Autoimmune Diseases Lecture Notes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of autoimmune and neurological disorders including MS, PD, MG, GBS, and SLE.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A chronic, progressive, and degenerative disorder affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, characterized by chronic inflammation, demyelination, and gliosis in the CNS.

Gliosis

One of the three core processes of Multiple Sclerosis occurring in the Central Nervous System (CNS) alongside chronic inflammation and demyelination.

MS Diagnostic Criteria

Evidence of at least two lesions in at least two different locations with attacks occurring at different times, while ruling out other possibilities; MRI may show plaque or inflammation.

Interferon B-1a

A medication used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis; brand names include Rebif, Plegridy, and Avonex.

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movement identified as a manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis.

Dysarthria

Difficult or unclear speech that can occur as a manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

A progressive and debilitating disease characterized by four primary characteristics: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

Bradykinesia

Slowness of movement, which is one of the four primary characteristics of Parkinson’s Disease.

TRAP

An acronym for the hallmarks of Parkinson's Disease: Tremors, Rigidity, Bradykinesia, and Postural Instability.

Sinemet (Carbidopa/Levodopa)

The primary dopaminergic treatment used for Parkinson's Disease.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

A surgical therapy option for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

An autoimmune disease involving fluctuating muscle weakness that increases with use and is caused by antibodies attacking and preventing muscle contraction stimulation.

Tensilon test

A diagnostic test for Myasthenia Gravis where improvement is seen after an IV injection of Tensilon; Atropine must be kept close during the test.

Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)

An anticholinesterase drug used as a primary treatment for Myasthenia Gravis.

Myasthenic Crisis

An acute worsening of Myasthenia Gravis symptoms, often triggered by infection or surgery, that improves with anticholinesterase drugs.

Cholinergic Crisis

Muscle weakness occurring within $1$ hour of taking anticholinesterase drugs, characterized by involuntary muscle contraction, sweating, excessive salivation, and constricted pupils.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

An acute, ascending, rapidly progressive, symmetric weakness that usually follows a viral or bacterial infection.

Cytomegalovirus

The most common viral infection associated with the onset of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

GBS CSF Findings

Diagnostic finding in Guillain-Barre Syndrome showing elevated protein levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

A chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the skin, joints, and serous membranes, characterized by unpredictable remissions and exacerbations.

Butterfly Rash

A characteristic erythematous rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose occurring in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Polyarthralgia

Musculoskeletal manifestation in SLE characterized by early morning stiffness and swelling of the joints.

Hydroxychloroquine

An antimalarial agent used as an important pharmacological intervention for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

A vascular manifestation associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.