Multiple Sclerosis Definition

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an autoimmune process that develops when a previous viral insult to the nervous system has occurred in a genetically susceptible individual. B lymphocytes, plasma cells, and activated T cells, along with proinflammatory cytokines, cause inflammation, oligodendrocyte injury and demyelination. Early inflammation and demyelination lead to irreversible axonal

One important thing to know about multiple sclerosis is that there are many different types. There are four, vaguely defined, types of MS: Relapsing- remitting, Primary-progressive, Secondary-progressive, and Progressive- relapsing (Dangond). Relapsing-remitting MS, most common, is when patients experience a series of attacks followed by the disappearance of symptoms. So, in this type, multiple sclerosis attacks and then goes in to remission until another attack occurs. Its alternates back and forth. Primary-progressive MS is when there is a continuous decline in a person’s physical abilities. Secondary-progressive is when relapses are rare but the patient accumulates more disability (Dangond). Lastly, we have progressive-relapsing which is the more complex type. It is very similar to primary-progressive MS but it includes small periods where the symptoms and disease become worse (Blackstone).

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic disease that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS) through cellular immune response and the demyelination of CNS white matter (McCance et al., 2014, pp. 630–633). The initial causes of MS are unknown however, it is believed that it could possibly be due to an immune response to an initiating infection or an autoimmune response to CNS antigens on the myelin itself (Brück, 2005) (Miljković and Spasojević, 2013). MS is a result of the degradation of the myelin sheath surrounding neurons and therefore disrupts the transmission of action potentials along these cells. MS can display itself in the form of symptoms ranging from muscle weakness to trouble with sensation and coordination (NHS, 2016). The degradation of myelin leads the body to attempt to remyelinate the neurons, a process that in turn leads to the thickening of the cell by glial cells and this causes lesions to form (Chari, 2007). It is this thickening (sclerae) from which the disease gets its name. Sufferers of MS can either have a relapsing type of MS, in which there are episodes that lead to the worsening of symptoms for a period of time, or a progressive type of MS where symptoms gradually progress and worsen (McCance et al., 2014, pp. 630–633).

It is suggested by previous studies that the damage of the myelin sheath in MS involves the activation of inflammatory factors including the CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, macrophages and microglia cells (Luccinetti et al., 1996; Lassmannet al., 2012). However, whether the immune response triggers the onset of MS, or is a consequence of the disease process is currently not clear. Interestingly, several recent studies suggested that the prevalence rate of MS is significantly increased with latitude, which implies that not only the geographical (environmental) differences but racial and ethnic differences may play a role in the worldwide MS distribution (Rosati, 2001; Simpson et al., 2011).

There are three different versions of multiple sclerosis (“What is MS?”). The least severe being relapsing-remitting; this occurs when a person has an attack and then there are no further

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. MS affects approximately 3.0 million people globally, with about 300,000 cases in the United States. Twice as many women as men have MS. The average ages for onset of MS is 20-40 years. In MS, cells in the immune system attack and destroy myelin, the fatty tissue surrounding nerve cells (http://www.phylomed.com/MS.html). Scar tissue replaces the myelin, interfering with the transmission of nerve signals and leading to numbness, fatigue, spasticity, loss of muscle control, and various other debilitating symptoms. There are four broad theories

Secondary- progressive Multiple Sclerosis: it is a type of multiple sclerosis characterized by rare relapses and increased disability.

C. Thesis Statement: With autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis on a steady rise over the past decade, three major factors must be considered: the possible causes, common symptoms, and

Multiple Sclerosis, commonly known as MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Scientists have been studying MS since the 19th century. In MS, the body’s immune system produces cells and antibodies that attack myelin in your brain which is essential for the nerves in your brain and spinal cord to conduct electricity to perform its function. The attack on myelin results in vison loss, paralysis, numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, stiffness, spasms, and bladder and bowel problems. MS has varying degrees of severity and affects people between the ages of 20-50, mostly women. Although there are treatments, there is no cause and cure yet.

The following are found in a high percentage of those affected by MS, mainly during a relapsing-remitting of the disease, or they are persistent in chronic-progressive patients. Patients with MS have inflammation in their CNS as well as oligoclonal bands in their cerebrospinal fluid. What this means is that an immune system that is no longer efficient now prevents memory T-cells from becoming activated or entering the CNS and mediating much of the damage that is associated with MS, causing more health issues for those with MS. When the immune system no longer functions properly in these patients, they also become susceptible to viral diseases. There is also a theory that exposure to a certain virus may lead to a pathology in the immune system, which then results in MS, viral infections are known to provoke relapses of the disease, making a viral infection that leads to MS a plausible

If you know anyone with Multiple Sclerosis or MS, you would know how terrible the disease is. Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which your immune system attacks the nerve cell covers in the brain and spine are damaged. The nerves in the body eventually deteriorate and it is fatal. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the cause of Multiple sclerosis is still unknown. There is not a cure at the moment for Multiple Sclerosis, but there are treatments that can speed recovery when attacked by the disease (Mayo Clinic). Scientists are under the impressions that there are a few factors that may come into play. They say that when they discover the exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis it will be easier to find a way to treat the disease or maybe even stop it from happening at all. (National Multiple Sclerosis Society)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the Central Nervous System, which interferes with the communication between the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) and other parts of the body. The immune system attacks the myelin on the nerve fibers; resulting in damaged myelin that forms sclerosis. Overtime, many nerve fibers and myelin sheath will be damaged or even destroyed, resulting in the nerve impulse being interrupted. MS can be mild, moderate, or severe, therefore, it may cause disability as well as death. Interestingly enough, more women are affected than men. Common signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis include: fatigue, difficulties with walking (gait), spasticity, numbness/tingling, weakness, vision problems, pain, vertigo, depression, emotional changes, cognitive changes, bladder/bowel problems, and sexual problems. Less common signs and symptoms include: speech/swallowing problems, seizures, tremor, breathing problems, headache, pruritus, and hearing loss. There a four different types of Multiple Sclerosis: Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS), Primary-progressive MS (PPMS), and Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS). Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis is the most common type of MS; about 85% of people are diagnosed with this type of Multiple Sclerosis. Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by worsening neurologic function attacks throughout the disease. The attacks are also known

Multiple Sclerosis, also known as “MS” is a chronic condition where the immune system begins to destroy the myelin sheath that covers the nerves in the body and affects the brain and spinal cord (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). The myelin sheath is used for protection of the nerves in which these nerves aid to transport nerve impulses all over the body (Ruto, 2013). Once the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath, it begins to disintegrate which affects the conductivity of the nerve impulse and impedes the message transmission from the brain to the rest of the body (Ruto, 2013). In turn, the impulses are changed which results in problems in the muscle such as weakness, imbalance and spasms and the body could end up

There is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Most treatment is focused on improving quality of life by treating symptoms and slowing its progression. There are a few drugs to help slow progression, most of which are for relapsing-remitting MS (Mayo Clinic, 2017). In March of this year, the FDA approved the first drug for primary-progressive MS (FDA, 2017), called ocrelizumab, which slows the advancement of disability (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Ocrelizumab may cause infusion related reactions, such as hives, shortness of breath, fever, etc, and may lead to an upper respiratory tract infection (FDA, 2017). Acute relapses are treated with corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation, a traditional and approved method of treatment. (NIH, 2013). To treat symptoms, those with MS may go to physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and manage gait problems (Mayo Clinic, 2017). They may also use muscle relaxers to treat extremely painful

There are four different courses of Multiple Sclerosis. First, Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common form of MS. This type of MS gives the patient periods of remission and times of normalcy rather than feeling the disease at all times. In times of relapse, a patient may feel an electric shock from the neck down. Secondly, Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, (SPMS) is a transformation from RRMS with or without relapses or recovery. The disease progresses more steadily but not necessarily more quickly. In this stage, patients will ultimately have nerve damage or complete loss of a nerve. Thirdly, Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) is a type of MS where the disease worsens on a steady pattern with little or no