Pathology CPC CNS 2: Neurodegeneration Quiz

A single episode of neurological dysfunction suggestive of MS, with subsequent MRI findings of demyelination, but no further attacks or symptoms.

The most common type of MS, characterized by relapses (periods of new or worsening symptoms) followed by periods of remission (when symptoms improve or disappear).

An imaging technique used to visualize the brain and spinal cord, identifying areas of inflammation and demyelination (characteristic features of MS).

Examination of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) to detect specific proteins, including oligoclonal bands (OCBs).

Specific proteins found in the CSF, that can provide evidence of an immune system response, often associated with MS. Disappearance of OCBs in the CSF is a strong indicator that the diagnosis is not MS.

Tests that measure the electrical activity in the brain in response to visual stimuli, allowing assessment of the optic nerve and visual pathways.

A tingling or 'electric shock-like' sensation that travels down the spine and extremities when the neck is flexed, suggestive of MS-related demyelination in the spinal cord.

Increased symptoms of MS with increased body temperature; the temperature increase causes worsening of symptoms.

Diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS), based on the objective demonstration of central nervous system (CNS) lesion dissemination in both space and time. This can be determined from clinical findings alone or a combination of clinical and MRI findings.

A period of MS exacerbation characterized by demyelination, inflammation in the brain, and the presence of lymphocytes and macrophages around blood vessels (perivascular and parenchymal inflammation).

The loss of myelin, the fatty protective layer around nerve fibers in the CNS (and PNS).

The process by which materials are transported along nerve axons, essential for maintaining neuron function.

A type of glial cell responsible for myelination in the central nervous system (CNS).

The rapid transmission of nerve impulses along myelinated axons by jumping from one node of Ranvier to the next.

Treatment focused on reducing the severity and shortening the duration of MS relapses, sometimes including corticosteroids and plasma exchange.

Treatment focused on preventing further relapses, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life, through the use of disease-modifying agents.

An acute disorder of attention and global cognition, which is reversible by treating the underlying cause. It often presents with sudden changes in mental state and can be triggered by infections, medications, or other medical conditions.

The man's symptoms of delirium include disorientation, altered personality, and volatile behavior. Delirium is characterized by fluctuations in alertness and disturbances in cognitive abilities.

A progressive decline in cognitive abilities, affecting at least two cognitive areas. It is characterized by irreversible deterioration of mental functions, including memory, thinking, and language.

Dementia is detected through a detailed history of cognitive decline, assessment of cognitive areas, and exclusion of other causes like infections and treatable conditions.

Cognitive assessments like the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment help identify affected cognitive domains. They evaluate memory, attention, language, and other cognitive abilities.

Brain imaging techniques such as CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) help visualize the brain and assess the extent of any atrophy (brain shrinking). PET (Positron Emission Tomography) can also be used to detect changes in brain activity.

Memory impairment is a common symptom of dementia. It can affect both short-term and long-term memory, making it difficult to remember recent events or past experiences.

Short-term memory refers to the ability to hold information in your mind for a short period of time, usually a few seconds to a few minutes, allowing you to process information and make decisions. When your short-term memory is impaired, you might forget what you just read or what was said a few moments ago.

A progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.

Measuring levels of Tau, Amyloid beta 42, and Phospho-Tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can assist in diagnosing AD.

A type of brain imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to show brain activity, helpful in diagnosing AD.

A type of brain imaging test that detects amyloid plaques, which are characteristic of AD, in the brain.

The only definitive way to confirm an AD diagnosis is by examining the brain tissue after death.

Clumps of amyloid beta protein that accumulate in the brain in AD, contributing to neuronal dysfunction.

A protein found in neurons that helps stabilize microtubules, but in AD, it misfolds and forms tangles, disrupting neuronal function.

The progressive loss and damage of nerve cells, a hallmark of AD.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most likely diagnosis, given the patient's presentation of neurological symptoms, including weakness, numbness, blurred vision, and altered sensation.

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) is a single episode of neurological dysfunction consistent with MS, often accompanied by MRI evidence of demyelination in the brain or spinal cord. However, there are no further attacks or symptoms at this stage.

The McDonald Criteria are a set of diagnostic guidelines for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). They are based on the objective demonstration of central nervous system (CNS) lesion dissemination in both space and time. This can be determined from clinical findings alone or a combination of clinical and MRI findings.

Uhthoff's Phenomenon is when the body temperature goes up and causes MS symptoms to worsen, while Lhermitte's Sign is a tingling or electric shock-like feeling that passes down the spine and into the limbs when the neck is flexed.

MRI of the brain and spinal cord with contrast helps visualize areas of inflammation and demyelination. CSF analysis detects specific proteins, like oligoclonal bands, which are more common in MS. Visual evoked potentials test the optic nerve and visual pathways, which can be affected by demyelination.

Demyelination is the loss of myelin, the fatty protective layer around nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). This disruption in insulation leads to slower nerve impulses and impaired nerve function.

Oligoclonal Bands (OCBs) are specific proteins found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that are more common in MS. They are a potential sign that the immune system is attacking the brain or spinal cord - inflammation.

MRI with contrast is a key tool used in MS diagnosis. It can visualize lesions in the brain and spine, revealing areas of inflammation and demyelination. By observing the location, size, and pattern of lesions, it helps confirm the diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and guide treatment decisions.

An area of inflammation in the brain during an MS relapse, characterized by demyelination and infiltration of immune cells.

Short-term treatment for MS relapses, aimed at rapidly reducing symptom severity and shortening relapse duration, often with steroids.

Treatment aiming to prevent further relapses, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life, using disease-modifying agents.

The later stage of MS, characterized by irreversible neurological decline due to axonal damage and brain atrophy.

Problems with thinking skills, such as memory, attention, language, and executive functions.

A standard cognitive assessment tool used to screen for cognitive impairment, including dementia.

A gradual worsening of cognitive abilities over time, a characteristic feature of dementia.

A chronic disease that progressively damages and destroys nerve cells, leading to cognitive decline and other neurological symptoms.