Degenerative Neurological Disorders - Unit 3 Flashcards
What is Guillain Barree Syndrome?
It’s a demyelinating disorder of the dorsal roots of the spinal cord - it alters motor, sensory and autonomic function.
Guillain Barre - 2/3 of patients have prior viral respiration or GI infection so question viral etiology. T/F?
TRUE!
What are the three stages of GBS?
Intial - last about 1-4 weeks.
Plateau - lasts several days to 2 weeks.
Recovery - lasts months to years.
What are some risk factors for GBS?
Acute illness, Viruses, Ebstein Barr Virus, Vaccination, Surgery, etc.
What are symptoms of GBS?
Ascending paralysis without muscle atrophy, absent/decreased reflexes, progressive respiratory distress, parenthesis, bilateral weakness, etc.
How do we diagnose GBS?
EMG shows denervation, increased WBC, lumbar puncurte
How do we treat GBS?
Plasmapheresis - gets rid of antibodies, comfort measures, assess depression, safety, analgesics, IV immunoglobulin
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Inadequate acetylcholine or excessive cholinesterase which impairs nerve impulses at the neuro-muscular junction. It’s autoimmune - produces severe muscle weakness.
What causes myasthenia gravis?
Another autoimmune disorder, hypothyroidism, hyperplasia of the thymus gland, etc.
What triggers Myasthenia Gravis?
infection, stress, fatigue, cathartics and heat
What are symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Progressive muscle weakness is the biggest one.
What are some diagnostic tests for MG?
Tensilon Test (just giving a med and seeing if it works), EMG
What are some treatments for MG?
Plasmapheresis, thymectomy, immunosuppressants, etc.
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Severe pain along the 5th cranial nerve.
What do we find in an assessment for TN?
Pain (lips, gums, nose, cheeks, etc).
