Multiple Sclerosis Jesse Mohoric and Sarah Davis

Definition  Chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects brain, optic nerves and spinal cord  Autoimmune disorder caused by destruction of myelin sheath surrounding nerves in the CNS

More Specifically… With MS, immune cells attack myelin sheath, leaving it inflamed, damaged, or detached This causes sclerosed (hardened) patches of scar tissue over nerve This causes sclerosed (hardened) patches of scar tissue over nerve Purpose of myelin sheath is to protect and conduct nerve impulses Purpose of myelin sheath is to protect and conduct nerve impulses When myelin sheath is damaged, it blocks or delays conduction of nerve signals When myelin sheath is damaged, it blocks or delays conduction of nerve signals

Possible Causes  Exact reason is unknown  Virus triggers reaction against body’s own tissues  Genes, environmental factors, viruses, or a combination of these factors 5% have sibling with MS 5% have sibling with MS 15% have relative with MS 15% have relative with MS

Signs and Symptoms  Generally occur in episodes that last weeks or months  Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in one or more limbs  Brief pain, tingling or electric shock sensations  Impaired vision w/pain during movement in one eye  Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait  Double vision or rapid, involuntary eye movement  Fatigue and/or dizziness

Stages of MS  Benign: mild to moderate Sxs that don’t worsen or lead to permanent disability  Relapsing-remitting: 1-2 flare-ups every 1-3 yrs; Sxs may increase w/ each recurrence  Primary progressive: progressive Sxs w/o acute attacks or periods of remission  Secondary progressive: slow but continuous deterioration  Progressive relapsing: primary progressive MS w/ addition of sudden episodes of new or worsened Sxs

Diagnosis  Difficult to diagnose in initial stages because Sxs are variable and could be caused by many different disorders  MRI to observe plaque on CNS  Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to measure levels of immune proteins  Conduction tests to see how quickly nerves are sending signals

Treatment  No known cure  Wait-and-see approach for mild attacks  Medications Corticosteroids: relieve immediate symptoms Corticosteroids: relieve immediate symptoms Immunosuppresant drugs to prevent relapses Immunosuppresant drugs to prevent relapses Beta interferons: fight viral infection and regulate immune system Beta interferons: fight viral infection and regulate immune system  Physical and occupational therapy  Bee venom

Prognosis  Most people can function for many years after diagnosis  On avg., MS shortens lives of affected women by 6 yrs. and men by 11 yrs.  Suicide is significant cause of death

Prevention  No way to prevent MS  To improve quality of life and reduce symptoms: Good nutrition Good nutrition Adequate rest Adequate rest Avoidance of stress, heat, and extreme physical exertion Avoidance of stress, heat, and extreme physical exertion Good bladder hygiene Good bladder hygiene

Works Cited Litin, S.C. (Ed.). (2005). Mayo clinic family health book. New York, New York: HarperCollins. Beers, M.H. (Ed.). (2003). Merck manual of medication information. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research laboratories. Longe, J.L. (Ed.). (2002). The gale encyclopedia of medicine. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group.

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