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Multiple Sclerosis

Terms in this set (39)

The hallmark of MS is the dissemination of neurologic lesions in _____ and _____.
space, time
Explain why demyelination leads to clinical symptoms.
Myelin insulates the axons to ensure proper speed of transmission of action potential and that action potential is not lost as it propagates down the axon
What determines, pathologically, whether a symptom due to demyelination will be temporary or permanent?
whether or not the neuron dies and whether or not the demyelination can be repaired
Describe the pathophysiology of MS.
macrophages and T lymphocytes invade brain and parenchyma and macrophages start destroying myelin, antibodies are produced to antigens uncovered during the inflammatory process, after weeks the inflammation stops, this area is sometimes repaired, the process repeats
List the synonyms for an attack of CNS demyelination.
relapse or exacerbation
Describe the epidemiology of MS.
90% age 20-50, mean age 30, more common in females (2-3:1 = F:M ratio), more common in climates away from the equator, more common in whites, genetic susceptibility
What is a clinically isolated syndrome?
first episode of neurological deficits that could be from MS
List 10 different possible clinically isolated syndromes.
sensory disturbances in one or more limbs or trunk, disturbance of balance or gait, vision loss in one eye, double vision, weakness of limb/limbs, acute transverse myelitis, Lhermitte symptoms (shock sensations with flexion of the neck), sensory disturbance of the face, pain
What is the most common clinically isolated syndrome?
sensory disturbane in one or more limbs or trunk
Describe the signs and symptoms of optic neuritis.
vision loss over a few hours, eye pain especially with eye movement
Describe the signs and symptoms of transverse myelitis.
bowel and bladder dysfunction common, weakness and sensory loss in LEs, back pain, typically < 2 spinal cord segments involved
Describe Lhermitte's sign. Does it only occur in MS?
shock sensations with flexion of the neck, No
Describe Uhthoff's phenomenon in MS.
symptoms worse (especially visual) if body temperature increased
Would you expect MS to produce upper or lower motor neuron weakness?
upper
What symptom is unique to MS and associated with failure of contralateral eye to adduct in a direction and horizontal nystagmus?
internuclear ophthalmoplegia
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