Sacha Ingram & Masai Kofa

 Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, causing permanent damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop.

 Symptoms will vary for different patients. Patients may experience and extended period of time where symptoms are not visible and then relapse. A few are listed below: -Loss of Balance -Muscle Spasms -Tremors -Problems with Walking -Balance Problems -Vision Loss -Double Vision -Dizziness -Poor: Attention Span Memory

 MS is passed down through genetics. 1 in 1000 people are diagnosed with the disorder. However, the main cause of MS is still unknown.  Sometimes, the disease can be attributed to either parent having Epstein-Barr Virus or various vitamin deficiencies.

 Symptoms of MS may mimic those of many other nervous system disorders. The disease is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions.  Physicians will perform various in office tests of visual activity, hearing abilities, along with basic balance and coordination exercises.

 Patients will also have to receive a spinal tap (which tests cerebrospinal fluid tests) as well as MRI’s and EEG’s.

 Because MS is incurable, a doctor will prescribe various medications to slow the process and treat symptoms.  Interferons (Slow the Process): Avonex, Betaseron, or Rebif