Neurological disorders Flashcards
MS
WHAT?
- Demyelinating, autoimmune disorder causing formation of sclerotic plaques
- Affects spinal chord or cerebellar
S&S:
- Fatigue
- Numbness/tinging
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems (MC optic neuritis)
- Difficulty walking - cerebellar dysfunction)
- Cognitive changes
- Pain
- B&B issues
DEMOGRAPHIC:
- 20-40 YO
- F > M
Parkinson’s disease
WHAT?
- Progressive, neurodegenerative disorder
- Dopamine producing cells become damaged
S&S:
- Tremors
- Bradykinesia
- Muscle rigidity
- Postural instability
- Changes in speech
- Shuffling gait
DEMOGRAPHIC:
- 60+ YO
- M > F
MND
WHAT?
- Progressive neurodegenerative disease
- Motor neurones die so brain loses its ability to control muscle movement
S&S:
- Muscle weakness
- Twitching
- Difficulty speaking
- Muscle cramps/stiffness
- Breathing problems
- Loss of fine motor skills
DEMOGRAPHIC:
- 40-70 YO
- M > F
Cauda equina syndrome
WHAT?
- Bundle of nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord becomes compressed or damaged
S&S:
- Severe LBP
- Bilateral leg weakness/numbness
- Saddle anaesthesia
- B&B dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
DEMOGRAPHIC:
- 30-50 YO
- M > F
Brown-sequard
WHAT?
- Damage to one side of the spinal cord, resulting in a partial spinal cord injury
S&S
- Ipsilateral - motor weakness, loss of proprioception, loss of light touch, vibration & pressure sensation
- Contralateral - loss of pain & temperature sensation
DEMOGRAPHIC:
- Any age
- M = F
Friedreich’s ataxia
WHAT?
- Rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder
- Mutations in the FXN gene, leading to a deficiency in the protein frataxin, involved in function of mitochondria
S&S:
- Ataxia (lack of coordination)
- Muscle weakness
- Dysarthria
- Sensory loss
- Fatigue
DEMOGRAPHIC:
- Adolescents 5-10 YO
M = F
