Special Needs : Multiple Sclerosis

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

Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is one of humankind’s most mysterious diseases. No one knows the exact cause and there is no exact treatment. Still multiple sclerosis has the ability to affect nearly 3 million people worldwide and at least 500,000 people in the United States (Boroch). This disease tends to be more common in individuals of northern European descent and women are more than twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as men. Of those 3 million people, most of them are between the ages of 20 and 50 years old (Dangond). Even though multiple sclerosis is a mystery disease, scientists are working to determine the exact cause and treatment.

Thesis: Multiple sclerosis brings daily challenges to whomever struggles with it, but with the right team of doctors and medication, it can be maintained.

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).

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive neurological disease affecting all aspects of life: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social (Abma). It is known as an autoimmune disease, Where the body’s immune system turns against the body and destroys the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. This damage to the nerve cells causes many problems for the patient including weakness, muscle stiffness, poor coordination and balance, tingling, numbness, tremors, blurred vision, slurred speech, and memory and concentration problems (Bren)

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 (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. The myelinated nerve cells get attacked which results in scars and lesions that destroy the myelin sheath. The reason for the body attacking its own nerve cells is unknown. Many believe that the cause of MS is from a virus, a deficiency in Vitamin D, or genetics. Studies are being done to find out what is the real cause of MS.

The causes for multiple sclerosis is unknown. It is an auto immune disease, which the immune system of the body attacks its own tissues. Multiple sclerosis is caused by damage of the myelin sheath. When the nerve covering is damaged, the nerve signals stops or slows down. The inflammation is caused by a nerve damage. This occurs in any region of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord. Women are more affected than men. Commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, but it can be seen at any age.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, crippling neurological disease of the central nervous system, which affects the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The name is this disease refers to multiple areas of scarring throughout the brain and spinal cord. This scarring is a result of what happens when the body attacks itself. A substance called Myelin surrounds the nerves to help protect them (Healthline.com, 2015). Multiple Sclerosis is thought to occur in a genetically susceptible individual (although there is no evidence to show that the disease is directly inherited) influenced one or more environmental factors. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease, however others disagree as the target of the immune

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that has the potential to cause significant disability in those affected through the body's immune system attacking and destroying the myelin sheaths surrounding the axons. Myelin is rich in lipids and proteins that form layers around the nerve fibers and acts as insulation and protection. This damage to the myelin in the CNS, and to the actual nerve fibers, has the potential to block the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord and also other parts of the body. This disruption of the nerve signals produces the primary symptoms of MS which then possibly lead to secondary and tertiary symptoms stemming from these

Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative disease that effects the Central Nervous System. Approximately 400,000 individuals are living with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States, and 2.5 million worldwide. There are an estimated 10,000 new cases annually, in the United States alone. Various factors including geography, gender, and race are significant risk factors in developing the disease. Diagnosis at early onset of symptoms is beneficial to the treatment of progression and there are numerous medications used to combat the frequency and duration of relapse symptoms caused by Multiple

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

In Multiple Sclerosis, an abnormal immune mediated response attacks the myelin coating around the nerves in the nervous system in the body. They also say that Multiple sclerosis is more prevalent in areas farther away from the equator (National MS Society). The environment may even have a small role in the disease. Scientists also believe that Multiple Sclerosis may happen when exposed to different viruses and bacteria. According to PubMed, Infectious pathogens are the likely environmental factors involved in the development of Multiple Sclerosis (PubMed). Multiple Sclerosis is not a contagious disease at all. It is not a genetic

To scientists, this suggests that exposure to some environmental agent before puberty may cause a predisposition for MS later on in life. There is also evidence that suggests that vitamin D may play a role. This could explain the previous statement that MS occurs more frequently farther from the equator, since that area frequently receives more sunlight which aids in the synthesis of Vitamin D. This possibility is now being studied by a society-funded epidemiological study in Australia [2]. There is also the possibility that a virus earlier on in life may cause, or trigger, MS. Viruses are known to cause inflammation and a breakdown of myelin, so it is possible that a virus that breakdowns myelin may trigger MS. Viruses currently being researched are measles, Human Herpes Virus-6, and Epstein-Barr [3]. Genetically, several different genes are believed to have a role in MS. According the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, if one parent has Multiple Sclerosis, the risk of their child or children getting the same disease is approximately two to five percent [3].

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder it is characterized by inflammation and destruction of CNS myelin. It affects approximately 350,000 persons in the united states and more than 1 million worldwide (Porth,2014). The age of onset is typically between 18 and 45 years of age. Women are affected twice more frequently than men.