What is the underlying cause of multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Explanation
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The core pathology involves the immune system mistakenly attacking the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibers, which disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Other questions
According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of brain tissue increases, what corresponding change must occur to maintain stable intracranial pressure (ICP)?
What is considered the normal range for intracranial pressure (ICP) in a patient who is in a prone position?
What are the three components of Cushing's triad, which indicates a change in a patient's vital signs due to increased intracranial pressure (IICP)?
According to the chapter, a patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score lower than what number should be monitored for increased intracranial pressure (IICP)?
What medical therapy involves injecting a small amount of a patient's own blood into their epidural space to treat decreased intracranial pressure caused by a CSF leak?
What is the most common type of benign intracranial tumor that begins growing in the meninges around the brain and spinal cord?
Which type of glial tumor is described as the most invasive, tends to grow quickly, affects individuals typically between ages 50 to 70, and has a poor prognosis?
A patient with a brain tumor is exhibiting personality changes, forgetfulness, and difficulty walking. Based on these symptoms, in which lobe is the tumor most likely located?
What is the typical progression of muscle weakness in a patient with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), the most common form of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
What finding from a lumbar puncture is a key diagnostic indicator for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
How is a positive Kernig's sign, an indicator of meningitis, elicited during a physical examination?
What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of myasthenia gravis (MG)?
A patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) reports that their symptoms, such as chewing difficulty and fatigue, are more pronounced at the end of the day. What does this pattern indicate?
Which bedside test is mentioned in the text as a useful tool to help confirm a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG)?
What is the most common form of major neurocognitive disorder (MND), accounting for at least 60 percent of cases?
What are the two key pathological hallmarks that contribute to brain functioning disruption in Alzheimer disease?
In Parkinson disease, the damage and/or death of neurons in which area of the brain leads to a deficiency in dopamine?
What type of scan is used to help confirm a Parkinson disease diagnosis by revealing if a patient has an unhealthy dopamine system?
What is the diagnostic criterion for epilepsy?
Which type of generalized seizure is characterized by a loss of normal muscle tone, which may cause the patient to involuntarily drop their head or fall down?
What is the name of the phase that occurs hours or even days before a seizure, which includes warning signals such as a headache or dizziness?
What is the most common cause of polyneuropathy?
A patient with polyneuropathy reports heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and dizziness from drops in blood pressure. These symptoms indicate that which type of nerves are affected?
During which of the four stages of a migraine do patients experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, visions with flashing lights, or speaking difficulties immediately before the headache begins?
What is the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia regarding the duration and location of pain?
How is low back pain that lasts for more than twelve weeks classified?
How is a spinal tumor that is located on the inside of the spinal cord classified?
What is the key difference between paraplegia and tetraplegia (quadriplegia) resulting from a spinal cord injury?
In the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI), what is a primary injury?
What type of disorder is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
A patient with increased intracranial pressure (IICP) exhibits a neurological reflex where their limbs flex and hold rigidly across the chest. What is this type of posturing called?
Which physical examination finding is described as a positive Brudzinski's sign, indicating possible meningitis?
According to the tumor grading scale, what characteristics define a Grade I brain tumor?
What is the primary function of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum?
Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?
A patient with polyneuropathy experiences uncontrolled twitching in their muscles. What is the clinical term for this symptom?
A patient experiences a seizure that begins in one area of the brain and remains awake and aware throughout the event. How is this type of seizure classified?
An intracranial pressure (ICP) reading greater than what value, in mm Hg, generally requires treatment?
What is the most common form of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
What is the primary role of the cerebellum in the brain?
Which form of Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) is caused by damage to the brain's blood vessels due to insufficient blood and oxygen?
What is the clinical term for the slowed movement experienced by patients with Parkinson disease as they attempt to do things such as walk or write?
What classification of low back pain lasts for at least four weeks but no longer than twelve weeks?
A spinal tumor located outside both the dura and the spinal cord is classified as what type?
A form of paralysis from a spinal cord injury that affects a patient's arms, hands, trunk, pelvic organs, and legs is known as what?
Which symptoms are characteristic of the postdrome stage of a migraine, which occurs after the headache is over?
What is the primary role of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pituitary area within the cerebrum?
A surgical procedure that involves making several cuts in the brain designed to prevent seizures is known as what?
What type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sharp object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue?