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44 Cards in this Set

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Multiple Sclerosis: Definition
Recurrent or progressive multifocal inflammatory demylenation which effects the white matter of the spinal cord and brain

Major cause of disability in young adults
Does MS affect males or females more?
Greater incidence in females

2-3 x's as much
Multiple Sclerosis: When is the onset (age)
Usually between 15-50 years old

Average 30 years old
Multiple Sclerosis: Primary Prevention
None recommended

Increased risk living in in temperate zone first 15 years of life

Higher risk with

family history
Northern European decent
Urbanicity
Affluence
Multiple Sclerosis: Secondary Prevention
NONE

early diagnosis is dependent on a high index of suspicion
***what is important to know about MS symptoms?
early symptoms may be intermittent
Multiple Sclerosis: Symptomatology
ataxia

clonus

dysarthria

fatigue

paresthesias

spasticity of lower (more pronounced) and upper extermities

urinary frequency, hesitancy or incontinence

visual changes

clumsiness

emotional lability

genital anesthesia
What are the most common presenting complaints of multiple sclerosis?
fatigue

diplopia

vertigo

hemiparesis

paraparesis

monoparesis

numbness

paresthesias

ataxia cognitive

urinary dysfunction
What is a common initial presentation of multiple sclerosis
a sudden unilateral visual loss or double vision (optic neuritis)

vertigo

pins and needles, or other paresthesias

loss of balance

THESE SYMPTOMS MAY BE INTERMITTENT OR MAY EVENTUALLY RESOLVE
Multiple Sclerosis: Differentials
ALS

Bechet

Cancer/tumor

CNS infection

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Pernicious anemia

Vertebral disk disorders

Infarct

Sarcoidosis

Syphilis

SLE

Lyme disease

HIV
Intermittent vague symptoms with eyes, numbness and tingling and vertigo are highly suggestive of what?
multiple sclerosis
Significant findings on physical exam for Multiple Sclerosis
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes

loss of position sense

loss vibratory sense
How to diagnosis MS
MRI MOST EFFECTIVE DIAGNOSTIC TEST

to r/o differentials
(usually ordered by neurologist)
-CSF tap
-FTA-ABS (syphilis)
-ESR (autoimmune disorders, e.g. lupus)
What is the most effective diagnostic test of multiple sclerosis?
MRI
Diagnosis of MS is based on ________ supplemented by ___________ rather than the reverse
Diagnosis of MS is based on CLINICAL FEATURES supplemented by DIAGNOSTIC TESTS rather than the reverse
Schumacher criteria diagnose clinically definite MS when an appropriate clinical history is supported by the following
1) Objective abnormalities of CNS function on the neurologic exam

2) Examination or history indicating involvement of two or more areas of CNS (paresthesias and clumsiness)
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND MRI
MRI is the most useful test for confirming the diagnosis or MS.

Lesions appear as areas of high signal on T2-weighted imaged, predominately in the cerebral white matter or spinal cord.

When lesions are actively inflamed, gadolinium contrast often enhances them

Has high degree of specificity and sensitivity in detecting demyelination in the cerebral hemispheres.
Sensory and Visual Evoked Potential Testing: MS
most likely ordered my neurologist

can be used to measure conduction along visual, auditory, or somatosensory pathways

measurement of the latency of the visual evoked potential (VEP) after a visual stimulus is most widely used.

An increased latency indicates an abnormality in the optic nerve on the side that may not be evident on an MRI scan

used because MS can cause blindness
NAME THE 4 FORMS OF MS
Relapsing-remitting

Secondary Progressive

Primary Progressive

Progressive-relapsing
MS FORMS: Relapsing Remitting
MOST COMMON

an attack or relapse is followed by a period of decreased or no symptoms (remission) until the next flare up.

A flare up can leave some residual disability or it can resolve completely over the course of weeks or months

80% of MS begins in this matter

Over time the course may change and the person moves into a different category.

Approximately 50% will become progressive from the relapsing-remitting form of MS

Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (rrms) is the most common form of the disease. The title can also be misleading.
During this form of the disease, patients tend to experience an attack or series of attacks (exacerbations) followed by complete or partial remission. This is where the title, relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (rrms), can prove misleading.
Patients often assume that the remission stage of the disease will mean 100% recovery. While this can be true, particularly during the early stages of the disease, often the remission will only be a partial one, particularly as the disease progresses, thus leaving the patient with residual, usually permanent, symptoms.
What is the most common form of MS
Relapsing- Remitting (80% of cases begin this way)
MS FORMS: Secondary Progressive
Begins with initial relapsing-remitting course followed by progression at a variable rate that may also include occasional relapses and minimal remissions

Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (spms) begins with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (rrms).
The relapsing remitting (rrms) stage of the disease may persist for many years before the onset of secondary progressive ms.
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is a second-stage, chronic, progressive form of the disease where, unlike the relapsing remitting (rrms) stage, there are no real periods of remission, only breaks in attack duration with no real recovery from symptoms although there may be minor relief from some.
MS FORMS: Primary Progressive
10% of MS worsens right from the start and is termed this.

The disease shows progression of disability from its onset without plateaus or remission or with occasional plateaus and temporary minimal improvement.

More common in those who develop the disease after 40 years of age

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) is most commonly found in men.
It is characterized by gradual clinical decline with no real or distinct periods of remission. There may be temporary periods where the disease appears to plateau, or level out, and this may include some partial, yet minor, relief from some symptoms, however the course of the disease is one of continual decline from the outset.
What form of MS is common after 40 years of age?
PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE
FORMS OF MS: Progressive Relapsing
5% of MS start with a progressive course and becomes more fluctuating.

This pattern shows progression from the onset but without clear acute relapses that may or may not have some recovery or remissions.

Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (PRMS) is a rarer form of multiple sclerosis where the disease takes a progressive form from the outset with acute attacks throughout and no relief from accumulated symptoms.
Unlike Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Progressive Relapsing MS does not 'plateau'.
Management of MS
No cure for MS, only management of Symptoms
Acute management of MS
any episode, including optic neuritis, sufficient enough to cause distressing symptoms or an increased limitation on activities should be offered a course of high dose corticosteroids

the course should be started as soon as possible after onset of the relapse
What do you give an MS patient in relapse
high dose corticosteroids.
Medical management of MS
The FDA has approved 9 drugs to treat MS, 7 in the form of injection.

These drugs cannot reverse the damage already caused by the disease but can help prevent relapses and further damage.
Medications that are used for the treatment (prevention of relapses) of MS
Avonex (beta-1a interferon)
Refib (beta-1a interferon)
Betaseron (beta-1b interferon)
Copaxone
Novantrone
Tysabri
Gilenya
Aubagio-(can be given PO)
BG 12- expecting FDA approval this year
Lemtrada- in trials

COST OF DRUGS RANGE FROM $1200-$1500/month
Management of symptoms of MS: Spasticity
Stretching and exercise programs per physical therapy

Baclofen, tizanidine (zanaflex), gabapentin (neurontin) and benzodiazepines

Intrathecal baclofen therapy for medically intractable spasticity
Management of symptoms of MS: bladder dysfunction
UA and culture to r/o infection: treatment prn

failure to store (ditropan or detrol) or failure to empty (questionable relief with alpha 1-adrenergic receptor antagonists; intermittent self cath may be necessary

-PVR to determine urinary retention
Management of symptoms of MS: Fatigue
frequent rest peroids

Amantadine (symmetrel)

Modafinil (provigil)

SSRI's- but have sexual side effects

Monitor sleep patterns

Above fatigue drugs not used routinely
Management of symptoms of MS: Depression
Supportive measures for mild depression

For more severe depression, SSRI'- sexual side effects

Effexor XR or Wellbutrin SR

Amitriptylline with concomitant sleep disorders or headaches.
Management of symptoms of MS: bowel problems
increased fluids and dietary changes including increased fiber; stool softeners or bulk laxatives prn

oral laxatives prn

may consider routine suppositories or enemas if constipation is chronic or other treatment options fail
Management of symptoms of MS: visual problems
routine visits to opthamologist or optometrist (every 6 months)

problematic nystagmus may try limited trial of oral gabapentin

assess for low-vision equipment and adaptive technology
Management of symptoms of MS: Pain
Pain is usually due to neuropathy or to musculoskeletal problems related to immobility

management

exercise, passive movement, better seating

offer analgesics if non-pharmacological methods fail

carbamazepine, gabapentin, or amitriptilline for ___
Management of symptoms of MS: Cognitive losses/emotionalism
Assess for depression

Review medications

Neuropsych assessment

Tricyclic antidepressants or SSRI's if emotionalism causes distress to patient or family.
Management of symptoms of MS: Speech/Swallowing difficulty
speech therapy evaluation
Management of symptoms of MS: Sensory losses, ataxia and tremor
evaluation by a rehabilitation team for advice on techniques and equipment to ameliorate their limitations and advice on personal safety

physical therapy to improve function and quality of life.
***WHAT ARE THE FOUR GOALS OF TREATMENT FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
1) stall progression

2) treat symptoms

3) treat relapses

4) provide support
MS treatment course includes....
PT/OT
Counseling
Avoid triggers
MS course of progression
HIGHLY VARIABLE
MS- TREATMENT (HEALTH PROMOTION)
Avoid over work-fatigue
Remain active
Rest during acute relapses
High fluid intake
High fiber diet
Bladder training may be needed
Report urinary symptoms/cough early
Frequently "complementary" medicine used in patients with MS