In this section : Neurology
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Serotonin Syndrome
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Other Funny Turns
Haematemesis – ACP
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Status Epilepsy in Adults
The First Seizure
Multiple Sclerosis
Coma
Multiple Sclerosis
Last updated 29th February 2024
Epidemiology
- Commoner in women than men, typically presenting between 20 and 40 years
- Prevalence 190/100,000 in Scotland
Three Main Types
- Relapse-Remitting (RRMS) 85-90%
- Secondary progressive which occurs in 75% RRMS over 30 years
- Primary progressive 10-15%
Four Main Presentations
- Optic Neuritis – pain with visual loss and normal looking optic disc. (patient sees nothing and doctor sees nothing)
- Brain stem demyelination – causes combinations of diplopia, vertigo, ataxia, dysarthria, plus pyramidal signs in limbs if long tracts involved
- Spinal cord lesions – spastic paraparesis with urinary and sensory symptoms which may be both positive (pins and needles and negative (numbness)
- Isolated monoparesis/hemiparesis – UMN signs often with sensory symptoms eg paraesthesias
Three Requirements for Diagnosis
- Clinical – requires more than one attack affecting more than one part of the CNS ie lesions that are disseminated in time and space
- LP – positive oligoclonal bands (OCBS) present and increased lymphocyte count in CSF
- MRI – multiple periventricular plaques typically oval in shape and up to 2cm diameter
Management of Acute Relapse
- Consult neurology team or MS Nurse (phone)
- Routine tests – FBC, U&E, BG, LFTs, calcium, CRP etc., check for infection
- Discuss with Neuromedics at WGH after hours if necessary
- If relapse (new or worsened neurological symptoms lasting for more than 24hours) administer 1g Methylprednisolone IV every day for 3 days
- If patient can not stay as inpatient alternatively 500 mg (5×100 mg) Methylprednislone (MEDRONE) orally every day for 5 days
Treatment
- Treatment has to be initiated by Neurologist as currently there are many treatments available for relapse remitting but also progressive disease.
Content updated by Dr Ondrej Dolezal