Hoffman’s sign?
Involuntary flexion of of thumb when nail flicked
What is age of onset of MND?
50-70 yrs old
Describe the onset of MND
INSIDIOUS
Where is the lesion in MND?
Degeneration of anterior horn cells and UMNs in spinal cord
Is MND UMN or LMN?
BOTH - can start with one but will eventually get both
Does MND affect sensory or motor or both?
Motor only
What is PC of ALS?
Unilateral limb motor problems eg foot drop
What is cluster of signs in ALS?
Fasiculations, wasting, brisk reflexes and up going plantars
What is the other type of MND?
Bulbar MND
PC of bulbar MND?
Dysarthria and dysphagia
Why are these the PC of bulbar MND?
The lower CNs eg 9,10,11,12 pass over the bulbar medulla
Signs O/E of bulbar MND?
Dysarthria, tongue wasting, fasiculations, brisk jaw reflexes Some limb Sx
Which is more rapidly progressive of bulbar or ALS?
Bulbar - die in 2 years
How do you diagnose MND?
CLINICALLY Nerve conduction study / EMG can help
Why do you do imaging in MND?
Rule out other causes
Define MS
Damage of CNS that is disseminated in time and space
What causes MS?
T cells attack myelin coating CNS
Is MS familial?
Partly - 20% have blood relative with it
List environmental triggers of MS
Low Vit D EBV exposure Smoking Extremes of latitude (far away from equator) Obesity in adolescence
What is visible on MRI of MS patient?
Plaques
List potential Sx of MS
Fatigue, vision problems, bladder / bowel problems Sensory or motor changes
List signs of MS O/E
Spasticity Gait / balance / coordination problems Speech / swallowing problems Tremor
List common PC of MS
Loss / reduction in vision in one eye Pain on moving eye (optic neuritis) Double vision Sensory disturbances / weakness Balance problems Lhermitte’s syndrome
What is Lhermitte’s syndrome?
Altered sensation travelling down back when patient bends neck forward
What are sensory disturbances / weakness in MS called?
Transverse myelitis
How is MS diagnosed?
Clinically - through Hx and diagnosis
What are Ix of MS?
MRI / LP / visual evoke potentials