How does transverse myelitis differ from other forms of myelitis, and what are the potential long-term complications?5 answersTransverse myelitis (TM) differs from other forms of myelitis by its diverse etiologies, including autoimmune conditions like myelin oligodendrocyte antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), systemic lupus erythematosus-related TM (SLE-TM), and immune-related adverse events from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). TM presents with varying clinical features such as muscle weakness, sensory changes, and autonomic dysfunction. Long-term complications of TM can include significant morbidity, relapses, and refractory states despite treatment, leading to severe disability and reduced functional independence. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial, with treatments like corticosteroids showing improvement in most cases. Understanding specific etiologies like MOGAD, AQP4+NMOSD, and spinal cord sarcoidosis is essential for tailored treatment strategies and improved outcomes.
What causes multiple sclerosis?4 answersMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Recent work has highlighted the importance of infection with Epstein-Barr virus as a significant driver of MS risk. MS is characterized by chronic inflammatory destruction of myelinated axons in the central nervous system. A proposed scenario for the development of MS involves a series of unfortunate events that usually unfold over a longer period of time after a primary EBV infection and involves periodic weakening of the blood-brain barrier, antibody-mediated CNS disturbances, accumulation of the oligodendrocyte stress protein αB-crystallin, and self-sustaining inflammatory damage. Immune-modulated genetic susceptibility and environmental variables, such as infection and toxic chemicals, have been identified as key contributors to the prevalence of MS. Multiple factors, including DNA defects, viral infection, hypoxia, oxidative stress, lack of sunlight, and increased macrophages and lymphocytes in the brain, may be involved in causing MS.
What are the possible causes of tendinopathy?4 answersTendinopathy can be caused by various factors including overload, aging, smoking, obesity (OB), type 2 diabetes (T2D), systemic issues such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, excessive mechanical loading, and sustained exposure to neuromediators like substance P (SP). These factors contribute to the development of tendinopathy by causing changes at the structural, cellular, and molecular levels in the tendon, leading to inflammation, degeneration, and impaired tissue irrigation. Additionally, tendinopathy can be exacerbated by immobilization due to tendon disorder, which reduces physical activity and worsens diabetes management. Understanding the etiology and molecular mechanisms involved in tendinopathy is crucial for developing effective therapeutic approaches. Exercise rehabilitation programs focusing on progressive loading of the tendon and addressing the isometric, eccentric, and concentric phases of muscle contraction have been identified as first-line interventions for tendinopathy. Further research is needed to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tendinopathy and explore potential strategies for its clinical management. Inhibiting neuromediators like substance P may also be a promising approach for the treatment of tendinopathy.
What are the complications of transverse myelitis?5 answersTransverse myelitis can have various complications. These include neurological complications such as pain, sensory disturbances, weakness in the arms and legs, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. In some cases, transverse myelitis can lead to paraplegia, which is the paralysis of the lower half of the body. Intestinal dysfunction is another potential complication, which can result in serious outcomes such as intestinal perforation and even death. Additionally, transverse myelitis can be associated with residual deficits such as spasticity, walking difficulties, and weakness. In rare cases, transverse myelitis can be a complication of viral infections such as varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection or coronavirus disease.
What is the anatomy of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae?5 answersThe lumbar vertebrae have distinct anatomical features in their transverse processes. The transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae are long and thick, projecting laterally from the vertebral arch. They are larger in size compared to the transverse processes of cervical or thoracic vertebrae. The lumbar transverse processes have fibrous tracts that stick to their ends, and the dorsal lateral lumbar nerves are fixed in the posterior transverse processes. The length of the lumbar transverse processes follows the order: L3 > L5 > L2 > L4 > L1. The third lumbar transverse process is particularly long and has fibrous tracts sticking to its end, which can result in the third lumbar transverse process syndrome. The fifth lumbar vertebra has massive transverse processes that are continuous with the pedicle and encroach the body of the vertebra. These processes are mainly meant for the attachment of the iliolumbar ligament.
What are the causes of of Neurological disorders?4 answersNeurological disorders have various causes including genetic factors, degenerative processes, vascular abnormalities, brain injuries, infections, and developmental disorders. These disorders can be hereditary or acquired, and they result in impaired function of the central and peripheral nervous system. Some common neurological disorders include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and headache disorders. Inflammation in the brain, viral or bacterial infections, mitochondrial gene abnormalities, and other genetic components or mutations have also been associated with neurological disorders. The burden of neurological disorders is significant globally, and they pose challenges in terms of diagnosis, management, and prevention. Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are being explored to address these challenges and improve outcomes for patients with neurological disorders.