Week 7 - MS Flashcards
1
Q
what is multiple sclerosis
A
- chronic, progressive, degenerative autoimmune disorder of the CNS
2
Q
what is MS characterized by
A
- demylination of the nerve fibres of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve
- chronic inflammation, demyelination, and scarring in CNS
= electrical transmission not fully transmitted from A to B
3
Q
what are causes/risk factors for MS of MS (6)
A
- unknown
- may be linked to vit D deficiency
- genetic factors
- poor access to sunlight, cold climates
- infectious (viral) factors
- immunological
4
Q
describe the onset of MS
A
- insidious
- begins w vague symptoms that occur intermittently over months or years
- involves remissions & exacerbations
- S&S vary over time as the disease process has a spotty distribution in the CNS
- eventually leads to progressive deterioration d/t progressive scarring
5
Q
what do the S&S of MS depend on
A
- varies according to the areas of the CNS involved
6
Q
what are common symptoms of MS (6)
A
- motor
- sensory
- cerebellar
- emotional problems
- severe fatigue
- pain
- urinary problems –> retention, freq, urgency, incont.
- constipation
- sexual dysfunction
7
Q
what motor symptoms are often involved w MS (4)
A
- weakness or paralysis of limbs, trunk, or the head
- diplopia (double vision)
- scanning speech
- spasticity of the muscles
8
Q
what sensory symptoms are involved in MS (8)
A
- numbness
- tingling
- patchy blindness (scotomas)
- blurred vision
- vertigo
- tinnitus
- decreased hearing
- neuropathic pain
9
Q
what cerebellar symptoms are involved in MS (4)
A
- nystagmus
- ataxia
- dysarthria
- dysphagia
10
Q
what emotional problems are associated w MS (4)
A
- fatigue
- depression
- anger
- euphoria
11
Q
what is used to diagnose MS (4)
A
- history
- S&S
- MRI (for lesions)
- evoked response testing
12
Q
what is evoked response testing
A
- tests that measure the electrical activity in parts of the brain caused by light, sound, and touch
13
Q
what are the goals of care for a pt with MS (7)
A
- functioning
- independence in daily living
- manage fatigue
- mental health
- help adjust
- reduce factors that lead to exacerbations
- treat the disease process and provide symptomatic relief
14
Q
what are some triggers for exacerbations (7)
A
- infection (esp. upper resp & UTIs)
- trauma
- emotional stress
- excessive fatigue
- state of poor health
- pregnancy/child birth
- changes in climate
15
Q
what is included in collaborative care for MS (3)
A
- meds
- nutritional therapy
- alternate therapies
16
Q
what is the goal of drug therapy for a pt with MS (2)
A
- decrease the progression of the disease process
- control symptoms