Multiple Sclerosis
Samira Ghaniwala
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease caused by activated T cells that gain entry into the central nervous system. The injury results from inflammation and T cell destruction. There are typical symptoms that co relate with the area involved. There are also remissions and relapses which can be triggered by certain factors. Diagnosis of the disease requires visualization of the lesions in the central white matter, on an MRI, Treatment is based on immunosuppressants and steroids to combat inflammation.
"Multiple sclerosis is an acute inflammatory disease that causes focal demyelination of the brain and spinal cord; it also causes axonal loss." (Poser, 2011)
Pathogenesis:
In multiple sclerosis activated T. lymphocytes enter the blood-brain barrier and initiate central nervous system inflammation, by recognizing myelin derived antigens as foreign, on the surface of the central nervous system's antigen presenting cells, the microglia. The resulting inflammation releases cytokines which initiates destruction of the oligodendrocyte-myelin unit by macrophages.
Morphologically, the affected regions show multiple, well circumscribed, slightly depressed, glassy, gray -- tan, irregularly shaped lesions, termed as plaques. These characteristic lesions are inflammatory demyelinations that occur most commonly in the periventricular region, the optic nerves and chiasms, ascending and descending fiber tracts, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Initially, there is accumulation of by activated T. lymphocytes and macrophages, often with prominent perivascular inflammation. After an acute attack, gliosis follows, leaving a shrunken grey scar.
The initial acute clinical signs and symptoms are due to the effects of inflammatory cytokines upon transmission of nervous impulses and not due to the breakdown of myelin. This, along with the role of corticosteroids, may explain why the recovery of acute deficits are prompt. However, when there is breakdown of myelin, resulting from an acute attack, it effects the propagation of impulses or causes a complete block in conduction, lowering the efficiency of the functions of the central nervous system. Moreover, acute inflammatory mediatiors, such as nitrous oxide, also initiate axonal damage, which is a feature of the latter stages of the disease. In acute attacks...
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease. It affects the brain and spinal cord, and damages the covers that insulate the nerve cells. When these covers are damaged, the nervous system experiences a breakdown in communication. This causes a wide range of symptoms and signs that can affect numerous areas of the body. Mental and physical problems appear, along with a host of psychiatric issues in some patients. Multiple sclerosis can
Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis or MS refers to an autoimmune, chronic condition which impacts physical movement, function and sensation. The problem sets in following neuron insulation destruction (i.e., myelin sheath destruction) within an individual’s central nervous system (CNS) (Cengage Learning, 2013). Symptoms of the disorder start showing up at early adulthood, greatly impacting patients’ domestic, social, and professional lives. As the absence of myelin retards action potential conduct, the disorder is
) between 20 and 50. Studies have shown that people with multiple sclerosis who exercise: c.) have less fatigue How many people in the United States are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis every week? A b.) about 200 ("Take the FDA Consumer") Dealing with Depression As depression is reportedly the most common psychiatric disorder in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, those caring for MS patients who express any sort of suicidal ideation should be closely monitored and referred
Its priorities are intergenerational programs for older but active citizens, which support independent living. These include housing, access to work, education, training and leisure, transition planning for younger disabled people and local action for the stigma of mental health problems (Department of Health p 8). National Multiple Sclerosis Society NMSS was organized in 1946 by those who want to do something about MS now (NMSS, 2010). They work together towards a
Once the nerve fibers are damaged, the nerve impulses that travel to and from the brain and spinal cord are interrupted, causing the variety of symptoms that can occur. Most people with MS learn to manage the disease and continue to have satisfying, useful, and positive lives. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms vary widely, depending on the amount of damage and which particular nerves are affected. People with severe cases of multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is, in basic terms, an inflammatory condition whereby an individual's immune system attacks, and causes damage to the protective sheath covering the nerves (also referred to as myelin) thereby disrupting normal communication between the spinal cord, the brain, and the rest of the body. Myelin provides some form of cover to the nerves, and when it is damaged, nervous axons, which are responsible for the conduction of
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