Save
Students also studied
WSC 2026: Are we there yet? Social Science Nationalism Vocab T... WSC 2026 Next Year
Teacher 156 terms 21 terms Teacher 50 terms
Amy_Woodall4 Preview Keiya_Raja Preview Sandywu1205
Terms in this set (47)
What is multiple sclerosis chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the CNS
characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers
of the brain and spinal cord. Typically more common in
women and in people of European ancestry
Clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis Motor: weakness or paralysis of the limbs,the trunk or the
head, diplopia, scanning speech and spasticity of the muscles
that are chronically affected
Sensory: numbness, tingling, parenthesis blurred vision,
vertigo, tinnitus
Usual age of onset MS Between 20-50 years with symptoms first appearing at 30 to
35, people diagnosed at 50 years or older typically have more
progressive disease.
MS is more prevalent in what types of In temperate climates (45 to 65 degrees latitude) such as
climates? northern United States Canada and Europe, ppl who are born
in high risk areas and move to a low risk area before the age
of 15 assume the risk of their new home
cause of multiple sclerosis -The cause for MS is unknown
- unlikely due to a single cause
- thought that MS develops in a genetically susceptible
person after an environmental exposure, such as an infection
- direct relative with MS increases a persons risk
Diagnostic testing for multiple sclerosis - No definitive test
- Imaging is vital, MRI of the brain and spinal cord may show
plaques, inflammation, atrophy, and tissue breakdown and
destruction.
- Lumbar puncture and CSF analysis and increase in
immunoglobulin G (antibodies)
- History & physical examination
Criteria for MS diagnosis 1. Evidence if at least two inflammatory demyelinating lesions
in at least two different locations within the CNS
2. Damage or an attack occurring at two different times
(usually 1 month or more apart)
3. All other possible diagnoses ruled out
, Medication therapy for MS - No current cure,medication therapy aimed at decreasing the
progression of the disease process and providing
symptomatic relief
- Main medications include corticosteroids,
immunomodulators, and immunosuppressants
Corticosteroids for MS - Used during relapses and for short term use
- They inhibit the release of chemicals that trigger
inflammation and prevent immune cells from attacking the
myelin sheath around nerve fibres
- Do no modify underlying disease process but are effective
in speeding up recovery from relapses by reducing the
inflammation that damages the nerves during an attack
Immunomodulators and MS - used in long term MS therapy
- modulate the immune response rather than fully suppressing
it, they work by altering how the immune system reacts,
preventing immune cells from attacking the CNS
- Immunomodulators are used in relapsing-remitting MS
(RRMS) to prevent relapses, reduce CNS lesions, and slow
progression of disability. They are considered disease-
modifying therapies (DMTs) because they affect the long-term
course of MS.
Immunosuppressants in MS - generally used in progressive forms of MS or in patients who
do not respond well to first line immunomodulators
- work by inhibiting the activity of immune cells responsible
for attacking the CNS
Clinically isolated syndrome Defined by a single episode of neurological symptoms
reminiscent of MS
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) - Most common form of MS, 85% of cases
- Clearly defined but unpredictable relapses (periods when
symptoms, suddenly worsen or new symptoms appear. These
relapses can last for days, weeks or even months.)
- after a relapse symptoms improve either partially or
completely, and the person returns to their previous level of
function. This is called remission.
- in between relapses the disease doesn't seem to worsen
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) Follows RRMS; gradual worsening of symptoms over time with
fewer or no relapses.
Primary-progressive MS (PPMS) Primary progressive MS (PPMS) is characterized by a slow and
steady worsening of symptoms, without defined relapses. It
may stabilize for periods of time, and even offer minor
temporary improvement but overall, there are no periods of
remission
Progressive-relapsing MS - rarest form
- Steady worsening symptoms from the start but with
occasional acute relapses (on top of steady decline, ppl may
also have relapses during which symptoms suddenly worsen,
followed by partial recovery.