Neurodegenerative Disorders Flashcards
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Deterioration of cells/function of the CNS and PNS
What are the characteristics of a neurodegenerative disorder?
Disorder of the CNS & PNS
Cells deteriorate affecting the funciton of both
Slow onset of symptoms w/ progressive loss of function
Symptoms are daily, often worsen over time
Many have exacerbations
Hallmarks: INFLAMMATION,
Upper Motor Neurons
Send messages from the cerebral cortex [down] to the brain stem or spinal cord
- 1st order neurons that carrying electrical impulses to initiate & modulate movement
Cause of Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) Damage
CVA
TBI
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Neurodegenerative Diseases
-
Hallmark Sign of UMN
Progressive severe fatigue w/ muscle weakness
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
An immune-mediated (T-cells), progressive demyelinating disease of the CNS
- Results in the destruction of the myelin sheaths on the neurons of the CNS
May occur at any age, peak onset is between 20-50 yrs old
- Occurs more in women than men
Demyelination
Refers to the destruction of myelin (fatty protein material that surrounds certain nerve fibers in brain & spinal cord)
- Results: Impaired transmission of nerve impulses
Cause of MS
Exact cause is unknown, many factors play into MS
Autoimmune activity: T-cells attack the myelin sheath like a pathogen
- Demyelination occurs
- Damaging the action potential between the axons on neurons-> slows conduction of impulse nerves
Environmental: Smoking
Genetic susceptibility
What are the 5 main categories of dysfunction seen in MS?
1) Motor control
2) Fatigue
3) Neurological function
4) Bladder & bowel dysfunction
5) Neuropsychological symptoms
Motor Control Dysfunction in MS
Movement: Ataxia, impaired gait, coordination issues
Muscular: Spasms, tremors, weakness, muscle tightness (hypertonicity), & other muscle tone abnormalities
Speech: Dysarthria & dysphonia
Dysphagia
Breathing difficulties
Heart problems
Impaired upper & lower limb function
Ataxia
Unsteadiness
Fatigue in MS
Debilitating fatigue (often accompanied by heat sensitivity)
Results in difficulty:
- Walking distances
- Concentration
- Ability to complete ADLs
Neurological Function in MS
Visual Disturbances: Diplopia, impaired depth perception, nystagmus, partial or complete vision loss
Vertigo
Pins & needles sensation
Pain: Neuralgia, chronic pain & discomfort
Heat sensitivity & inability to regulate body temperature
Diplopia
“Double-vision”
Nystagmus
Involuntary eye movement
