Multiple Sclerosis

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Multiple Sclerosis
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What is it?

• Chronic disease of CNS
• Autoimmune disease, in which myelin sheaths are
  attacked.
• Causes inflammation and scarring to sheaths and
  nerves
• Muscle coordination is slowed or blocked as a
  result

Image from http//www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/enc
y/imagepages/17089.htm
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Symptoms

• Visual impairments
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Muscle spasms
• Paralysis

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Risk Factors

• MS is twice as common in women as it is in men
• Heredity- Scandinavian descent or family member
  with MS
• Environmental factors (certain bacteria and
  viruses)

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Treatment

• Beta interferons- genetically engineered copies
  of naturally proteins they fight infection and
  help regulate immune system.
• Glatiramer (Copaxone) believed to curb immune
  systems attacks on myelin
• Medications to relieve symptoms of MS are also
  used