Topic 11: MS Flashcards
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the CNS characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord.
clinical manifestations of MS
· First symptoms may be blurred or double vision
· Extremity or muscle weakness
· Problems with coordination and balance
· Partial or complete paralysis in worst cases
· Numbness and tingling
· Speech impairment, hearing loss, tremor, dizziness
· Nystagmus, ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia
MS is worsened by
HEAT AND HUMIDITY
what sign is indicative of MS
Lhermitte’s sign
Lhermitte’s sign
temporary sensory symptom described as an electric shock going down the spine or into the limbs
diagnostic assessment of MS
· No definitive diagnostic test
· CSF analysis
· CT scan
· MRI (may show plaques, inflammation, atrophy, and tissue breakdown and destruction)
· Evoked potential testing
· Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP)
· Auditory evoked potential (AEP)
Visual evoked potential (VEP)
triggers of MS
infection, trauma, immunization, childbirth, stress, and change in climate
During acute exacerbation of MS patient may be confined to bed, so…
· prevent complications of immobility
what should be avoided with MS
· Avoid fatigue
· Avoid extreme heat and cold
· Avoid exposure to infection (Encourage early treatment of infection)
drug therapy for spasticity
treated with muscle relaxants
management for MS
· Water exercise (allows body to perform activities that would otherwise be impossible)
· Surgical therapy
· Thalamotomy (unmanageable tremor)
· Neurectomy, rhizotomy, cordotomy (unmanageable spasticity)
· PT
OT
drugs for MS
Immunomodulator drugs
B-Interferon
what surgery may be performed in MS if an unmanageable tremor is present
thalamotomy
