PLTW Hospital: Grand Rounds

1. PLTW Hospital: Grand Rounds Karina Bravo

2. The Patient Helen is a 28-year-old woman who has noticed strange “pins and needles” feelings in her feet and hands. She has been very tired lately and she says that when she goes to the gym “she just feels weak.” She says that her inability to exercise has been making her feel depressed. Her vision seems to be getting worse and she’s made an appointment with her ophthalmologist for later in the week. Most recently, she has experienced moments of unsteadiness when she walks. She was a gymnast in high school; she has never had a problem with balance before. She has noticed that her symptoms seem to come and go. She experiences periods of fatigue and balance problems, but the majority of the time she feels just fine.

3. Symptoms of the Patient: “Pins and needles” feelings in feet and hands Very tired Feels weak when attending the gym Depressed Vision worsening Unsteadiness when walking Fatigue Balance problems

4. What All the Symptoms are Linked to in the Brain Pins and needles= Parietal lobe of cerebrum Tired= Brain stem and pineal gland Weakness= Motor cortex and back of frontal lobe of cerebrum Depressed= Amygdala and frontal lobe of cerebrum Vision= Occipital lobe of cerebrum Unsteady= Cerebellum Fatigue= Cerebellum Balance= Cerebellum

5. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men. Commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40 You are slightly more likely to get this condition if you have a family history of MS or live in a part of the world where MS is more common.

6. Causes of Multiple Sclerosis It is caused by damage to the myelin sheath. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation happens when the body's immune cells attack the nervous system. This can occur in any area of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord. It is unknown what exactly causes this to happen. The most common thought is that a virus or gene defect, or both, are to blame. Environmental factors may play a role.

8. Life for the Patient Dealing with this disease can be very difficult. Some days the patient may have plenty of energy, while other days she may be weak. It affects your emotions, your mobility, and sometimes your ability to think clearly. Many people with MS realize that their medication is just part of their overall treatment. They work to manage their relapsing MS by eating well, exercising, and relieving stress

9. Careers that help Neurologist: Help to treat neurological disorders Can help the patient improve their Multiple Sclerosis problems They make about $216,407 a year Physical Therapist: Help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain Can help the patient become stronger when they feel weak They make about 76,273 a year

10. Sources http://www1.salary.com/Physical-Therapist-Salary.html http://www1.salary.com/neurologist-Salary.html http://www.diagnosisms.com/2012/04/30/mri-for-odlarmed.com/?p=1428 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001747multiple-sclerosis/ http:///