Neurodegenerative Disorders Flashcards
What is the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
Progressive neurodegeneration of motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle movements.
What is the etiology of multiple sclerosis?
The patient’s own immune system attacks the myelin sheaths surrounding nerve axons. Causes improper nerve transmission affecting eyesight, sensation, and movement.
What is the etiology of encephalitis?
An inflammation of the brain, usually as a result of bacterial infection.
What is the etiology of meningitis?
An irritation or inflammation of the brain’s meninges. Can result from a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
What is Guillain-Barre’s Syndrome? What symptoms characterize this?
An inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves. Often presents as rapid onset of weakness with potential paralysis of the limbs, breathing muscles, and face.
What is the etiology of Huntington’s Chorea? How does it present in patients?
It is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a faulty gene present in the parent’s genome. It presents as abnormal movements and dementia.
What is the etiology of spina bifida?
It is a birth defect affecting the spinal column of neonates where the spinal cord floats apart from the vertebrae in a fluid filled sac.
