Human Physiology Multiple Scolerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) autoimmune diseasecentral nervous system

**MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged by inflammation, nerve signals slow down or stop.**MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged by inflammation, nerve signals slow down or stop.

It is unknown what exactly causes this to happen.It is unknown what exactly causes this to happen. The most common thought is that a virus or gene defect, or both, are to blame. Environmental factors may play a role. The most common thought is that a virus or gene defect, or both, are to blame. Environmental factors may play a role.

SymptomsSymptoms Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions).Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions).

Muscle symptoms: *Loss of balance Problems moving arms or legs*  *Muscle spasms

 ** Numbness or abnormal sensation in any area Numbness  Tremor in one or more arms or legs Tremor

Bowel and bladder symptoms: 1.Constipation and stool leakage 2.Difficulty beginning to urinate 3.Frequent need to urinate 4.Urine leakage (incontinence )

Eye symptoms: Double visionDouble visionDouble visionDouble vision Uncontrollable rapidUncontrollable rapidUncontrollable rapidUncontrollable rapid eye movementseye movementseye movementseye movements Vision loss (usually affectsVision loss (usually affectsVision lossVision loss one eye at a time) one eye at a time)

diagnosed Symptoms of MS may mimic those of many other nervous system disorders.Symptoms of MS may mimic those of many other nervous system disorders. The disease is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions. The disease is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions. People who have a form of MS called relapsing- remitting may have a history of at least two attacks, separated by a period of reduced or no symptoms.People who have a form of MS called relapsing- remitting may have a history of at least two attacks, separated by a period of reduced or no symptoms..

A neurological exam may show reduced nerve function in one area of the body, or spread over many parts of the body. This may include:A neurological exam may show reduced nerve function in one area of the body, or spread over many parts of the body. This may include: 1.Abnormal nerve reflexes1.Abnormal nerve reflexes 2.Decreased ability to move a part of the body2.Decreased ability to move a part of the body 3.Decreased or abnormal sensation3.Decreased or abnormal sensation 4.Other loss of nervous system functions4.Other loss of nervous system functions

Tests to diagnose multiple sclerosis include:Tests to diagnose multiple sclerosis include: 1. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for cerebrospinal fluid tests.1. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for cerebrospinal fluid tests.1. Lumbar puncture1. Lumbar puncture 2. MRI scan of the brain and MRI scan of the spine are important to help diagnose and follow MS2. MRI scan of the brain and MRI scan of the spine are important to help diagnose and follow MS2. MRI scan of the brain2. MRI scan of the brain 3.Nerve function study3.Nerve function study

Treatment There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time. However, there are therapies that may slow the disease.There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time. However, there are therapies that may slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and help you maintain a normal quality of life. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and help you maintain a normal quality of life.

Medications used to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis are taken on a long-term basis, they include: 1.Interferons (Avonex, or Rebif), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone),1.Interferons (Avonex, or Rebif), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), Fingolimod (Gilenya )Fingolimod (Gilenya )Fingolimod Methotrexate, (Imuran)Methotrexate, (Imuran)Methotrexate cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)cyclophosphamide

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