ALU 301 Chapter 3 Test Complete Questions
And Answers
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord; chronic
degenerative disease of central nervous system; uncertain etiology
Demyelination
MS attacks the myelin sheath in multiple areas of the CNS resulting in formation of scar tissue or
plaques; interferes w/ normal nerve conduction & impulse transmission
Causes of MS?
No known cause for MS, however, factors associated with development of the disease include
heredity, autoimmune response, virus, and/or a combination of these factors.
How many Americans have MS?
Approximately 350,000 and every week approximately 200 people are diagnosed.
MS diagnosis in relation to the 37th parallel?
Prevalence is approximately 110-140 incidents per 100,000 in the population above the 37th parallel;
below this line, rates run 57-78 cases per 100,000.
Location of the 37th parallel?
In the US, this is a line that runs east to west, passing roughly above N Carolina to Arizona and
encompassing most of California.
Who is diagnosed with MS?
Caucasians more frequently and women.
MS lifetime risk?
1 in 400; potentially the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults.
Signs and symptoms of early stage MS?
Sensory dysfunctions, motor dysfunctions, cerebellar dysfunctions, reduced cognitive functions, other
CNS signs. Several occur paroxysmally.
Signs and symptoms of advanced stage MS?
Described in stages primary, secondary and tertiary. See table in book, chapter 3, page 4 for detail.
What is the most common area of the CNS attacked by MS?
Spinal cord - approximately 42% of all occurrences.
Sensory complaints
Decreased sensation involving the limbs or the trunk including numbness, unpleasant feelings,
Lhermitte's sign.
, Motor complaints/symptoms
Difficulty in movement or spasticity of the arms and/or legs.
Second most common area of the CNS attacked by MS?
Brain stem - approximately 38% of all occurrences.
Charcot's triad
Disturbance in balance or coordination, difficulties with speech and double vision. Brain stem-
cerebellar attack
Cerebral attack
Very rare - 3% of occurrences; sxs similar to stroke including loss of speech expression or
comprehension, mental disturbance, weakness or loss of sensation in the face, arm or leg, or
disturbance of the visual field on one side.
Diagnosis of MS?
Must have 2 distinct symptomatic episodes, occurring at least one month apart, affecting separate
sites w/in the CNS resulting in measurable injury to the myelin and not related to any other
demyelination disease process.
Positive Babinski reflex test
A clear sign of an abnormality in the nerve pathways commonly affected by MS.
Lumbar puncture or spinal tap
Collection and analyzation of cerebrospinal fluid looking for elevation of IgG or presence of myelin
basic protein (MBP).
MRI brain scan
Shows some of the lesions commonly seen in patients with MS. These lesions often help in early
diagnosis.
Course of MS?
People diagnosed with MS face unpredictability of symptoms, eventual disability and possibility of a
shortened life span.
Treatment of MS?
None. No mechanism known to prevent the illness, cure it, or restore damaged myelin, axons or lost
functions.
Steroid use with MS?
They reduce antibody production in the immune system and they reduce swelling and inflammation
of myelin. Used short term only.
Relapses
Come about as a result of a worsening of old symptoms or the onset of new ones. AKA flare-ups.
And Answers
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord; chronic
degenerative disease of central nervous system; uncertain etiology
Demyelination
MS attacks the myelin sheath in multiple areas of the CNS resulting in formation of scar tissue or
plaques; interferes w/ normal nerve conduction & impulse transmission
Causes of MS?
No known cause for MS, however, factors associated with development of the disease include
heredity, autoimmune response, virus, and/or a combination of these factors.
How many Americans have MS?
Approximately 350,000 and every week approximately 200 people are diagnosed.
MS diagnosis in relation to the 37th parallel?
Prevalence is approximately 110-140 incidents per 100,000 in the population above the 37th parallel;
below this line, rates run 57-78 cases per 100,000.
Location of the 37th parallel?
In the US, this is a line that runs east to west, passing roughly above N Carolina to Arizona and
encompassing most of California.
Who is diagnosed with MS?
Caucasians more frequently and women.
MS lifetime risk?
1 in 400; potentially the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults.
Signs and symptoms of early stage MS?
Sensory dysfunctions, motor dysfunctions, cerebellar dysfunctions, reduced cognitive functions, other
CNS signs. Several occur paroxysmally.
Signs and symptoms of advanced stage MS?
Described in stages primary, secondary and tertiary. See table in book, chapter 3, page 4 for detail.
What is the most common area of the CNS attacked by MS?
Spinal cord - approximately 42% of all occurrences.
Sensory complaints
Decreased sensation involving the limbs or the trunk including numbness, unpleasant feelings,
Lhermitte's sign.
, Motor complaints/symptoms
Difficulty in movement or spasticity of the arms and/or legs.
Second most common area of the CNS attacked by MS?
Brain stem - approximately 38% of all occurrences.
Charcot's triad
Disturbance in balance or coordination, difficulties with speech and double vision. Brain stem-
cerebellar attack
Cerebral attack
Very rare - 3% of occurrences; sxs similar to stroke including loss of speech expression or
comprehension, mental disturbance, weakness or loss of sensation in the face, arm or leg, or
disturbance of the visual field on one side.
Diagnosis of MS?
Must have 2 distinct symptomatic episodes, occurring at least one month apart, affecting separate
sites w/in the CNS resulting in measurable injury to the myelin and not related to any other
demyelination disease process.
Positive Babinski reflex test
A clear sign of an abnormality in the nerve pathways commonly affected by MS.
Lumbar puncture or spinal tap
Collection and analyzation of cerebrospinal fluid looking for elevation of IgG or presence of myelin
basic protein (MBP).
MRI brain scan
Shows some of the lesions commonly seen in patients with MS. These lesions often help in early
diagnosis.
Course of MS?
People diagnosed with MS face unpredictability of symptoms, eventual disability and possibility of a
shortened life span.
Treatment of MS?
None. No mechanism known to prevent the illness, cure it, or restore damaged myelin, axons or lost
functions.
Steroid use with MS?
They reduce antibody production in the immune system and they reduce swelling and inflammation
of myelin. Used short term only.
Relapses
Come about as a result of a worsening of old symptoms or the onset of new ones. AKA flare-ups.
