Neuro pathology Flashcards
What causes Parkinsons Disease?
A programmed destruction of >70% of neurons, resulting in the depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the substantia nigra
What are the 3 stages of PD?
- Preclinical - neurodegeneration present but asymptomatic (no symptoms)
- Prodromal PD - motor and non-motor symptoms are present with a clinical diagnosis
- Clinical PD - dopamine responsive with bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
Name some clinical features of PD
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) Rigidity Dystonia (curled hands/ body parts) Tremor Gait (short step length) Freezing
What would an assessment of PD involve?
- Expectations and priorities
- HPC
- Social history
- PMH
- Drug history (PD medication and timings)
- Objective assessment
- Observation
- ROM and power
- Rigidity
- Co-ordination
- Balance
- Gait
- Functional
Briefly describe what MS is
A progressive long-term neurological disorder of the CNS. Demyelination disease
The immune system attacks the myelin that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, it can cause permanent damage of the nerves.
What are the classifications of MS?
Relapse remitting
- approx 90% initially have relapse remitting, then develop Secondary Progressive
Primary progressive
- approx 10%, currently no disease-modifying treatment
What methods are used to diagnose MS?
- Patient presents with neurological symptoms
- MRI
- Cerebrospinal fluid via a lumbar puncture can be reviewed for the presence of inflammation
What are some pharmacological treatment is available for MS patients?
- Corticosteroids - hasten recovery from relapses but do not modify the underlying disease
What are some symptoms of MS?
Numbness & tingling
Walking difficulty
Fatigue
Depression
What is included in an assessment for MS patients?
Subjective: - Expectations and priorities - HPC - Social history - PMH - Drug history (MS medication and timings) Objective assessment - Observation - ROM and power - Rigidity - Co-ordination - Balance - Gait - Functional
What physio treatment is suitable for MS patients?
- stretching program
- strengthening
- aerobic training
- pain management
- balance re-education, falls statergies
- health promotion, self management
Briefly describe a stroke
The damaging or killing of brain cells starved of oxygen as a result of the blood supply to the brain being cut off
Name and describe the 2 types of stroke
- Ischaemic stroke: blockage in a cerebral artery, causing hypoperfusion (a reduced amount of blood flow)
- Haemorrhagic stroke: bleeding within the brain
What are some stroke risk factors?
Age
Hypertension
Raised cholesterol
Smoking/Alcohol
Name the 4 classifications of an Ischaemic stroke
- Total anterior circulation infarct
- severe sensorimotor deficit of arm, face, trunk & leg - Partial anterior circulation infarct
- limited sensorimotor deficit of arm, face, trunk & leg - Posterior circulating infarct
- cranial nerve palsy
- bilateral motor deficit
- conjugate eye movement disorder - Lacunar infarct (most common type of ischaemic stroke)
- pure sensorimotor deficit of arm, face, trunk or leg
