Neuro- Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
What is MS?
MS, or Multiple Sclerosis, is a chronic demyelinating disease of the Central Nervous System characterized by an inflammatory process and causing widespread degeneration of the CNS.
What are the common symptoms of MS?
- Fatigue
- Difficulty walking
- Vision problems
- Problems controlling the bladder
- Sensory deficits
- Increased muscle tone
- Reduced balance
- Ataxia
- Problems with thinking, learning, and planning
What are the types of MS?
Relapsing remitting MS
Primary+Secondary Progressive MS
What is the average life expectancy for people with MS?
The average life expectancy for people with MS is around 5 to 10 years lower than average.
What factors are associated with a better disease course in MS?
- Being female
- Being less than 40 years old when diagnosed
- Having few relapses in the first few years after diagnosis
- Making a complete recovery from relapses
- Having long intervals between relapses
- Having symptoms that are mainly sensory in nature
What are some suspected triggers for MS?
- Environmental factors
- Viral factors
- Genetic factors
What does ‘sclerosis’ mean in the context of MS?
‘Sclerosis’ means ‘scarring’ and refers to the scarring that occurs in different places throughout the brain and spinal cord.
What are the medical management options for MS?
- Disease modifying drugs (DMDs)
- Anti-spasticity agents
- Neuropathic pain medications
- Anti-depressants
- Analgesia
- Catheterisation
- PEG feeding
What is the purpose of Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs) in MS treatment?
DMDs work with different parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation caused by MS to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, helping reduce the number and severity of relapses.
What are the criteria for an MS relapse according to the McDonald Committee?
- Clinical event must last at least 24 hours
- Objective findings must be present
- Event is not due to fever or infection
- Onset of a new attack must be at least 30 days after a prior attack
What is the typical age range for the diagnosis of MS?
Generally diagnosed between 20-40 years of age.
True or False: MS is more common in females than in males.
True
What are the signs and symptoms of sensory deficits in MS?
- Sensory loss
- Dizziness
- Poor balance
What diagnostic tests are used for MS?
- Clinical history
- Neurological examination
- MRI scan
- Evoked Potential tests
- Lumbar puncture
- Blood tests
What are some medical treatments for relapses in MS?
- 5-day course of steroid tablets
- Injections of steroid medicine
What are common symptoms related to vision in MS?
- Visual acuity problems
- Diplopia
List some members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) involved in MS management.
- MS Specialist nurse
- Community nurse
- Neurologist
- GP
- Occupational Therapist
- Dietitian
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist
What does relapsing remitting MS lead to?
Secondary progressive MS
