neurodegenerative disease

Question 1

what is ALS

Answer 1

usually affects one limb, spreading gradually to other limbs and trunk
typically LMN signs in arms and UMN signs in legs

Question 2

what is progressive bulbar palsy

Answer 2

second most common type
affects primarily the muscles of talking and swallowing

Question 3

presentation of progressive bulbar palsy

Answer 3

dysarthria
dysphagia
nasal regurgitation of fluids
chocking

Question 4

what is progressive muscular atrophy

Answer 4

only lower motor neurone
weakness
muscle wasting
fasciculations

Question 5

primarily lateral sclerosis

Answer 5

only upper motor neurone features
slowly progressive tetraparesis
pseudobulbar palsy

Question 6

lower motor neurone signs

Answer 6

muscle wasting
reduced tone
fasciculations
reduced reflexes

Question 7

upper motor neurone disease signs

Answer 7

increased tone or spasticity
brisk reflexes
upgoing plantar responses

Question 8

investigations for MND

Answer 8

based on clinical presentation and excluding other conditions
denervation of muscles due to degeneration of lower motor neurones is confirmed by EMG

Question 9

what effect does riluzole have in MND

Answer 9

slow progression of the disease and extend the last few months
sodium channel blocker that inhibits glutamate release