Nov. 27, 2019 Flashcards
What does ALS stand for (be able to spell this shit)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
What does MYOTROPHIC indicate?
Atrophy of muscle fibers
Does ALS affect SENSORY or MOTOR neurons more?
MOTOR exclusively
In what people group is ALS more common?
Middle age men
How long does ALS typically last?
2-5 years
What is usually the cause of death in ALS?
Respiratory complications
What is the Et of ALS?
- Genetic
- Sporadic (90-95%)
- Familial (5-10%)
- Autoimmune
- Viral?
What gene is often affected in ALS that results in the accumulation of FREE RADICALS?
SOD1 gene on Ch 21
What happens to MOTOR NEURONS in ALS?
They degenerate
The MOTOR NEURONS in what 3 areas are most affected?
- The brain stem
- The anterior horn in the spinal cord
- Upper MOTOR NEURONS in the cerebral cortex
What is the difference between UPPER MOTOR NEURONS ans LOWER ones
UPPER go from the brain to the spinal cord, LOWER go from spinal cord to periphery
How do FREE RADICALS contribute to the patho of ALS?
They cause damage to the MOTOR NEURONS when they accum
How does GLUTAMATE contribute to the patho of ALS?
They cause damage to the MOTOR NEURONS when they accum. NEURO-toxic
Is GLUTAMATE a stim or inhib NEUROTRANSMITTER?
Stim
What are the mnfts of ALS?
- Muscle atrophy
- Fasciulations
- Weakness
- Dysarthria
What are fasciulations?
Twitching
What is dysarthria?
Difficulty speaking d/t resp muscle atrophy
What kind of eating precautions do ALS patients need? Why?
Swallowing precautions d/t high aspiration risk r/t dysphagia
What affect does ALS have on cognition and sensation?
None
How is someone diagnosed w ALS?
- Hx
- Presence of mnfts
- Electromyography (ELECRTO
What is ELECRTO?
Stim nerve and observe its action
What is the cure for ALS?
There isn’t one
What is the Tx for ALS?
- Mostly supportive
- Symptom management
- Prevent resp infct
- Riluzole
What kind of drug is Riluzole?
An antiGLUTAMATE
How does Riluzole help Tx ALS?
By suppressing GLUTA-toxicity it helps prevent damage to MOTOR NEURONS
What is BACTERIAL MENINNGITIS?
Inflm of the MENINGES
Is BAC M dangerous?
Yes, life-threatening
What 2 flora are most commonly associated with BAC M?
- NEISSERIA MENINGITDIS (NEISS M)
- STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIA (STREP PNEU)
What age is most affect by NEISS M?
Youth
What age is most affected by STREP PNEU?
Adults
Where can you find NEISS M and STREP PNEU most in the body?
In small numbers w/in the nasopharnynx
How do congruent infcts relate to the Et of BAC M?
A congruent infct (eg sinusitis) could cause the normal flora in the nasopharynx to make contact with the MEINGES and result in BAC M?
Why can BAC M occur after a neural Sx?
Because the cranium is compromised, this creates a perfect portal of entry for bacteria to reach the meninges. Head trauma can result in this problem too
Why do chronic diseases and steroid use also put someone at risk for BAC M?
Because these cause dec immunity
A quick overview of the patho for BAC M?
Bacteria make contact with the MENINGES -> they prolif -> inflm -> purulent exudate
Why does inc INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE become a problem during BAC M?
because the inflm and exudate take up a lot of room, increasing the pressure to dangerous levels if not relieved
Vascular _________ is a risk of BAC M
Congestion
Can infarction become of complication of BAC M?
Yes