| Multiple Sclerosis(MS)also known as disseminated | | | | to discover the exact causes of the disease. |
| sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata is a | | | | Clinical trials and clinical trial participants are vital to |
| chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease that | | | | the progress of finding a treatment for multiple |
| affects the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple | | | | sclerosis. |
| sclerosis affects neurons, the cells of the brain | | | | Signs and Symptoms |
| and spinal cord that carry information, create | | | | The hallmark of multiple sclerosis is unpredictable |
| thought and perception, and allow the brain to | | | | periods of exacerbation, remission, and |
| control the body. Surrounding and protecting | | | | progression. Initial symptoms of MS may be brief |
| some of these neurons is a fatty layer known as | | | | and mild. The first serious attack usually lasts |
| the myelin sheath, which helps neurons carry | | | | weeks or months and occurs between the ages |
| electrical signals. MS causes gradual destruction of | | | | of 20 and 40. |
| myelin (demyelination) and transection of neuron | | | | Balance and equilibrium abnormalities (e.g., dizziness, |
| axons in patches throughout the brain and spinal | | | | vertigo, uncoordinated movements, tremor) |
| cord. The name multiple sclerosis refers to the | | | | Bladder and bowel dysfunction (e.g., urgency, |
| multiple scars (or scleroses) on the myelin | | | | incontinence, nocturia, constipation) |
| sheaths. | | | | Behavioral changes (e.g., mood swings, depression) |
| Causes | | | | Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis |
| Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, | | | | Currently there is no cure for MS in conventional |
| meaning its cause is an attack by the body's own | | | | medicine. However, there are treatments available |
| immune system. For unknown reasons, immune | | | | that may slow its progression and alleviate |
| cells attack and destroy the myelin sheath that | | | | associated symptoms. Some cures are reported |
| insulates neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This | | | | in alternative medicine literature. |
| myelin sheath, created by other brain cells called | | | | Drug therapies-Medications that target the body's |
| glia, speeds transmission and prevents electrical | | | | immune system may decrease the frequency |
| activity in one cell from short-circuiting to another | | | | and duration of attacks. These medications can be |
| cell. Disruption of communication between the | | | | used on a long-term basis and also to treat |
| brain and other parts of the body prevent normal | | | | specific attacks. Additional medications may be |
| passage of sensations and control messages, | | | | prescribed for other symptoms, such as pain or |
| leading to the symptoms of MS. The | | | | depression. |
| demyelinated areas appear as plaques, small round | | | | Additional therapies-Because MS may affect the |
| areas of gray neuron without the white myelin | | | | patient's ability to perform self-care and other |
| covering. The progression of symptoms in MS is | | | | activities of daily living, treatment may also include |
| correlated with development of new plaques in | | | | referral to specialists for physical and occupational |
| the portion of the brain or spinal cord controlling | | | | therapy. |
| the affected areas. Because there appears to be | | | | Currently, there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis |
| no pattern in the appearance of new plaques, the | | | | but there is a wide variety of medicines that can |
| progression of MS can be unpredictable. | | | | reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. |
| However, the specific causes of multiple sclerosis | | | | Since all medications have some down-side |
| are unfortunately unknown. This illustrates the | | | | effects, your doctor can help you decide what |
| importance to conduct medical trials to attempt | | | | you need based on the severity of your disease. |