Subacute Combined Degeneration (incomplete)

Question 1

What is subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 1

A neurological condition characterized by degeneration of the spinal cord’s dorsal columns and corticospinal tracts.

Question 2

Which vitamin deficiency is primarily associated with subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 2

Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Question 3

True or False: Subacute combined degeneration can occur due to copper deficiency.

Answer 3

True.

Question 4

What are the primary symptoms of subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 4

Symptoms include sensory ataxia, weakness, and proprioceptive loss.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Subacute combined degeneration primarily affects the _____ columns of the spinal cord.

Answer 5

dorsal

Question 6

What is the typical age range for patients with subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 6

It commonly occurs in adults, typically between 40 and 60 years of age.

Question 7

List one neurological sign associated with subacute combined degeneration.

Answer 7

Romberg’s sign.

Question 8

What laboratory test is most useful in diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency?

Answer 8

Serum methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels.

Question 9

What imaging technique can be used to assess changes in the spinal cord in subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 9

MRI of the spine.

Question 10

True or False: Subacute combined degeneration is reversible with appropriate treatment.

Answer 10

True.

Question 11

Which treatment is most effective for subacute combined degeneration due to vitamin B12 deficiency?

Answer 11

Vitamin B12 supplementation.

Question 12

What is the role of the dorsal columns in the nervous system?

Answer 12

They are responsible for proprioception and fine touch sensation.

Question 13

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a cause of subacute combined degeneration? A) Vitamin B12 deficiency B) Copper deficiency C) Iron deficiency D) HIV infection

Answer 13

C) Iron deficiency.

Question 14

What is the prognosis for patients diagnosed with subacute combined degeneration if treated early?

Answer 14

The prognosis is generally good with early and appropriate treatment.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Symptoms of subacute combined degeneration may include _____ and _____.

Answer 15

ataxia, weakness

Question 16

What is the most common demographic affected by subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 16

Individuals with malabsorption syndromes, such as pernicious anemia.

Question 17

True or False: Subacute combined degeneration can lead to irreversible neurological damage if left untreated.

Answer 17

True.

Question 18

What is the significance of a positive Babinski sign in subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 18

It indicates upper motor neuron involvement.

Question 19

Which additional laboratory test can help assess for myelopathy in subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 19

Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia.

Question 20

What dietary sources are rich in vitamin B12?

Answer 20

Meat, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals.

Question 21

What is the typical dosage of vitamin B12 for treating deficiency in subacute combined degeneration?

Answer 21

1,000 micrograms intramuscularly once a month.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Subacute combined degeneration can present with _____ disturbances.

Answer 22

gait

Question 23

What is the relationship between subacute combined degeneration and the corticospinal tracts?

Answer 23

Degeneration of the corticospinal tracts leads to weakness and increased muscle tone.

Question 24

What neurological examination finding is indicative of sensory ataxia?

Answer 24

Difficulty standing with feet together (Romberg test).