Neurodegenerative Disorders

Question 1

Neurodegenerative Disorders

Answer 1

Deterioration of cells/function of the CNS and PNS

Question 2

What are the characteristics of a neurodegenerative disorder?

Answer 2

Disorder of the CNS & PNS

Cells deteriorate affecting the funciton of both

Slow onset of symptoms w/ progressive loss of function

Symptoms are daily, often worsen over time

Many have exacerbations

Hallmarks: INFLAMMATION,

Question 3

Upper Motor Neurons

Answer 3

Send messages from the cerebral cortex [down] to the brain stem or spinal cord
- 1st order neurons that carrying electrical impulses to initiate & modulate movement

Question 4

Cause of Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) Damage

Answer 4

CVA
TBI
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Neurodegenerative Diseases
-

Question 5

Hallmark Sign of UMN

Answer 5

Progressive severe fatigue w/ muscle weakness

Question 6

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Answer 6

An immune-mediated (T-cells), progressive demyelinating disease of the CNS
- Results in the destruction of the myelin sheaths on the neurons of the CNS

May occur at any age, peak onset is between 20-50 yrs old
- Occurs more in women than men

Question 7

Demyelination

Answer 7

Refers to the destruction of myelin (fatty protein material that surrounds certain nerve fibers in brain & spinal cord)
- Results: Impaired transmission of nerve impulses

Question 8

Cause of MS

Answer 8

Exact cause is unknown, many factors play into MS

Autoimmune activity: T-cells attack the myelin sheath like a pathogen
- Demyelination occurs
- Damaging the action potential between the axons on neurons-> slows conduction of impulse nerves

Environmental: Smoking

Genetic susceptibility

Question 9

What are the 5 main categories of dysfunction seen in MS?

Answer 9

1) Motor control
2) Fatigue
3) Neurological function
4) Bladder & bowel dysfunction
5) Neuropsychological symptoms

Question 10

Motor Control Dysfunction in MS

Answer 10

Movement: Ataxia, impaired gait, coordination issues

Muscular: Spasms, tremors, weakness, muscle tightness (hypertonicity), & other muscle tone abnormalities

Speech: Dysarthria & dysphonia

Dysphagia

Breathing difficulties

Heart problems

Impaired upper & lower limb function

Question 11

Ataxia

Answer 11

Unsteadiness

Question 12

Fatigue in MS

Answer 12

Debilitating fatigue (often accompanied by heat sensitivity)

Results in difficulty:
- Walking distances
- Concentration
- Ability to complete ADLs

Question 13

Neurological Function in MS

Answer 13

Visual Disturbances: Diplopia, impaired depth perception, nystagmus, partial or complete vision loss

Vertigo

Pins & needles sensation

Pain: Neuralgia, chronic pain & discomfort

Heat sensitivity & inability to regulate body temperature

Question 14

Diplopia

Answer 14

“Double-vision”

Question 15

Nystagmus

Answer 15

Involuntary eye movement

Question 16

Bladder & Bowel Dysfunction in MS

Answer 16

Incontinence

Failure to empty/store bladder

Urgency

Nocturia

Constipation or diarrhea

Sexual dysfunction

Question 17

Neuropsychological Symptoms in MS

Answer 17

“Brain Fog”: Memory lapse, lack of mental clarity, difficulty in focusing or concentrating, cognitive impairment

Changes in processing speed & ability

Impaired executive (high-level) function

Psychological: Personality changes, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts

Difficulty sleeping