Wk 3 Neuromuscular Disorders

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to neuromuscular disorders, including ALS, MS, Muscular Dystrophy, CMT, and Peripheral Neuropathies.

Neuromuscular Disorders (NMDs)

A diverse group of diseases that affect the neuromuscular system, including muscles and the nerves that control them. Typically result from dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), but some also involve the central nervous system (CNS).

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting nerve cells in the brain (CNS) and spinal cord (PNS), leading to the gradual deterioration and death of motor neurons.

Paralysis

A medical condition characterised by the loss of muscle function in one or more parts of the body, often including a loss of sensation in the affected area.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and the body.

Sclerosis (Plaques or Lesions)

Scar tissue that appears in the brain and spinal cord due to the immune system attacking the myelin sheath in MS. Visible through MRI imaging as white spots in the grey matter.

Relapsing-Remitting MS

Symptoms manifest as attacks, with periods of remission occurring between these attacks.

Secondary-Progressive MS

Initially similar to relapsing-remitting MS, but evolves into a steady decline in function without remission.

Primary-Progressive MS

A less common type of MS, characterized by a steady worsening of symptoms from the onset without clear relapses.

Progressive-Relapsing MS

The rarest form of MS, involving steady symptom progression from the start, with acute relapses occurring over time.

Muscular Dystrophy

A group of genetic disorders characterised by progressive weakening and degeneration of skeletal muscles due to mutations in genes responsible for muscle structure and function.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)

A group of inherited neurological disorders affecting the peripheral nerves, leading to problems with muscle strength and sensation, particularly in the extremities.

Peripheral Neuropathies

A range of conditions characterised by damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, with symptoms varying depending on the nerves affected.

Demyelination

Breakdown of the myelin sheath, as seen in CMT, leading to sensory and motor abnormalities.

Axonopathy

Lesions of the axon, as seen in CMT, leading to sensory and motor abnormalities.

Riluzole

A medication used in ALS treatment to reduce glutamate levels, slowing neural damage.

Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)

Treatments for MS that reduce relapse rates and slow disease progression.

The Inactivity Cycle in NMD

Periods of inactivity can lead to reduced caloric expenditure, decreased muscle mass, progressive weakness, and reduced endurance, creating a downward spiral.

Role of Exercise Physiologists in NMDs

Developing individualised exercise programs, monitoring exercise safety and effectiveness, educating clients, and collaborating with healthcare professionals.

Multi-Disciplinary Team Members for NMD Management

Neurologists, Cardiologists, Physiotherapists/Exercise Physiologists, Occupational Therapists

Pre-Exercise Screening System (PSS)

A tool used by exercise physiologists during screening, but medical clearance is often required before initiating an exercise program for NMD.

Motor Neuron Disease (MND)

Another name for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)