Neuropathies / Demyelinating Disorders Flashcards
Is Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediate, demyelinating polyneuropathy, of the peripheral or central nervous system?
Peripheral Nervous System
What TWO symptoms/exam findings characterize GBS?
Muscle Weakness
Areflexia
Does GBS present as ascending or descending paralysis?
Where does it typically start?
Ascending paralysis
Typically starts in the hands/feet and spreads to the trunk
Which variant of GBS presents with flaccid paralysis?
What organism is associated with this condition?
What anti-bodies are present in this condition?
Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN)
C. jejuni
IgG Anti-GM
IgG anti-GD
Which variant of GBS presents with ascending paralysis and motor weakness?
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP)
Ventilation is typically required in which variant of GBS?
Acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN)
The GBS variant, Miller-Fisher Syndrome, is associated with what symptoms?
What antibody is present?
Ataxia
Areflexia
Ophthalmoplegia
IgG Anti-GQ
Which GBS variant is the most common?
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP)
AIDP is an auto-immune response against cells responsible for myelination.
What is the name of these cells?
Schwann Cells
AMAN attacks what portion of the nerve?
Nodes of Ranvier
T/F: Miller-Fischer Syndrome presents as descending paralysis
True
Which variant of GBS often is associated with a Babinski’s Sign?
Bickerstaff’s Brainstem Encephalitis
In GBS immune responses are directed against what TWO part of a nerve?
Myelin
Axon
Other than C. jejuni, what TWO infections were seen in GBs patients?
CMV
Epstein Barr
What cranial nerve may sometime be effected in GBS?
CN VII
What is typically the first symptom/presentation of GBS?
“Rubbery Legs”
Progressing to ascending paralysis
T/F: Immunizations can trigger GBS
True
Other than immunizations, what can trigger GBS?
Trauma
Surgery
Bone marrow transplant
What CA is associated with GBS?
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Are eye movement abnormalities common in GBS?
No
Only in Miller Fisher Syndrome
Will GBS patients often complain of pain?
Yes
Described as a dull aching pain in weakened muscles
How is GBS diagnosed initially?
Clinically
What might a LP show in a GBS patient?
Elevated protein
Normal WBCs
What study is useful in detecting active axonal damage in GBS?
Electromyography (EMG)
Abnormal conduction on EMG would confirm a diagnosis of ____________ polyneuropathy.
Demyelinating
What are the TWO mainstays for GBS treatment?
Plasma Exchange (Plasmaphoresis) IV IgG Therapy
What medications can be used to treat neuropathic pain in GBS?
Gabapentin
NSAIDs
Narcotics
T/F: Most GBS patients will not require some form of rehab
False
Many will
What is the most common disorder of neuromuscular transmission?
Myasthenia Gravis
T/F: Myasthenia Gravis is not an autoimmune disorder
False
It is
What are TWO characteristics of Myasthenia Gravis?
Distal-to-Proximal weakness
Fatigability of muscles
What Sx of the EYE may a myasthenia gravis patient have?
Ptosis
Diplopia
What FACIAL manifestation may a myasthenia gravis have?
Weak Chewing
Would a Myasthenia Gravis patient’s weakness be worse in the morning or throughout the day?
Throughout the day - Symptoms typically worsening with daily actives or exercise
What is the most serious Sx of Myasthenia Gravis?
Respiratory Distress
T/F: Thyroid disorders are found in 10% of Myasthenia Gravis patients
True
What antibody is found in 40% of MG patients who do not test positive for acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
Muscle-Specific Kinase (MuSk)
If a MG patient does not test positive for AchR or MuSK antibodies then they are considered what?
Seronegative MG
What is the name of the bedside test used to diagnosis Myasthenia Gravis?
Tensilon Test
Give Edrophonium
If symptoms improve = MG
Why is a CT or MRI ordered in MG evaluation?
15% of MG patients have a thymoma
What medications are used EARLY in MG?
Anticholinesterase:
Pyriogostigmine
Neostigmine
Ambenonium
This is because there are still acetylcholine receptors left
Other than anticholinesterase agents…..
What are additional pharmacological MG treatment options?
- Glucocorticoids
- Immunosuppression (Cyclosporine)
- Plasmaphoresis, IV IgG
What surgery may be preformed to treat MG?
Thymectomy
Does multiple sclerosis effect the peripheral or central nervous system?
Central Nervous System