Dementia & Alzeheimer
This is commonly the first sign of dementia.
What is short term memory loss?
The classic triad of Parkinson's Disease consists of these symptoms.
What are resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity?
These two symptoms are defining characteristics of Huntington's Disease. They cause memory impairment and involuntary, jerky movements.
What are dementia and chorea?
Myasthenia Gravis presents with these two periods. They are characterized by being asymptomatic, sometimes for years at a time, to returned or worsened symptoms, often triggered by an infection.
What are remission and exacerbation?
Trigeminal neuralgia causes vascular compression and demyelination of this number cranial nerve.
What is cranial nerve V?
This is the highest risk factor for dementia.
What is age?
Both MS and Parkinson's can cause a wide variety of symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, constipation, overactive bladder, and orthostatic hypotension that all fall into this umbrella category.
What is autonomic dysfunction (dysautonomia)?
These respiratory symptoms are typically seen in late stage ALS and are a precursor of respiratory failure.
What are dyspnea, orthopnea, and frequent respiratory infections?
The defining characteristic of Gullian-Barre Syndrome that affects the muscles in the legs, trunk, and arms.
What is ascending weakness?
Bell's Palsy is characterized by unilateral weakness or paralysis as a result of damage to this cranial nerve.
What is the facial nerve (VII)?
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are characterized by progressive cognitive decline that eventually leads to this.
What is loss of independence and ability for self-care?
Both MS and Parkinson's can lead to this cognitive disorder.
What is dementia?
Both ALS and Huntington's disease are associated with higher risk of this complication due to dysphagia, muscle wasting, and hyper-metabolism.
What is malnutrition?
One of the first choices of treatment for Myasthenia Gravis, and autoimmune disorder, is corticosteroids. These two treatments, also commonly used for other autoimmune disorders, are used to treat myasthenic crisis.
What are IVIG and plasmapheresis?
This potential complication of Bell's Palsy can be prevented by the use of artifical tears, lubricating ointment, and wearing an eye patch when sleeping.
What is corneal damage?
Donepezil (Aricept) treats Alzheimer's by preventing the breakdown of this neurotransmitter that is essential for memory, thinking, and reasoning.
What is acetylcholine?
This medication is the most effective treatment for Parkinson's. It passes into the brain and turns into dopamine, but the longer the patient takes it, the faster it wears off. Selegiline (MAO-B inhibitor) is frequently used as an adjunct with this medication to prevent the breakdown of dopamine and prolong the effects.
What is carbidopa levodopa?
ALS is a progressive degenerative disease that causes the death of motor neurons and paralysis. It is typically fatal within 2-5 years after diagnosis. This is the leading cause of death secondary to ALS.
What is respiratory failure?
A myasthenic crisis is a life threatening complication that occurs when these muscles are suddenly exacerbated and too weak to function properly. This greatly increases the risk of respiratory failure.
What are diaphragm and intercostal muscles?
Bell's Palsy is typically caused by inflammation brought on by a viral infection. These are the two most common viral causes.
What are herpes simplex 1 and herpes zoster?
For Alzheimer's to be diagnosed these other potential causes of dementia must be ruled out first.
What are vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, infections, and medications?
A lumbar puncture is performed when MS is suspected to analyze CSF for increased levels of these that attack myelin sheaths in the CNS.
What are T lymphocytes?
This medication treats ALS by decreasing the levels of glutamate in the brain, which decreases motor neuron damage. It is the only medication that has been proven to prolong survival in ALS and it give the patient up to an additional year.
What is riluzole (Rilutek)?
Gullian-Barre Syndrome has three stages. They are defined by rapid onset of symptoms, symptoms leveling out, and symptoms going away.
What are acute, plateau/stabilizing, and recovery?
This minimally invasive procedure is used when Trigeminal neuralgia doesn't respond to medications. It damages the fibers of the nerve to prevent the transmission of pain signals.
What is rhizotomy?