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 impulses, do not function effectively. Moreover, with continued loss of myelin, the nerves become more prone to damage, and gradually deteriorate, causing the patient to develop symptoms as a result of lost or diminished impulses. The symptoms experienced will depend on the nerves affected, as well as the extent of damage. It is estimated that around 400,000 persons in the U.S. suffer from MS.
Causes
The actual cause of MS is yet to be discovered; however, most theories describe it as an auto-immune disease caused by various factors ranging from childhood viral infections to genetics (Mayo Clinic, 2014; National MS Society, 2014). Vitamin D deficiency and over-consumption of salt have also been identified as other possible causes of the disease, but these are theories that are yet to be proven.
Risk Factors
So, what would actually make one individual more prone to MS, compared to another?
Age: MS has been found to be more common among people of younger ages, particularly those aged between 15 and 60 (Mayo Clinic, 2014). The disease is very rare among young children,...
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
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
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
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
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
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