Multiple Sclerosis

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Multiple Sclerosis

• By Amanda Knisely

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What is Multiple Sclerosis?

• Multiple Sclerosis is a disorder of the central
  nervous system (brain and spinal cord) involving
  decreased nerve function associated with the
  formation of scars on the covering of nerve
  cells.
• Another name of Multiple Sclerosis is MS.
• Multiple Sclerosis involves the destruction of
  the myelin sheath that surrounds the brain and
  spinal cord. It is thought to be a disease where
  the body starts to treat myelin as an invader and
  attacks it. The underlying nerve fibers are
  damaged and voluntary control of muscles
  gradually decreases.

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Causes and Risk Factors

• MS involves repeated episodes of inflammation of
  nervous tissue in any area of the central nervous
  system. The exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis is
  unknown although some studies say that their may
  be environmental factors involved with MS. In
  areas where MS is most likely to be found many
  think it is due to family tendencies. An
  increase in the number of immune cells in certain
  people with MS shows that there may be a type of
  immune response that triggers the disorder. The
  most frequent theories about the cause of
  multiple sclerosis include a virus-type organism,
  an abnormality of the genes responsible for
  control of the immune system, or a combination of
  both factors. This disease affects about 1 in
  1,000 people worldwide. The disorder most
  commonly begins between 20 to 40 years old but
  can happen at any age. Risks include a family
  history of MS and living in a geographical area
  with a higher incidence rate for MS.

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Symptoms of MS

• -weakness
• -paralysis
• -numbness
• -tingling
• -facial pain
• -loss of vision
• -double vision
• -eye discomfort
• -rapid eye movement
• -loss of balance
• -decreased coordination
• -dizziness
• -decreased judgment
• -loss of ability to generalize
• -depression
• -decreased attention span

• -tremor
• -muscle spasticity
• -muscle atrophy
• -dysfunctional movement
• -pain in an extremety suddenly starts
• -decreased ability to control small movements
• -walking abnormalities
• -urinary hesitancy
• -leak of bladder
• -slurred speech
• -difficulty speaking
• -fatigue
• -frequent need to urinate
• -vertigo

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Signs and Tests

• Signs of MS may mimic many other illnesses. If
  there are any noticeable decrease in functions of
  the central nervous system the diagnosis of MS
  may be suspected. An examine by a health care
  professional may show localized decrease in
  function. This may include decreased or abnormal
  sensation, decreased ability to move or function
  any part of the body, speech or vision changes or
  other loss of neurological functions. An eye
  examine may show abnormal pupil response or
  changes in the visual field.
• Tests that can confirm you have MS are
• -head MRI scan
• -spine MRI
• -spinal tap
• -CSF oligoclonal banding

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Prevention and Treatment

• There is currently no known prevention of
  Multiple Sclerosis.
• There is also no known cure for Multiple
  Sclerosis at this time, however there are some
  things that may cause the disease to take a
  longer amount of time to take over ones body.
  Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and
  maintaining function to give the maximum quality
  of life.

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Where MS Attacks