MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

MS OVERVIEW

• Multiple Sclerosis is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective covering on nerve fibers and creates communication errors between your brain and the rest of your body. Signs and symptoms vary, as the disease could affect different nerves.

AFFECTED BODY SYSTEM

• In multiple sclerosis, the only afffected body system is the nervous system. Th immune system attacks the protective sheath of nerve fibers, otherwise known as myelin, thus affecting the nervous system's operation.

SYMPTOMS OF MS

• Since MS can vary in severity and longevity, a medical diognosis is required to know exactly what symptoms you could acquire.
• Normal symptoms range from vision loss and slurred speech to inability to walk.

CAUSES OF MS

• There are no known causes for multiple sclerosis, so it is classified as an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks its own nerve cells without any known causes.

DIAGNOSIS

• An MRI of the brain and spinal cord would confirm a diagnosis of MS.
• MS is diagnosed when it is certain that there are lesions, or damaged areas, in more than one area of the central nervous system (spinal cord, brain, nerves to eyes).

TREATMENT

• Treatment includes physical therapy and medications that suppress the immune system.
• Immunosuppressive drugs and steroids could also help along with acupuncture and physical exercise.

PROGNOSIS

• The majority of people who contract multiple sclerosis will have a long lifespan.
• About 20% of MS victims will have mild or no symptoms after an initial diagnosis.
• Around 45% of MS victims aren't severely disabled by the disease.
• MS patients will tend to have a more normal life if they experience few symptoms after diagnosis, a longer amount of time between attacks, and if their symptoms are related to sensory issues, such as tingling and numbness.

DISEASE PREVENTION

• There is really no way to prevent MS, but treatment would help decrease the amount of synapses.

THE END

WORKS CITED

• Mayo Clinic Staff Print. "Multiple Sclerosis." Overview - Multiple Sclerosis - Mayo Clinic. N.p., 01 Oct. 2015. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.
• "Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Exams and Tests for Diagnosis." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.
• "Multiple Sclerosis Prognosis and Your Life Expectancy." Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.
• "Can You Prevent Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?" WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.