Epilepsy , Migraine and MS

Question 1

What are Paroxysmal disorders?

Answer 1

Episodic Disorders, where the immune system functions normally between attacks. (e.g - seizures, headaches, fainting)

Question 2

Whats an example of something which can trigger a paroxysmal attack?

Answer 2

Stress
Fatigue
Dietary factors

Question 3

What is the most common neurological disorder?

Answer 3

Epilepsy.

Question 4

What is a sudden and transient interruption of brain function ?

Answer 4

a seizure.

Question 5

What are the two most common causes for seizures?

Answer 5

• Cryptogenic (~70%)

- Vascular disease of brain (15%)

Question 6

What is an example of a less common cause of a seizure?

Answer 6

Head trauma
Infections
Alcohol
Medication
Drug misuse
Acute Illness
Tumours

Question 7

What percentage of head trauma patients will experience seizures within the first year?

Answer 7

75%

Question 8

What are the two classifications of seizures?

Answer 8

1. Partial or Focal

2. Generalised

Question 9

which seizures start in one part of the brain, alter consciousness and account for 2/3 of all seizures?

Answer 9

Focal seizures.

Question 10

What are symptoms expected for a focal seizure in the temporal lobe?

Answer 10

Epigastric aura: Nausea
fear & deja vu
unresponsive staring

Question 11

What are symptoms expected for a focal seizure in the frontal lobe?

Answer 11

sleep related
kicking and thrashing
sudden, short
rapid recovery

Question 12

What are symptoms expected for a focal seizure in the occipital lobe?

Answer 12

Visual hallucinations
Visual field defects
Ictal blindness
Eye deviation
Head deviation

Question 13

What are symptoms expected for a focal seizure in the parietal lobe?

Answer 13

(Rare)
Somatosensory aura
Contralateral numbness/tingling
Vertigo
Speech disturbance can occur

Question 14

What are symptoms expected for a generalised seizure?

Answer 14

• Distorts electrical activity of whole or larger portion of brain
• No aura
• Tonic phase: Stiffens, cries, breathing, cyanosis, incontinence
• Clonic phase: Rhythmic generalised jerking

Question 15

Give an example of an infection which may cause seizures?

Answer 15

• Viral encephalitis (1%-25%)
• Bacterial meningitis (3%-10%)
• Viral meningitis - ( very small risk )

Question 16

Why might alcahol cause seizures?

Answer 16

withdrawal from a binge (within 6 to 72 hours after)

Question 17

What is a paroxysmal headache disorder?

Answer 17

Migraine.

Question 18

What are the 4 types of migraine?

Answer 18

• Migraine with aura
• Migraine without aura
• Aura without headache
• Chronic migraine (2% of population)

Question 19

What classifies as chronic migraine?

Answer 19

Headaches on at least 15 days a month with at least 8 days on which symptoms meet criteria for migraine

Question 20

Treatment for migraine?

Answer 20

• Avoid triggers

- Treat symptoms: Aspirin, Paracetemol, NSAIDS

Question 21

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Answer 21

• An auto immune disease
• life long
• immune system attacks the fatty ‘Myelin sheath’ which protects the neurons (sending signals to the body)

Question 22

What are symptoms of MS?

Answer 22

• Wide range: vary from patient to patient
• Some experience acute, some chronic
• muscle weakness, decreased coordination, fatigue, vision problems, numbness, paralysis

Question 23

Is there a known cause or cure for MS?

Answer 23

not currently.
(there is some medication which can be used to control symptoms- but they don’t work for every patient.)
- there is also some evidence to say environment or genetics my play a role

Question 24

Epidemiology of MS?

Answer 24

• Female
• Caucasian
• Between 40 and 50

Question 25

Whats the prognosis for someone with MS?

Answer 25

- rarely fatal | - life expectancy is on average 5-10 yrs less

Question 26

Why might SLT be involved in treatment of MS?

Answer 26

-Speech: (Approx. 40% speech problems Loudness and pitch control Articulation) -Swallowing (potentially)