PRELIMS: GBS, MS, Bell's Palsy Flashcards
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Acquired symmetrical polyneuropathy, often beginning in the lower extremities and progressing to total body paresis.
What are common initial symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Paresthesias in toes and fingertips, ascending weakness.
Which muscles are typically involved in Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Facial and oropharyngeal muscles.
Which muscles are typically spared in Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Extraocular muscles and sphincters.
What type of reflexes are usually affected in Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Muscle stretch reflexes are absent or severely decreased.
What is a common pain symptom in Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Deep aching pain in the back, buttocks, and posterior thighs
What are some common etiological factors for Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Viral or bacterial infections, immunization, or surgery.
What is the common agent associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Campylobacter jejuni.
What are some disorders included in Motor Neuron Disease?
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP).
Where do upper motor neurons (UMNs) originate?
Motor cortex, premotor areas, temporal cortex, and sensory cortex.
What do upper motor neurons (UMNs) synapse with?
Cells in the brainstem nuclei and the ventral horn of the spinal cord, which are lower motor neurons (LMNs).
What are the clinical features of Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)?
Spasticity usually starting in the lower extremities, urinary incontinence, spastic dysphagia.
What is the common onset age for Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)?
Between 20 to 60 years old.
What is Lathyrism and what causes it?
A condition caused by excessive consumption of chickling pea (Lathyrus sativus), leading to neurotoxic effects.
What does “amyotrophy” refer to in ALS?
Atrophy of muscle fibers.
What is the gender prevalence for ALS?
Males are affected more than females, with a ratio of approximately 2:1.
What are the clinical features of Classic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, spasticity, spastic dysarthria, and typically sparing of bowel, bladder, and sensation.
What is another name for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Lou Gehrig’s Disease or Charcot’s Disease.
What is a common cause of death in ALS patients?
Respiratory failure and aspiration.
What are some common features of Pseudobulbar Affect in ALS?
Emotional lability, inappropriate laughter or crying, and emotional outbursts.
What chromosomal defect is commonly associated with ALS?
A 15% defect in Chromosome 21q12.1.
What are the survival rates for ALS based on age of onset?
2.5 years survival for onset at 62 years, vs. 8 years for early onset.