Other Neuro topics - Waldron Flashcards
what are tics
repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations
what is a simple tic
sudden, brief, repetitive movements involving limited number of muscle groups
motor - blinking, eye movements, facial grimace, heads/shoulder jerking
Vocal- throat clearning, grunting, barking, sniffing/snorting
what is a complex tic
distinct, coordinated patterns of movements involving several muscle groups, may appear purposeful
what is premonitory urge
urge/sensation in muscle prior to onset of tic
what is the epidemiology of Tourette’s syndrome
Boys 3-5x > girls
non-hispanic white 2x more likely than hispanic or AA
1/162 children
what is the pathophysiology of Tourette’s syndrome
cause unknown
what are possible risk factors for Tourettes syndrome
smoking during pregnancy
pregnancy complications
low birthweight
infection - research with mixed results about preceding infection
what are the genetic components of Tourettes syndrome
research shows inherited dominant gene
boys with gene 3-4x more likely to display symptoms
may be triggered by abnormal metabolism of dopamine
what is the presentation of TS
typically onset between 5-10yo, most commonly 6yo
tics increase in frequency and severity between 8-12yo
tic improvement seen in adolescence, may become tic free
what are the three types of Tic Disorders
Tourettes
Persistent
Provisional
what are Tourettes tics
both. motor and vocal tics
present for at least 1 year
what are persistent tics
Motor OR vocal tics
present at least 1 year
what are provisional tics
motor OR vocal OR both
present less than 1 year
what are the diagnostic requirements for TS
2+ motor tics
1+ vocal tics
Tics present for at least 1 year
tics onset prior to age 18 years
symptoms are NOT result of medication or other medical condition
what are common associated mental health, behavioral or developmental disorders diagnosis with TS
ADHD and Anxiety/OCD
as well as other learning disabilities
what chronic health conditions are also diagnosed with TS
asthma, Hearing or vision, bone, joint or muscle conditions or suffered brain injury or concussion
what is the treatment for TS
goal is tic suppression - but response highly variable to any tx
Medications: Neuroleptics, alpha adrenergic, stimulants, or SSRIs
what Neuroleptics are used to treat TS
Haloperidol, Pimozide, Aripiprazole
can cause sedation, weight gain, cognitive dulling’ tremor, dystonic reactions, parkinsonian - like symptoms
Concern for Tardive dyskinesia - associated with chronic med use
what is Tardive Dyskinesia associated with
chronic medication use
what alpha adrenergic medications are used to treat TS
Clonidine or guanfacine - usually first line
can cause sedation
what is typically the first line treatment of TS
Neuroleptic medications
but neurologist typically use: alpha adrengerics such as clonidine, guafacine
what stimulants are used to treat TS
methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine
research shows control concomitant aDHD without worsening tics
what SSRI medications are used to treat TS
Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline
best in patients with concomitant OCD/Anxiety
what medications are often used with patients with TS and OCD/Anxiety
SSRI such as fluoxetine, paroxetine or sertraline
what are other non-medication treatments for TS
deep brain stimulation
medical marijuana
dental orthotic devices liked used for TMJ
behavioral therapies
what behavioral therapies are often used to help with TS
Biofeedback, supportive therapies
Habit reversal
cognitive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) - NIH funded trial
what is the only medication approved for TS
Neuroleptics
what medications are contraindicated in patients with tics
Stimulants
How is TS managed
in most cases - tics decrease during adolescence/early adulthood and sometimes disappear completely
Genetic screening for future parents
what does ALS stand for and what is another name for it
Amyotrophic Lateral Scerlosis
AKA Lou Gehrig’s Disease
what is ALS
A RARE neurological disease affecting the control of voluntary muscle movements - DISTALLY TO CENTRALLY
both upper and lower motor neurons degenerate or die
PROGRESSIVE disease involving a gradual onset - muscles gradually weaken, fasciculate and become atrophic
what is lost with ALS
brain loses ability to initiate and control voluntary movements
patients lose their strength and ability to eat, speak, move and breathe
what is the cause of ALS
unknown but believed both genetics and environment involved
what is the epedimilogy of ALS
can strike at any age, but most common between 55 - 75 years old
Caucasians and non-hispanics more common
Military vets 1.5-2x more likely to develop
why do most patients die from ALS
die from respiratory failure usually 3-5 years from symptom onset
~10% survive 10+ years
what are genetic connections with ALS
mutations discovered suggest changes in RNA processing leads to motor neuron degeneration
other mutations - “protein recycling” - malfunction in how proteins broken down and used again
possible defects in neuron shape/structure increase susceptibility to toxins
what are the environmental connections with ALS
toxin exposure during warfare, strenuous physical activity
what ate the different types of ALS
Sporadic ALS and Familial (Genetic) ALS (FALS)
what is Sporadic ALS
90+% of cases
diagnosis occurs at random, no clearly associated risk factors, no history
what is FALS
5-10% of cases
inherited from one parent - autosomal dominant
mutations in > 12 genes responsible
what is the presentation of ALS
gradual onset, generally painless, progressive muscle weakness is most common initial symptom
early muscle weakness/stiffness
develops into more obvious weakness or atrophy
what are the symptoms of ALS
fasciculations in arms, leg, shoulder or tongue
muscle cramps
spasticity
muscle weakness affecting an arm, leg, neck or diaphragm
slurred and nasal speech, uncontrollable periods laughing/crying
difficulty chewing or swallowing
what is Limb onset of ALS
symptoms onset in arms and leg