Multiple Sclerosis: Severe Impairments In Patients

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. The disease destroys the myelin, which is the insulation that protects the nerve fibers in the spinal cord, and brain (Niino, 2008). When the myelin is damaged, the message that is traveling along that nerve may be slowed or blocked. Symptoms vary by patient, but often include: numbness or weakness in limbs, partial or complete loss of vision, lack of coordination or unsteady gait, slurred speech, fatigue, dizziness, and problems with bowel and bladder functions.

This report will discuss what multiple sclerosis is, symptoms, how it is treated, and much more.

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).

The central nervous system (CNS) comprises grey matter, which contains neuron cell bodies and white matter, which contains the nerve axons. Most of the nerve axons are concentrically wrapped around by lipid-rich biological membrane, known as the myelin sheath. In the CNS, myelin is produced by oligodendrocyte. a type of glial cell. (Pfeiffer et al., 1993). These electrical insulating, multilamellar membranes significantly increase the electrical resistance, in which to prevent leakage of electrical currents from the axons, as well as decrease electrical capacitance to reduce the ability of the axons to store electrical energy (Shivane &

In the world of neurology, there are a vast amount of neurological disorders, conditions, and diseases. One severe disease is known as Multiple Sclerosis. In this research essay, I will be discussing what multiple sclerosis is, symptoms, causes, personal experience, and treatments.

MS(Multiple Sclerosis) is a disease which gradually hardens all tissues and also causes scars. These scars form when the persons immune system's cells go into the central nervous system and cause inflammation to the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. MS is also a non contagious and unpredictable disease. MS is also the most common chronic disease (when it comes to the CNS (Central Nervous System)) with young Australians. Throughout all the states of Australia, Victoria is the State with the most people that have the condition.

Incurable disease? No not me. At the young age of only fourteen I had been diagnosed with an incurable disease that would change my life FOREVER. This disease called, Multiple Sclerosis, is a non-curable neurological disease that impacts the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It can be hereditary in some ways, but doctors have yet to find a direct cause of the disease itself. Symptoms can range from tingling or pinprick feelings, to blurred vision, and even the loss of mobility in your limbs and in other areas of your body. This disease has impacted me more than physically, it has impacted me emotionally and spiritually as well. Although, this is a serious medical condition, I have overcome and learned to accept the fact that I am a little different than everyone else.

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is connected to the spinal cord. The brain helps interpret information received from the spinal cord. Through the spinal cord signals are sent to the rest of body and back to the brain. Nerve cells (neurons) are found in the nervous system and they help communicate with other cells through electrical signals. Some of the nerve cells are coated with a myelin sheath. Myelinated neurons allow electrical signals to travel at a faster speed. When the myelinated part of the nerve cell is destroyed, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be the one to blame.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) a disease which the immune system attacks the protective sheath also known as the myelin that covers the nerves. Damages myelin disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. The nerves itself may weaken, process that is currently irreversible.

Smith suffered from multiple sclerosis for several years and he considered his illness to be severed because it is very difficult for him to walk around in the house, exercise, and drive without him experiencing continuous pain and numbness in the body. Pain that associated with MS range between 57% to 65% and clients with MS are more likely to complain of having moderate to severe pain that affect activities of daily living (Lalkhen, Bedford, & Dwyer, 2012). It is difficult for him work because of the constant pain his is going through and decrease muscle weakness. Neuropathic pain is a nerve damage that is associated with MS and clients experience numbness, tightness, burning, crawling, and needles pain in the joints (D’Arcy, 2012). His typical day start with him his son dressing him up and getting his usual bagel and coffee ready for him. After breakfast, he watches football on TV if it is Sunday, and he usually end up sleeping in his recliner for few hours. In the afternoon, his grandchildren come to take him out to eat lunch, and spend quality of time interacting with him. MS affects his ability to shower himself, walk outside, cook, clean the house, go grocery shopping, play soccer with his grandchildren, and go on family vacation (J. Smith, personal communication, March 25,

Thus, the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are anxiety, balance, bladder dysfunction, bowel problems, cognitive changes, depression, vertigo, fatigue, pain, numbness, sexual dysfunction, and tremor. (MSAA)This can obviously cause a slew of complications that make day to day living and quality of live difficult to achieve as this disease progress. In severe cases some individuals will lose the ability to walk. (Mayo Clinic)

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)

In the article ‘“Hurtful and Beautiful”: Life with Multiple Sclerosis’ Laurie Lambeth discusses her life after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, MS is hard to diagnose because it causes ambiguous symptoms such as numbness, spasms, depression, and limb weakness, all of which mimic other conditions. Although Laurie was diagnosed at the age of 17, her neurologist’s said to “think of it as a minor inconvenience.” Her senior year of high school is when the realization set in, she began

Multiple Sclerosis affects more people than most would think. MS is an unpredictable disease that attacks the central nervous system but it is a difficult disease to diagnose due to multiple unknown factors. Each diagnosed case of MS is unique depending upon factors given by the patient. Understanding the different courses of Multiple Sclerosis, early diagnosis and the treatments of the disease all play an important role in bringing awareness of MS. Learning about Multiple Sclerosis can bring opportunities for patients, family and friends such as planned events like the MS Walk. For now there is no cure but raising awareness is the first step to finding one.

A disability or injury can have profound effects not only on the person with multiple sclerosis but also on their family. It has been said that close to 80% of people who are a carer or spouse are providing over 50 hours of care per week.