Peripheral Nerve Diseases Flashcards
define Guilain-Barré syndrome
an ascending inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
causes of Guilain-Barré syndrome
often occurs in 1 - 3wks following either respiratory or GI infection
clinical features of Guilain-Barré syndrome
progressive ascending symmetrical limb weakness - begins in lower limbs sensory loss paraestherisae pain dysphasia + dysarthria
signs of Guilain-Barré syndrome
dysreflexia
hypotonia
papilloedema
bulbar palsy
investigations of Guilain-Barré syndrome
bloods (FBC, U+Es, LFTs and anti-ganglioside antibodies) ABG ECG spirometry MRI LP
findings in an LP of Guilain-Barré syndrome
normal white cell count + glucose and raised protein levels
conservative measures of Guilain-Barré syndrome
monitor ventilation
protect areas of potential pressure sore development
medical management of Guilain-Barré syndrome
IV immunoglobulin
plasmapharesis
DVT prophylaxis
defin Miller-Fisher syndrome
a similar disorder to Guilain-Barré syndrome but presents with triad of: ataxia, areflexia and opthalmoplegia
define multiple sclerosis (MS)
a chronic disease of the CNS
describe characteristics of MS
white plaque areas of demyelination and perivascular inflammation causing eventual axonal loss
risk factors of MS
female sex
latitude (⬆️ from equator)
Vitamin D deficiency
smoking
types of MS
relapsing-remitting (80%)
primary progressive
clinical features of MS
sensory disease (patchy paraesthesia)
optic neuritis
subacute cerebellar syndrome
weakness
investigations of MS
LP
MRI
bloods (FBC, LFTs, TFTs, Vitamin B12 and CRP/ESR)
