NCS Neuromuscular Disorders 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is multiple sclerosis?
- An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks myelin in the CNS, causing varied neurological symptoms (Correct answer)
- A muscle disease
- A bone disorder
- A blood disease
Correct answer: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks myelin in the CNS, causing varied neurological symptoms
MS damages the myelin sheath around nerve fibers, disrupting signal transmission and causing diverse symptoms.
Question 2: What is Parkinson's disease?
- A progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by loss of dopamine-producing neurons, causing tremor and rigidity (Correct answer)
- A muscle disease
- A bone condition
- A heart problem
Correct answer: A progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by loss of dopamine-producing neurons, causing tremor and rigidity
The loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra causes the hallmark motor symptoms: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
Question 3: What is peripheral neuropathy?
- Damage to the peripheral nerves causing weakness, numbness, and pain typically in the hands and feet (Correct answer)
- A brain tumor
- A spinal cord injury
- A psychological condition
Correct answer: Damage to the peripheral nerves causing weakness, numbness, and pain typically in the hands and feet
Peripheral neuropathy results from nerve damage due to diabetes, toxins, infections, or autoimmune conditions.
Question 4: What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
- An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing ascending weakness (Correct answer)
- A brain infection
- A spinal cord tumor
- A chronic pain syndrome
Correct answer: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing ascending weakness
GBS causes rapidly progressive weakness starting in the legs and ascending, potentially affecting breathing muscles.
Question 5: What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
- A progressive disease destroying motor neurons, causing muscle weakness and eventually paralysis (Correct answer)
- A type of brain tumor
- A curable nerve condition
- An infection of the nerves
Correct answer: A progressive disease destroying motor neurons, causing muscle weakness and eventually paralysis
ALS progressively destroys upper and lower motor neurons, leading to loss of voluntary muscle control.
Question 6: What is myasthenia gravis?
- An autoimmune disorder where antibodies block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction (Correct answer)
- A genetic blood disorder
- A spinal cord disease
- A brain tumor
Correct answer: An autoimmune disorder where antibodies block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
MG causes fluctuating muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
NCS Neuromuscular Disorders 1
What is multiple sclerosis?