MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SPECIALIST EXAM
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
What is the definition of multiple sclerosis?
Chronic autoimmune disease characterized by develop- ment of plaque in the white matter of the
central nervous system. This plaque damages the myelin sheath and interferes with impulse
transmission between CNS & body
List the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Muscle weakness alternating with spasticity, fatigue (most disabling), depression, numbness,
coordination difficulties, loss of balance, pain, dysmetria, bowel and bladder dysfunction,
cognitive and sexual changes
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by an inflammatory response that results in what?
Diffuse random or patchy areas of plaque in the white matter of the CNS.
List the major types of multiple sclerosis.
Relapsing-remitting, Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive and
Progressive Relapsing
Describe Relapsing Remitting type of multiple sclerosis.
Majority of cases.
Defined periods of exacerbation and remission, may be mild or moderate and resolve in a few
weeks to months after which the patient returns to baseline.
Describe Primary progressive type of multiple sclerosis.
, Worst type.
Relentless progression with no remissions, steady deterioration with no acute attacks.
Describe Secondary progressive type of multiple sclerosis.
Begins with relapses and remissions but later becomes steadily progressive. Functioning
continues to decline with no clear times of remission.
Describe Progressing relapsing type of multiple sclerosis.
Least common.
Frequent relaspes with some partial recovery but not a return to baseline.
MS: Neurologic Findings (3)
Weakness, Spasticity, ataxia.
What happens when the random or patchy areas of plaque appear in the white matter of
the CNS?
When this happens the myelin sheath is damaged and its thickness is reduced or demyelinated.
When the white fiber (axons) that connect the neurons in the brain and spinal cord are
impaired, What areas are impaired?
The areas affected include optic nerves, pyramidal tracts, posterior columns, brainstem nuclei,
and the periventricular region of the brain.
What is the etiology of multiple sclerosis?
Unknown, possibly viral, immunologic, genetic or environmental.
The McDonald criteria may be used to diagnose multiple sclerosis. Criteria include... (4)
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
What is the definition of multiple sclerosis?
Chronic autoimmune disease characterized by develop- ment of plaque in the white matter of the
central nervous system. This plaque damages the myelin sheath and interferes with impulse
transmission between CNS & body
List the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Muscle weakness alternating with spasticity, fatigue (most disabling), depression, numbness,
coordination difficulties, loss of balance, pain, dysmetria, bowel and bladder dysfunction,
cognitive and sexual changes
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by an inflammatory response that results in what?
Diffuse random or patchy areas of plaque in the white matter of the CNS.
List the major types of multiple sclerosis.
Relapsing-remitting, Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive and
Progressive Relapsing
Describe Relapsing Remitting type of multiple sclerosis.
Majority of cases.
Defined periods of exacerbation and remission, may be mild or moderate and resolve in a few
weeks to months after which the patient returns to baseline.
Describe Primary progressive type of multiple sclerosis.
, Worst type.
Relentless progression with no remissions, steady deterioration with no acute attacks.
Describe Secondary progressive type of multiple sclerosis.
Begins with relapses and remissions but later becomes steadily progressive. Functioning
continues to decline with no clear times of remission.
Describe Progressing relapsing type of multiple sclerosis.
Least common.
Frequent relaspes with some partial recovery but not a return to baseline.
MS: Neurologic Findings (3)
Weakness, Spasticity, ataxia.
What happens when the random or patchy areas of plaque appear in the white matter of
the CNS?
When this happens the myelin sheath is damaged and its thickness is reduced or demyelinated.
When the white fiber (axons) that connect the neurons in the brain and spinal cord are
impaired, What areas are impaired?
The areas affected include optic nerves, pyramidal tracts, posterior columns, brainstem nuclei,
and the periventricular region of the brain.
What is the etiology of multiple sclerosis?
Unknown, possibly viral, immunologic, genetic or environmental.
The McDonald criteria may be used to diagnose multiple sclerosis. Criteria include... (4)
