Neurological Disorders Part II Flashcards
Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder
Intermittent derangement of the nervous system caused by sudden discharge of cerebral neurons. May be caused by head injury, congenital defects, metabolic disorders, or other illnesses. Many are idiopathic (cause unknown). 2.3 Americans have epilepsy with 15% being under the age of 15.
Generalized Seizures
Abnormal electrical activity that involves the entire brain:
- Tonic clonic
- Absence
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Formerly called a grand mal seizure. It is a generalized seizure that lasts 1-2 minutes and involves complete loss of muscle tone and consciousness. Common in children.
Absence Seizure
Formerly called a petit mal seizure. This type of seizure is also generalized and the person may appear to be daydreaming, but recovers after a few seconds with no postictal fatigue or disorientation. Also common in children.
Partial Seizure
Isolated to one section or lobe of the brain. The area of the brain affected will determine how the sz presents. Most common type of seizure especially in adults. Two types:
- Simple partial
- Complex partial
Simple Partial Seizure
Involves no loss of consciousness.
Complex Partial Seizure
Involves change in consciousness.
Medical Treatment for Generalized Seizures
Managed with valproate, phenytoin, and gabapentin. Beware of drug-drug and food-drug interactions and liver damage.
Medical Treatment for Partial Seizures
Managed with carbamazepine or phenytoin. If failed to be controlled with medications than surgery may be used. Localized focus resected procedures cure 75% of patients.
Phenobarbital with Partial Seizures
Avoided due to it being associated with decreased IQ in children. May be used if all other medications fail.
Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy MNT
A high fat, low CHO diet induces a metabolic shift or energy utilization within some tissues of the brain and produces ketosis. In 1/3 of children and significantly decrease activity in another 1/3 of children.
Ketogenic Diet Implementation
- Stop antiepileptic drugs
- Child fasts in hospital for 24-72 hrs until 4+ ketonuria
- Evaluate response
- Fat: 75% of calories
- Protein: sufficient to meet growth need (1g/kg)
- CHO: added to make up rest of calorie needs (negligible)
MNT for Seizures
Correct nutritional deficits from long term anticonvulsant medications (vitamin D, Ca). Ketogenic diet may be used.
Multiple Sclerosis
Chronic disease affecting the CNS and causes destruction of the myelin sheath, which transmits nerve impulses. Multiple areas of myelin are replaced with scar tissue. May be genetic and environmental factors, including geographical latitude (northern hemisphere) and diet (high animal fats).
Medical Treatment for MS
- Steroid therapy for exacerbations
- Prednisolone
- Methotrexate (can cause wt gain and fluid retention)
- Alpha-interferon
- Physical therapy
The 3 Types of MS
- Relapsing-remitting MS
- Secondary progressive MS
- Primary progressive MS
Relapsing-Remitting MS
Symptom flare-ups followed by recovery. Stable in between attacks.
Secondary Progressive MS
Second phase of relapsing-remitting MS and has a progressive worsening of symptoms.
Primary Progressive MS
Gradual but steady accumulation of neurological problems from onset.
Controversial Therapies for MS
- Shank diet: low in saturated fat
- MacDougal diet: no gluten, low sugar, and no refined sugar
- Allergen-free, gluten-free, pectin-free, fructose-restricted, raw food Evers diet
- Low fat diet high in linoleic acid may have some beneficial effects
MNT in MS
- Diet consistency modifications as needed if dysphagia develops
- Suggest pre-packaged, single-serving or convenience foods if meal preparation becomes difficult due to impaired vision and poor ambulation
- High fiber diet for constipation
- Counseling regarding fluid intake, cranberry juice to prevent UTIs
- Enteral nutrition support in end stage
Parkinson’s Disease
Age related neurodegenerative disorder that affects 1-2% if people 60 years of age and older. Diminished levels of dopamine at the basal ganglia of the brain causes:
- Tremors in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face
- Rigidity of limbs and trunk
- Coordination difficulty
- Dysphagia
- Speech problems