Progressive Disorders of the CNS Flashcards
3 nuclei that make up dorsal or sensorimotor basal ganglia
- caudate nucleus
- putamen
- globus pallidus
BGD Symptoms
- problems with controlling speech, movement, and posture
- difficulty starting, stopping, or sustaining movement
- increased muscle tone and rigidity
- memory loss and trouble finding words
Basal Ganglia Disease (BGD) results in difficulty in
- initiating, continuing, or stopping movement.
- muscle tone (rigidity)
- increased involuntary movements (tremor, chorea)
Motor disorders of BG result in disequilibrium between ___ and ____ movement.
inhibitory and excitatory
Cerebellar dysfunctions: Lesions affect which areas?
Lesions are varied and may affect the Neocerebellar (Posterior lobe), Paleocerebellar (anterior lobe), and Archicerebellar (Flocculonodular lobe).
Cerebellar dysfunctions: Signs & symptoms of neocerebellar lesions (posterior lobe)
Ipsilateral ataxia, Ipsilateral hypotonia & hyporeflexia, Dysmetria, Adiadochkinesia, movement decomposition, asthenia, intention tremors, rebound phenomenon, ataxic gait, staccato voice
Cerebellar dysfunctions: Signs & symptoms of paleocerebellar lesions (anterior lobe)
Disturbances in extensor tone (b/c this lobe receives the Spinocerebellar tracts – which when lost result in an ↑ in extensor tone.)
Cerebellar dysfunctions: Signs & symptoms of archicerebellar lesions (flocculonodular lobe)
Uncoordinated trunk movements – ataxia. Balance deficits d/t loss of vestibular input from vestibular nuclei, cuneocerebellar tract, and rostral cerebellar tract
PT/OT management of cerebellar dysfunctions
Added weight to help decrease tremor (but performance declines due to the added weight); Strengthening (help with deconditioning, weakness, or spasticity)
ALS Basic Info
- destruction of UMN and LMN (degeneration of anterior horn cells and descending corticobulbar and corticospinal)
- usually occurs after 50 yrs but can be younger
- Causes weakness and atrophy to the body
- spasticity, hyperreflexia
- affects distal (limbs) to proximal (whole body)
- loss of voluntary control
- one of 1st signs is thenar eminence wasting
Etiology of ALS
- unknown (viral/autoimmune/toxic)
- 5-10% genetic (autosomal dominant)
Stage I of ALS
early disease, mild focal weakness, asymmetrical distribution, symptoms of hand cramping and fasiculations
Stage II of ALS
moderate weakness in groups of muscles, some wasting (atrophy) of muscles; modified independence with assistive devices
Stage III of ALS
severe weakness of specific muscles, increasing fatigue, mild to moderate functional limitations, ambulatory
Stage IV of ALS
severe weakness and wasting of LEs, mild weakness of UEs; moderate assistive and assistive devices, wheelchair user
Stage V of ALS
progressive weakness with deterioration of mobility and endurance, increased fatigue, moderate to severe weakness of whole limbs and trunk, spasticity, hyperreflexia, loss of head control, maximal assist
Stage VI of ALS
bedridden, dependent ADLs, FMS; progressive respiratory distress, mimics Locked-In Syndrome
Examination of ALS
- pt must have s/s of both UMN and LMN destruction
- determine stage patient is in using ALS Functional Rating Scale
- MMT
- ROM
- Reflexes
- Purdue Pegboard Test
- Pulmonary function
- Speech evaluation
- Ashworth Spasticity scale
- CN’s; especially VII, IX, X, XI, XII
- Gait: timed test
ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS)
- assess disease progression and function across 10 functional categories
- Scored 0 (loss of function) to 4 (normal function)
- 40 maximal score
Motor Learning Stage 1 of ALS
- independent of mobility and ADLs
- Active ROM
- Cont. normal activities
- stretching of affected joints
- resistive exercises to unaffected mm
- aerobic activities
Motor Learning Stage 2 of ALS
- moderate weakness in groups of mm
- assess for use of assistive devices
- continue stage 1 activities
- increased need for caregiver assistance
- exercise 2-3 times per day with rest in between
Motor Learning Stage 3 of ALS
- continued ambulation but severe weakness in mm groups
- foot drop or hand weakness
- goals is to keep pt physically independent
- use of splints, orthotics
Motor Learning Stage 4 of ALS
- severe weakness of legs, involvement of arms
- WC
- Cont. AROM and PROM to prevent contractures
- strengthening
- integumentary
Motor Learning Stage 5 of ALS
- progressive weakness of mobility and endurance
- inability to transfer
- pain due to cramping and contracture
- stretching, splinting, STM, orthotic
Motor Learning Stage 6 of ALS
- bed ridden, max assist, hospital bed, frequent repositioning, pain management, postural drainage, coughing techniques, airway clearance
PT Goals for ALS
- maintain respiratory function
- provide for nutritional needs
- prevent indirect impairments
- provide moderate exercise program
- teach energy conservation
- maintain maximal functional independence
- symptomatic treatment
ALS: Respiratory Function
- may require air way clearance techniques
- cough facilitation
- breathing exercises
- chest stretching
- suctioning
- incentive spirometry
- long term mechanical ventilation
ALS Exercise Precautions
- monitor fatigue levels closely
- avoid overwork injury
- limited positions with decreased pulmonary functioning
AIDS: Motor learning and recovery of function
- motor learning is slower in pt’s with HIV
- may have lack of coordination so would want to have adaptive or compensatory mechanisms for them to complete activities
- physical activity is good
- KEEP THEM ACTIVE
Alcoholic Ataxia: Pathogenesis and History
- a loss of coordination in performing voluntary movements associated with peripheral neuritis as a result of alcoholism
- similar form of ataxia may occur with neuritis resulting from other toxic agents
S/S of Alcoholic Ataxia
- wide-footed, unsteady gait
- slurred speech
- clumsiness of their hands
- double vision
- legs often affected pt states “slow legs”
- peripheral neuropathy (especially in feet and legs)
- loss in vibration sense and DTR
Basal Ganglia Disease
- common disorders: Parkinson’s, Huntington Chorea, and dystonias
- affect 1 million people in US
- Impairments in: muscle tone, movement coordination and motor control, postural stability, presence of extraneous movement
What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?
Chronic progressive disease of CNS with degeneration of dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons and nigrostriatal pathways
With degeneration of substantia nigra, there is a ___ of dopamine within the BG corpus striatum - With PD
Deficiency
Loss of inhibitory dopamine results in ____ excitatory output from cholinergic system - with PD
excessive
Characteristics of PD
rigidity (leadpipe or cogwheel)
bradykinesia
restring tremor
impaired postural reflexes
its slowly progressive
Tool(s) assessing dynamic balance
Tandem Walking and Four Square Step Test
Cognitive/Behavioral status in pts. with PD
- intellectual impairments/dementia in advance stages
- memory
- bradyphrenia (slowing of thought processes)
- depression
Communication with PD
- Dysarthria
- Hypophonia (decreased volume)
- Mutism in advanced stages
- Mask like face with infrequent blinking and expression
- Writing becomes progressively smaller
Oromotor Control with PD
- Dysphagia
- Problems in chewing and swallowing
ROM, Deformity associated with disuse and inactivity with PD
- Contractures common in flexors, adductors
- Persistent posturing in kyphosis with forward head
- Many patients osteoporotic with high risk of fracture
Sensation/Perceptual Function with PD
- Aching and stiffness
- Abnormal sensations (cramp like sensations)
- Problems in spatial organization
- Perception of vertical
- Extreme restlessness (akathisia)
Vision with PD
- Blurring
- Cogwheeling eye pursuit
- Eye irritation from decreased blinking
- Decreased pupillary reflexes
Lead Pipe rigidity
- smooth resistance to passive movement that is independent of velocity
- can be made more obvious with voluntary movement or mental task
Cogwheel rigidity
ratcheting through ROM due to subtle tremor superimposed on the rigidity
Gait with PD
- Characterized by poverty of movement
- Generalized lack of extension
- Festination is common
- -Abnormal, involuntary increase in the speed of walking, often with forward acceleration, but may occur with backward progression)
Name clinical features of cerebellar dysfunctions.
hypotonia; asthenia; ataxia; truncal ataxia; dysmetria; gait disturbance; movement decomposition; dysdiadochokinesia; slowed speech enunciation w/ a tendency to hesitate at the beginning of a word or syllable; involuntary, rapid oscillation of the eyeballs in a horizontal, vertical, or rotary direction, with the fast component maximal toward the side of the cerebellar lesion
Asthenia
muscles tend to be weaker and get tired than most muscles
Ataxia
disturbances in gait and decomposition of movement, wide-based gait
Truncal ataxia
Oscillations while sitting or standing; falling may occur toward the side of a unilateral lesion
Dysmetria (definition and way to test for it)
Errors in judging distance with body movements, tested by finger-to-nose test, which may result in underestimation (hypometria) or overestimation with transient overshoot (hypermetria)
Describe myasthenia gravis and its etiology.
A neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by progressive muscular weakness and fatigability on exertion. Etiology: autoimmune antibody-mediated attack on acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junction.
Characteristics of myasthenia gravis
Muscular strength worse with continuing contraction, improved with rest.
Describe Generalized myasthenia and its course of progression
Usually involves bulbar (extraocular, facial and muscles of mastication) and proximal limb girdle muscles; Course varies: may progress from mild to severe, typically within 18 months
What should be examined in regards to myasthenia gravis?
cranial nerves, respiratory function, muscle strength, functional mobility skills, EMG & repetitive nerve stimulation studies
Muscle strength testing for myasthenia gravis
Muscle strength: proximal more involved than distal, fatigability, repeated muscle use results in rapid weakness
In regards to myasthenia gravis, EMG and repetitive nerve stimulation studies reveal what?
Show abnormal responses to repetitive nerve stimulation (failure of transmission, decreased EMG-recorded responses)
Medical Interventions for myasthenia gravis
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: pyridostigmine; Corticosteriods: prednisone, methylprednisolone; Immunosuppressents: azathioprine, IV immunoglobulin ( IVIG); Alternative treatments: plasmapheresis ( removal of blood with filtering and separation of cellular elements from plasma; thymectomy.
S and S of Brain Tumor
Headaches (usually worse in the morning); Nausea and vomiting; Changes in speech, vision, or hearing; Problems balancing or walking; Changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate; Problems with memory; Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions); Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Describe Tumor Grade I
The tissue is benign. The cells look nearly like normal brain cells, and they grow slowly.
Describe Tumor Grade II
The tissue is malignant. The cells look less like normal cells than do the cells in a Grade I tumor.
Describe Tumor Grade III
The malignant tissue has cells that look very different from normal cells. The abnormal cells are actively growing.
Describe Tumor Grade IV
The malignant tissue has cells that look most abnormal and tend to grow quickly.
Astrocytoma
The tumor arises from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. It can be any grade. In adults, an astrocytoma most often arises in the cerebrum.
Meningioma
The tumor arises in the meninges. It can be grade I, II, or III. It’s usually benign (grade I) and grows slowly.
Oligodendroglia
The tumor arises from cells that make the fatty substance that covers and protects nerves. It usually occurs in the cerebrum. It’s most common in middle-aged adults. It can be grade II or III.
Medical and Surgical Management for Brain Tumors
General Surgery, Radiation, Radiosurgery, Chemotherapy
causes of encephalitis
herpes; viruses spread by mosquitoes and ticks.
features of encephalitis (What is resembles, how long it lasts, S&S, etc.)
Resembles the flu; Lasts for 2-3 wks; S&S: fever, fatigue, sore throat, stiff neck and back, vomiting, headache, confusion, irritability, unsteady gait, drowsiness, visual sensitivity. More severe symptoms: seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis, memory loss, sudden impaired judgment, and poor responsiveness. Vary from mild to life threatening to mild infection to recover fully. Severe cases will recover but may have damage to their NS.
General Aspects of Patient Management for encephalitis
Bed mobility, strength, ROM, positioning, transfers; Motor Learning & Recovery of function (varies on factors like age, severity, strength of immune system).
Meningitis S&S and other hallmark signs
S&S: Vomiting or nausea, confusion or difficulty concentrating, seizures, sleepiness or difficulty waking up, sensitivity to light, lack of interest in drinking and eating, and skin rash in some cases.
Hallmark signs: headache, fever and a stiff neck.
Post effects of meningitis
Memory loss / difficulty retaining information / lack of concentration, clumsiness / coordination problems, residual headaches, deafness / hearing problems / tinnitus / dizziness, loss of balance, learning difficulties (ranging from temporary learning deficiencies to long term mental impairment), epilepsy / seizures, weakness, paralysis or spasms of part of body, speech problems, Loss of sight/changes in sight.
What does levodopa do?
Helps decrease the effects of Parkinson’s Disease (by increasing dopamine concentrations)
- a low protein diet prolongs effects
- Sinemet is a brand name of Carbidopa-levodopa
What are things to be aware of with patients on levodopa?
- DETERIORATION when at end of dose
- FLUCTUATIONS in symptoms due to dosing
- On-Off phenomenon
- Dyskinesia (levodopa-induced after 2-3 years)
Side effects of Sinemet (Carbidopa-levodopa)
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Orthostatic Hypertension
- Arrhythmias
- Involuntary Movements
- Psychoses/Abnormal Behaviors (Hallucinations)
What is the On/Off Phenomenon?
Sudden changes from normal function to immobility to severe dyskinetic movements that may occur in patients such as those with Parkinson’s Disease.
Medical Management of PD
- Dopamine Agonists (bromocriptine, pergolide, mesylate)
- Anticholinergic drugs (for tremors)
- Amantadine (+Dopamine Release)
- Selegiline - Slows disease progression early on
- DBS - thalamus or subthalamic nucleus
PT Interventions for PD?
Maintain as normal function as possible!
Examples:
- Improve strength (PNF, etc.)
- Minimize secondary impairments
- Teach compensatory strategies to initiate movement
- Maintenance program
- Relaxation skills
- Improve posture, balance
- Improve endurance
- LSVT Big
- etc.
What is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis: chronic demyelinating of the CNS
- Mostly Young Adults (20-40 y/o)
- Most likely viral and autoimmune
- These demyelinating lesions (plaques) cause nerve fibers to fatigue rapidly
What are the categories of MS?
RRMS - Relapsing-Remitting MS: Relapse with full or lots of recovery. Periods between relapses lack disease progression
PPMS - Primary Progressive MS: Disease progresses from onset with hardly or no plateaus/remissions and temporary or no improvements
SPMS - Secondary Progressive MS: Initially relapsing-remitting course, followed by progression at variable rate that may have occasional relapses & remissions
PRMS - Progressive Relapsing MS: Most common in individuals who develop the disease after 40+ y/o. Progressive from onset without clear, acute relapses that may or may not have some recovery or remission
What are signs and symptoms of MS?
Sensory symptoms: hypoesthesia, paresthesias
Pain: dysesthesias, optic or trigeminal neuritis, chronis pain
Visual Symptoms: blurred or double vision, diminished acuity/ loss of vision, scotoma, nystagmus
Cognitive Symptoms: memory or recall problems, decreased attention and concentration, diminished abstract reasoning, problem solving, judgement, diminished visual-spatial abilities
Emotional Symptoms: depression, pseudobulbar affect, anxiety
Motor Symptoms: weakness or paralysis, fatigue, spasticity, incoordination, intention tremor, impaired balance, gait disturbances
Bladder Symptoms: urinary urgency, nocturia, incontinence
Sexual Symptoms: impotence, decreased libido, decreased vaginal lubrication, impaired ability to achieve orgasm
Bowel Symptoms: constipation, diarrhea, incontinence
Speech and Swallowing: dysarthia, diminished verbal fluency, dysphonia, dysphagia
Standardized Tests for MS
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
Minimum Record of Disability (MRD)
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale
Medicine for MS
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) + steroids: immunisuppresant to treat flare ups
Interferon Drugs (Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone): Slow progression and decrease symptoms
Spasticity Management: Baclofen, diazepam (valium), dantrolene, phenol block surgery
Urinary Problems: anticholinergics
PT Goals and Interventions for MS
Improve/stabilize patient status after relapse, minimize impairments due to disuse and disease progression, examine for UTI and respiratory infection, maintain ROM, prevent contracture, maintain skin integrity, improve respiratory function, education!! (about medicine, AD, techniques, resources), etc.
What are some of the factors that allow you to predict a prognosis for MS?
- only 1 symptom = favorable outcome
- Benign & RRMS most favorable
- PPMS = unfavorable outcome
- Younger = more favorable; 40+ = likely to be PPMS
- Findings at 5 years at most important factors. Pyramidal & Cerebellar signs with multiple site involvement = very poor prognosis
- MRI: Low total lesion burden, low active lesion formation, negligible myelin/axon less = favorable
Huntington’s Disease
Fatal autosomal dominant hereditary disorder, insidious onset, occurs in mid 30s-40s.
What are the stages of Huntington’s Disease?
Stage 1-3: Mild to Moderate
- Increased concerns about cognitive issues, irritiability, chorea
Stage 4-5: Severe
- Lack of cognitive concerns; late stage dementia
- Fatal stage (usually due to respiratory issues)
PT Goals and Interventions for Huntington’s Disease
Strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination
Reduce risk of falls
Increase endurance levels
Posture for respiratory care and for ambulation
Chest physical therapy for respiratory problems
Relaxation techniques
Bobath techniques
Vestibular exercises for balance
Use of supports to improve posture and movement problems
In later stages work on hand muscles to maintain some form of Independence
Creative movement therapy: to help with perceptual problems
Assistive devices
Walker (patient education)
BGD Symptoms
- problems with controlling speech, movement, and posture
- difficulty starting, stopping, or sustaining movement
- increased muscle tone and rigidity
- memory loss and trouble finding words
Occupational therapy for Huntington’s Disease
Training ADLs, eating, and drinking
Psychotherapist treatment for Huntington’s Disease
Treating behavioral problems & changes in personality
T/F? Huntington’s Disease can be stopped.
False – There is no cure. Functional recovery is not an option but maintaining the quality of life is important through strengthening, flexibility, and balance/coordination exercises; also adaptive tools for their environment—done through Physical Therapy.
Huntington’s Disease: Family Education
Appropriate care for this disease; Home environment; Long term care will be needed; Equipment for ambulation will be needed; Good support system; Genetic counseling is advised; Support Groups are available; Will eventually need 24 hour care
Suicide is common among patients with what disease?
Huntington’s disease
Speech Language Therapy interventions for cerebellar dysfunctions
Swallowing exercises, dietary modification; Feeding by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube (In advanced cases: feeding via PEG tube can reduce risk of aspiration).
Pharmacotherapy for cerebellar dysfunctions
Primidone, Beta blockers (proprandolol), benzodiazepines; Other: Appropriate medications may be given for associated symptoms such as spasticity, parkinsonism, dystonia, bladder dysfunction, and orthostatic hypotension.
Surgical treatment for cerebellar dysfunctions
High-frequency electrical stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus, or surgical lesions, can reduce cerebellar tremor. There is no effect on ataxia.
Gene/Stem Cell Therapy
Not yet used for cerebellar dysfunctions but recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the genetic basis of many of the inherited ataxias, and the possibility of gene therapy is being studied in other neurodegenerative diseases.
BGD Motor learning and recovery of function
pharmacology agents help control _____ but not ____
general function but not precise motor function
BGD Motor learning and recovery of function
use self generated movements that require feed forward control
Medical Management of ALS
- no effective treatment for disease
- Riluzole, a glutamate antagonist may slow progression
- symptomatic relief: spasticity, pain, respiratory failure, mobility, family education
ALS Nutritional Needs
- assist in management of dyshpagia
- may require NG tube of percutaneous gastrostomy in later stages
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Signs and Symptoms
- HA
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
- aching muscles
- sore throat
- red rash that doesn’t itch
- flu like symptoms last 2-4 wks
- confusion, forgetfulness, behavioral changes
- loss of sensation in extremities
- atrophy
Basic AIDS information
- HIV often leads to AIDS: CD4 drops below 200
- progressive disease
- HIV associate with lipodystrophy
- meds can cause weakness or changes in sensation (HAART)
AIDS Exam
- look for rashes on the torso
- MMT
- Reflexes
- Sensory testing
- CD4 count, viral load, drug resistance
AIDS: Pt management
- depends on which stage of the disease the pt is in
- keep pt emotionally involved in the treatment
- strengthening program to treat generalized mm weakness
AIDS: Education of family
- skin checks, bed mobility, transfers, sterility, keep person active
- special housing, mental health care, home health care, support groups, med management programs
- educate pt on how to not spread the disease
Examination for Alcoholic Ataxia
- Romberg sign
- finger to nose test
- gait assessment (tandem gait)
- sensory testing
- DTR
- MMT to rule out weakness
General pt Management for Alcoholic Ataxia
- educate pt to stop drinking
- improve balance and postural reactions against external stimuli
- increase postural stabilization following joint stabilization
- developing UE function
- develop independent functional gait
- improve life quality of pt with independent ADLs
Hoehn and Yahr classification of stages for PD - Stage I
minimal or absent disability, unilateral symptoms
Hoehn and Yahr classification of stages for PD - Stage II
Minimal bilateral or midline involvements, no balance involvement
Hoehn and Yahr classification of stages for PD - Stage III
Impaired balance, some restrictions in activity
Hoehn and Yahr classification of stages for PD - Stage IV
all symptoms present and severe; stands and walks only with assistance
Respiratory Status with PD
- Breathing patterns
- Vital capacity
- Decreased chest expansion
Skin Integrity and Condition, Circulatory Changes with PD
- Edema may occur in lower extremities
- Increased sweating ( ANS dysfunction)
- Decubitus ulcers in late stages
Balance with PD
- Impaired postural reactions are common (worse with severe rigidity of trunk, lack of trunk rotation)
- Examine for ability to maintain static and dynamic balance, reactive adjustments and anticipatory adjustments
Functional Status with PD
- Overall level of endurance
- -Fatigue and inability to sustain performance is common
- -Affected by stress, high effort
- -cardiovascular deconditioning occurs with long standing disease
Tool(s) assessing static balance
External Perturbation Test - Push and Release test, Static and Dynamic Posturography, & Single Leg Stance Test
Tool(s) assessing static balance in different sensory conditions
External Perturbation Test - Pull test
Tool(s) assessing dynamic balance in different sensory conditions
Clinical Sensory Integration Test
Tool(s) assessing static and dynamic balance
Sensory Integration Test of Computarised Dynamic Posturography
Tool(s) assessing functional static and dynamic balance
Functional Reach Test & Berg Balance Scale
Tool(s) assessing functional dynamic balance and gait
Five Times Sit to Stand Test
Tool(s) assessing gait and functional dynamic balance
Timed Up and Go Test
Tool(s) assessing dynamic balance and gait
Dynamic Gait Index
What are the purposes of the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale and Brief Ataxia Rating Scale ?
Evaluating truncal and extremity ataxia, gait ataxia, nystagmus and talking
What are the purposes of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia?
Evaluating truncal and extremity ataxia, gait ataxia and talking
What are the purposes of the Ataxia Functional Composite Scale?
Evaluating gait speed, upper extremity ataxia and visual acuity
What is the purpose of the Nine Hole Peg Test and the Computer Graphics Tablet?
Evaluating upper extremity ataxia
What are the purposes of Friedreich’s ataxia impact scale?
Speech, upper limb functioning, lower limb functioning, body movement, complex tasks, isolation, mood, self perceptions.
What is the purpose of the Composite cerebellar functional severity score?
Upper limb functions
Describe features of hypotonicity associated w/ cerebellar dysfunctions
There is a decreased, pendulous myotatic reflex, as the decreased muscle resistance tends to cause the limb to swing back and forth after the initial reflex contraction.
disturbances and postural asymmetry. Hypotonia in the muscles of speech promotes abnormalities in pitch and loudness, and in oculomotor muscles results in difficulty in maintaining the gaze.
Movement Decomposition
Inability to correctly sequence fine, coordinated acts
What contributes to Gait Disturbance?
Decreased tone in postural muscles contributes to gait disturbances; gait disturbance is to be expected with practically all cerebellar lesions and by itself does little to localize the site of cerebellar damage.
Treatments for cerebellar dysfunctions - motor, postural, and perceptual
PNF, rhythmic stabilization, slow reversal techniques, resistive exercises, Johnstone pressure splints, gt ex (on different surfaces) with EO and EC, plyometrics, balance board-ball, minitrampoline ex, vibration
Give examples of interventions for motor learning and gait training for pts w/ cerebellar dysfunction. Also, describe recovery of function for these pts.
Motor learning: Ball tossing and Step over objects (to anticipate where they need to step).
Gait training: Have them use an assistive device to prevent their falling and just work on walking on different level surfaces.
Recovery of function: Varies if it is acquired or hereditary; Also varies depending on the severity of the disorder; Subacute ataxia: 6 months for full recovery.
Important aspects to educate family on in regards to a pt w/ cerebellar dysfunction.
Pt is going to constantly need someone around since they are likely to fall due to their ataxic gait and the nystagmus.
Be aware of the patient having mood and mental changes.
Respiratory function testing for myasthenia gravis
Examine for breathing difficulty or hoarse voice
Physical Therapy goals for myasthenia gravis
Monitor changes in patient’s condition for complications, vital signs, respiration and swallowing; Promote independence in FMS and ADLs; Teach energy conservation techniques: activity pacing: promote optimal activity with rest as indicated
Brain tumor: How many tumor grades exist?
4
Radiation therapy
Uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or can be focused on one specific location or the entire brain.
Radiotherapy
Uses multiple beams of radiation to give a highly focused form protons, to kill tumor cells. (whole brain radiation) of radiation treatment to kill the tumor cells in a very small area.
Chemotherapy
Use of drugs to kill the tumor cell; Taken orally or intravenously; Temodar is the most commonly used drug. Targeted Drug Therapy. Focus on specific abnormalities present within the cancer cells. Avastin is given intravenously and stops the formation of new blood vessels, cutting off the tumors blood supply.
Factors that influences the prognosis of a patient diagnosed with a brain tumor:
- Type and grade of tumor
- Where the tumor is?
- Is this a first occurrence or a recurrence of previous tumor
- The general health of the patient
- Whether the tumor can be removed by surgery. Is the patient a good candidate for surgery, or do they need other forms of treatment.
- Has the tumor spread?
- How well does the cancer respond to treatment?
- Reports of survival greater that five years vary from less than 10% to a high of 32% no matter what treatment plan is used.
T/F? Complete recovery from brain tumors rare.
True
S&S of an abscess and how long are the symptoms present?
In almost all cases symptoms are present for less than 2 wks; Dependent on size and location of the lesion; Often present with fever, HA, and focal neurological deficits; Changes in mental status due to cerebral edema, nausea vomiting, neck stiffness
Exam findings for an abscess include what?
ataxia, papilledema, general or focal seizures, drowsiness, hemiparesis, and slurred speech
General Aspects of Patient Management for an abscess include what?
Strengthening, ROM, bed mobility and transfers, possible TMJ mobilization if a craniotomy is performed to remove abscess
What to look for in the examination for encephalitis and what does the exam entail?
Look for sores around lips or genitals, mosquito bites, ticks. Complete neurologic exam, blood test, CT scan or MRI, spinal tap, brain biopsy.
What percentage of people die from untreated herpes encephalitis within 18 months?
50%-75%
Education of Family for encephalitis
Teach family how to help the transfer and ADLs, help with PROM to prevent contractures
Diagnostic Tests for MS?
LP/CSF, elevated gamma globulin CT or MRI Myelogram EEG
What are some effects of Huntington’s Disease?
cognitive/emotional disturbances (executive function, visuospatial issues, dementia, personality changes)
voluntary/involuntary movement problems
trouble walking, speaking, swallowing
poor coordination
degeneration of caudate and putamen
dystonia, athetosis, akinesia, bradykinesia, chorea
Death due to respiratory issues
If onset is pre-age 20; seizures likely
How is a patient with Huntington’s DIsease examined?
- Bicaudate diameter: Measuring head of caudate nuclei
- Genetic tests/family history
- Neurological exam (touch, vision, hearing, coordination, balance)
- Psychiatric exam
Tool(s) assessing dynamic balance
Tandem Walking and Four Square Step Test
Basal Ganglia Disease
Common Disorders - 3
Affect _ people in US
- Parkinson’s, Huntington Chorea and dystonias (including drug induced dyskinesias)
- affects 1 million people
Speech language therapy for Huntington’s Disease
Training muscles involved in speech, eating, and swallowing
Medications for Huntington’s Disease
Anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines,, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Anti-seizure, Mood Stabilizers, and other medications for muscle disorders (dystonia, rigidity)
Conditions that lead to BGD
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- copper poisoning
- drug OD
- head injury
- infection
- liver disease
- metabolic problems
- MS
- medication side effects
- stroke
- tumors
BGD Motor learning and recovery of function
- use self generated movements that require feed forward control
- pt. prefer sensory guided movements under feedback control - play key role in prediction or planning.
Patients w/ Huntington’s Disease usually die within how many years?
15-20
What are some impairments involved in Basal Ganglia Disease?
- muscle tone
- movement coordination and motor control
- postural stability
- presence of extraneous movement
BGD Therapy examination and pt. management
- posture
- strength
- flexibility
- walking
- balance
- coordination
- transferring in ADLS
- fine motor movements ect.
ALS changes…
- eye, bowel and bladder muscles normally spared until terminal stages
- 5% frontal/temporal dementria, normally cognitive function spared
- hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste remain intact
- Dysarthria, dysphagia, dysphonia secondary to pseudobulbar palsy and progressive bulbar palsy
Death due to ALS
happens in 2-5 years
General PT management of ALS
- Pharmaceutical Therapy: Baclofen, Diazepan, Trihexyphenidyl, Amitrptyline
- PT, OT, Speech to maintain functional abilities
- Avoiding foods difficult to swallow
- Respiratory Therapy
- Breathing Devices
- Homecare, social work, hospice
Education of Family for ALS
- prepare small meals throughout the day with enough calories
- avoiding foods that may get caught in airway
- airway clearance
- breathing devices
- safety in transfers
- posture/wheelchair positioning
- emotional support
- skin checks
- PROM
Name 4 types of myasthenia gravis
Ocular myasthenia, Mild generalized myasthenia, Severe generalized myasthenia, Crisis
Describe Myasthenic crisis
myasthenia gravis with respiratory failure; treat as medical emergency
Cranial nerve testing for myasthenia gravis
Examine for diploplia, ptosis, progressive dysarthria or nasal speech, difficulty in chewing and swalling, difficulties in facial expression, drooping facial mm
Functional mobility skills testing for myasthenia gravis
common difficulty with climbing stairs, rising from a chair or lifting