Multiple Sclerosis

1
Multiple Sclerosis

• (MS)

2
MS is a disease

• of the central nervous system that interferes
  with the brains ability to send and receive
  messages
• that is a major cause of neurologic disability
• of unknown origin
• cannot be determined by a single test
• of unpredictable time course and progression
• without a cure

3
MS Affects

• young adults usually in the mid 20s - early
  30s diagnosis is often delayed
• women are twice as likely to get MS than men
• Caucasians more than other races

4
Physiology

• The brain sends electrical impulses along the
  nerves to various parts of the body
• Interruptions of the nerve impulse is caused by a
  lesion, pressure, crushing, etc.
• Plaques of scar tissue replaces the myelin that
  surrounds the nerve fibers in multiple areas of
  the CNS
• Problems tend to develop in multiple areas at
  different times, usually during adulthood

5
Symptoms

• Muscle stiffness or spasms (spasticity)
• Eye problems (vision loss, blurred or double
  vision,etc.)
• Weakness or fatigue
• Numbing or tingling
• Dragging of feet, staggering, or loss of balance
• Shaking (tremor)
• Poor coordination

6
Symptoms (cont)

• loss of bladder or bowel control, or sexual
  problems
• problems with memory, concentration, or rapid
  problem-solving skills
• speech problems
• partial or complete paralysis of any part of the
  body

7
TYPES OF MS

• RELAPSE - REMITTING
• - the symptoms flare up and then ease or even
  disappear for months or years- MOST COMMON FORM
  OF MS
• PRIMARY - PROGRESSIVE- the symptoms are slow and
  continuously worsen from the time of onset- has
  no distinct relapses or remissions
• Some people with relapsing-remitting MS go on
  to develop the progressive form of the disease

8
TYPES OF MS (cont)

• SECONDARY PROGRESSIVE
• - experience an initial period of
  relapsing-remitting and steadily worsens over
  time with occasional flare-ups
• PROGRESSIVE RELAPSING
• - symptoms steadily worsen from the onset, but
  also have clear acute flare-ups
• In contrast to relapsing-remitting MS, the
  periods between relapses are characterized by
  continuing disease progression

9
FACTS

• Early symptoms are often so slight that the
  person doesnt seek medical help. Symptoms may
  also come and go.
• Other Diseases of the nervous system have some of
  the same symptoms as MS. Certain psychological
  problems may also have signs similar to MS

10
Areas of Plaque Formation

• Lesions can form
• - in the white matter affects sensory input
• - in the spinal cord affects sympathetic and
  parasympathetic functions
• - in the brainstem affects cranial nerve
  functioning
• - in the cerebellum affects unconscious
  proprioception

11
(No Transcript)
12
(No Transcript)
13
(No Transcript)
14
Diagnosing MS

• Neurological Tests
• - test and observe UMN Signs such as
• - hyperreflexia
• - clonus
• - babinski reflex
• - test cranial nerves and observe somatosensory
  and somatomotor systems for abnormalities
• - EEG (Electroencephalography), studies the
  brain activities for abnormalities

15
Diagnosing MS (cont)

• Lumbar Puncture
• - CSF is removed and tested for increased
  amounts of protein
• MRI
• - detects brain and spinal cord atrophy
• - lesions appear dark or black

16
Treatment

• Medical Approach
• - interferon beta products are disease
  modifying drugs that help to decrease the
  frequency and severity of MS attacks, reduce the
  accumulation of lesions in the brain slow the
  progression of disability
• - steroids help to reduce the inflammation
• - mitoxantrone, slows rapidly worsening or
  secondary progressive MS
• - other special medicines to control bowel and
  bladder problems, depression, spasticity, etc.

17
Therapeutic Approaches

• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
• Physical therapy, speech therapy and counseling
  are also necessary in maintaining independence,
  comfort and productivity throughout the course of
  the disease