Neurological & Neuromuscular Disorders

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and clinical manifestations of various neurological and neuromuscular disorders studied in chapters 63, 64, and 65.

What is the primary characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis?

Chronic, unpredictable, progressive degenerative disorder of the CNS characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers. PATTERN OF RELAPSE AND REMISSION.

What are the clinical manifestations of Myasthenia Gravis?

Fluctuating weakness of skeletal muscles, especially those used for repetitive movements; ptosis, diplopia, and speech difficulties. In spite of their muscle weakness, NO SENSORY LOSS AND REFLEXES ARE NORMAL.

What type of diagnostic study can be indicative of Guillain-Barré Syndrome when in combination with a suspicious history?

CSF analysis which shows increased protein levels. Otherwise, no specific test.

What is Parkinson's disease characterized by?

Slowness in the initiation and execution of movement (bradykinesia), increased muscle tone (rigidity), tremor at rest, and postural instability/gait changes (shuffle).

What are the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease?

Memory loss affecting job skills, problems with abstract thinking, difficulty doing familiar tasks, poor judgment, problems with language, misplacing things, mood changes, personality changes, loss of initiative, confusion regarding time or place.

What is a cholinergic crisis?

A reaction caused by overmedication with ANTICHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS commonly used in Myasthenia Gravis leading to respiratory distress, hypersalivation, increased GI motility, and no improvement with the Tensilon test.

What is the goal of management in seizure disorders?

To prevent seizures with minimal drug side effects. There is no cure.

What distinguishes delirium from dementia?

Delirium has a sudden onset and is often reversible with treatment, while dementia presents with gradual cognitive decline. You can and should reorient a delirium patient, but you can never reorient a dementia patient.