Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an idiopathic autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system. MS results from progressive demyelination of the white matter of the brain and spinal chord. Multiple sclerosis affects the nervous system by damaging the nerve cell’s myelin, a process known as demyelination. Multiple sclerosis causes scattered demyelinated lesions causing neurologic dysfunction. The myelin is a lipoprotein complex formed of glial cells. The primary functions of the axonal myelin are increasing the speed of electrical impulses to the brain for interpretation and protection of the axon. The myelin sheath’s high electrical resistance and weak ability to store an electrical charge allows it to permit conduction of nerve impulses from
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It may be caused by a slow acting viral infection, an allergic response or an autoimmune response to the nervous system. Other factors may include conditions that aid in destroying axons and the myelin sheath including anoxia, toxins, nutritional deficiencies. vascular lesions, trauma and anorexia nervosa. Preceding elements to the onset of MS may include emotional stress, fatigue, overwork, pregnancy or acute respiratory tract infection. Genetic and environmental factors play a role as well.
The onset of multiple sclerosis is usually between the ages of 20 and 40 and it is more prevalent in women. The development of the disease may be more advanced in men. MS is more common people in people of Northern European descent and those who live in temperate climates. Family history of multiple sclerosis increases one’s chances of developing MS and also a variety of viral infections including Epstien-Barr. Smokers and those with certain auto-immune diseases such as thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes and inflammatory disease are also more at risk of developing multiple sclerosis as …show more content…
The main objective of treating patients with MS is prevention of exacerbations and permanent neurologic damage and control of symptoms. Early intervention and continuing physical therapy is key for patients with all types of multiple sclerosis. Disease modifying drugs include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and immune system modulators. Drugs are also available for symptom control. Vitamin D may also prevent disease progression. Stem cell therapy is also another possible treatment being investigated. Disease management for patients with MS includes treating the underlying disease process, minimizing specific symptoms, managing exacerbations, and attending to quality of life for both patient and family. In addition, supportive care, exercise, cessation of smoking, and avoidance of overwork, extreme fatigue, and heat exposure is also advised to
It may be caused by a slow acting viral infection, an allergic response or an autoimmune response to the nervous system. Other factors may include conditions that aid in destroying axons and the myelin sheath including anoxia, toxins, nutritional deficiencies. vascular lesions, trauma and anorexia nervosa. Preceding elements to the onset of MS may include emotional stress, fatigue, overwork, pregnancy or acute respiratory tract infection. Genetic and environmental factors play a role as well.
The onset of multiple sclerosis is usually between the ages of 20 and 40 and it is more prevalent in women. The development of the disease may be more advanced in men. MS is more common people in people of Northern European descent and those who live in temperate climates. Family history of multiple sclerosis increases one’s chances of developing MS and also a variety of viral infections including Epstien-Barr. Smokers and those with certain auto-immune diseases such as thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes and inflammatory disease are also more at risk of developing multiple sclerosis as …show more content…
The main objective of treating patients with MS is prevention of exacerbations and permanent neurologic damage and control of symptoms. Early intervention and continuing physical therapy is key for patients with all types of multiple sclerosis. Disease modifying drugs include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and immune system modulators. Drugs are also available for symptom control. Vitamin D may also prevent disease progression. Stem cell therapy is also another possible treatment being investigated. Disease management for patients with MS includes treating the underlying disease process, minimizing specific symptoms, managing exacerbations, and attending to quality of life for both patient and family. In addition, supportive care, exercise, cessation of smoking, and avoidance of overwork, extreme fatigue, and heat exposure is also advised to