Multiple Sclerosis Reading Flashcards
(130 cards)
What is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that breaks down myelin and inadequately repairs it, resulting in degeneration and involvement of various parts of the immune system. [1]
What approach is used to diagnose MS?
MS is a clinical diagnosis made by doctors based on the patient’s history and a physical examination
What does a doctor look for during the history and physical examination to make an MS diagnosis?
Doctors look for a history of clinical relapses and focal neurological changes on the exam
What are red flags that can point to a diagnosis of MS?
Age: Younger patients are more likely to have MS.
Definitive Symptoms: Symptoms that clearly worsen, plateau, and then get better fit with MS.
Impactful Symptoms: The symptoms really affect the patient’s life.
Heat Sensitivity: Symptoms worsen with exertion and heat.
Specific Neurological
Symptoms: Symptoms like weakness on one side, tingling, or double-vision
What other tools, besides the history and physical, help doctors diagnose MS?
MRI: Doctors can identify lesions in the brain characteristic of MS.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Analysis: Doctors can look for oligoclonal banding in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is a sign of CNS inflammation and can help diagnose MS.
What are common conditions that can mimic MS?
Conditions that can mimic MS include normal aging, hypertension, smoking, and migraine.
What are some key things a doctor considers to rule out conditions that mimic MS?
Atypical history: The patient’s history does not fit the typical presentation of MS. [5]
Normal Exam: The neurological exam is normal. [5]
Nonspecific White Matter Lesions: MRI findings look more like normal aging than MS. [5]
Normal Spinal Fluid: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is normal.
What is radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS)?
Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) is when a patient has an MRI that looks like MS, but the patient does not have any MS symptoms. [6] About 10% of RIS patients will convert to MS, meaning they will develop symptoms within 3 years. [4] Some RIS patients are followed for more than 20 years without developing MS. [4]
What is clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)?
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is when a patient has their first clinical attack of demyelination. [4] If a patient with CIS has an abnormal MRI, they are much more likely to develop MS later in life. [4]
What are the new clinical criteria for diagnosing MS that were established in 2017?
The new 2017 McDonald criteria allow for earlier and more accurate diagnoses of MS. [2] Some key features of these criteria include:
Lesion Location: The criteria emphasize the presence of specific lesions in characteristic locations in the brain. [2]
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis: The criteria incorporate the use of cerebrospinal fluid analysis to demonstrate dissemination in time, meaning there is evidence of the disease process happening at different points in time. [2]
Simplified Criteria: The criteria are designed to be simpler than previous criteria to reduce delays in diagnosis so treatment can begin earlier. [
Can MS be diagnosed based on fatigue, depression, anxiety, cognitive issues, or sleep problems alone?
No. MS cannot be diagnosed based only on fatigue, depression, anxiety, cognitive issues, or sleep problems. [3] These symptoms are common in MS, but they are not specific to MS and could be due to other conditions. [3] A diagnosis of MS requires other neurological symptoms.
What are the 4 standard clinical measures used to monitor MS progression?
Clinical exams, using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
MRI
Timed 25-Foot Walk Test
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
What is the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)?
A method of quantifying disability in MS, ranging from 0 (normal neurological exam) to 10 (death due to MS). The EDSS is based on the neurological exam and focuses primarily on motor function.
How is MRI used to monitor MS progression?
Doctors use MRI to look for new areas of inflammation and disease activity over time. They are particularly interested in new or enlarging T2 lesions, and the presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions, which indicate active inflammation.
What does the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test measure?
How quickly a person can walk 25 feet. It provides an objective measure of walking ability and can help determine if a person’s MS has progressed
What is the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)?
A brief (92 second) cognitive screening test that can help doctors track changes in cognitive function over time.
What does it mean if a person with MS is classified as “not active?”
They are stable. There is no evidence of new disease activity on MRI, and they have not had any clinical relapses.
What does it mean if a person with MS is classified as “active?”
They have ongoing disease activity. This is indicated by new or gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI, or the occurrence of new clinical relapses.
What is the goal of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in MS?
To move patients from the “active” category to the “not active” category by reducing disease activity, preventing relapses, and slowing or stopping the progression of disability.
Which of the standard clinical measures for monitoring MS is most directly related to classifying MS as “active” or “not active?”
MRI. A doctor looks at a patient’s MRI to see if there are new or enlarging lesions, or gadolinium-enhancing lesions, which would indicate active inflammation.
How might the other standard clinical measures be used to determine if someone’s MS is active or not active?
EDSS: If a patient’s EDSS score worsens, it could be a sign that their MS is active and progressing. However, it is important to note that progression can also occur in the absence of new relapses or new MRI activity. [6, 7]
Timed 25-Foot Walk and SDMT: Changes in these measures may also suggest disease progression, but they do not directly indicate whether the MS is currently “active” in terms of new inflammation. [1]
What are the 4 main categories of treatment for MS?
Relapse Treatment
Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT)
Symptomatic Treatment
Lifestyle/Comorbidity Treatment
Which categories of MS treatment aim to modify the disease process itself?
Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT)
Lifestyle/Comorbidity Treatment
What is the goal of relapse treatment?
To reduce the severity and duration of a relapse and to speed up recovery.