Multiple Sclerosis - Kellie McThenia
Multiple Sclerosis involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body 's immune system is directed against the central nervous system. Within the central nervous system or CNS, the myelin sheath (fatty substance that surrounds the nerve fibers) is attacked by the immune system. This forms scar tissue, or sclerosis (scler/o meaning hard, -osis meaning abnormal condition or disease). The damaged or destroyed myelin sheath or nerve fibers results in interrupted nerve impulses to the brain, which leads to a variety of symptoms that will be discussed later in this paper. There are four types of Multiple Sclerosis: Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), primary-progressive …show more content…
Women are twice as likely as men to develop MS. MS can occur at any age; however, it is more common to develop from age 15 to 60 years old. Other factors include family history, race, certain infections, climate, certain auto-immune diseases, and smoking. If a direct family member (parent or sibling) has MS, there is a higher risk for developing the disease. Caucasians are at highest risk for MS while African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans are at the lowest risk. Different viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, have been linked to MS, and individuals who have thyroid disease, Type 1 diabetes, or IBD (irritable bowel disease) are at a higher risk for …show more content…
Family history, neurologic exam, MRI, evoked potentials, and spinal fluid analysis all can be used in diagnosing MS. Unfortunately, there are not any treatment options to cure patients with MS, although some medications may modify the disease course, relapsing, and manage symptoms. Certain actions can help patients with MS. Some of these include comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and complementary and alternative medicine. Comprehensive care assists in educating the patient and family about the disease and how to provide emotional support. Rehabilitation allows the MS patient to build and maintain strength and maintain cognition. Complementary and alternative medicine include a proper diet, exercise, stress management, and even acupuncture. The most important concept in helping individuals affected by MS is to provide support and understanding of the
Multiple Sclerosis involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body 's immune system is directed against the central nervous system. Within the central nervous system or CNS, the myelin sheath (fatty substance that surrounds the nerve fibers) is attacked by the immune system. This forms scar tissue, or sclerosis (scler/o meaning hard, -osis meaning abnormal condition or disease). The damaged or destroyed myelin sheath or nerve fibers results in interrupted nerve impulses to the brain, which leads to a variety of symptoms that will be discussed later in this paper. There are four types of Multiple Sclerosis: Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), primary-progressive …show more content…
Women are twice as likely as men to develop MS. MS can occur at any age; however, it is more common to develop from age 15 to 60 years old. Other factors include family history, race, certain infections, climate, certain auto-immune diseases, and smoking. If a direct family member (parent or sibling) has MS, there is a higher risk for developing the disease. Caucasians are at highest risk for MS while African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans are at the lowest risk. Different viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, have been linked to MS, and individuals who have thyroid disease, Type 1 diabetes, or IBD (irritable bowel disease) are at a higher risk for …show more content…
Family history, neurologic exam, MRI, evoked potentials, and spinal fluid analysis all can be used in diagnosing MS. Unfortunately, there are not any treatment options to cure patients with MS, although some medications may modify the disease course, relapsing, and manage symptoms. Certain actions can help patients with MS. Some of these include comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and complementary and alternative medicine. Comprehensive care assists in educating the patient and family about the disease and how to provide emotional support. Rehabilitation allows the MS patient to build and maintain strength and maintain cognition. Complementary and alternative medicine include a proper diet, exercise, stress management, and even acupuncture. The most important concept in helping individuals affected by MS is to provide support and understanding of the