Multiple Sclerosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Multiple Sclerosis(MS)also known as disseminatedto discover the exact causes of the disease.
sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata is aClinical trials and clinical trial participants are vital to
chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease thatthe progress of finding a treatment for multiple
affects the central nervous system (CNS). Multiplesclerosis.
sclerosis affects neurons, the cells of the brainSigns and Symptoms
and spinal cord that carry information, createThe hallmark of multiple sclerosis is unpredictable
thought and perception, and allow the brain toperiods of exacerbation, remission, and
control the body. Surrounding and protectingprogression. Initial symptoms of MS may be brief
some of these neurons is a fatty layer known asand mild. The first serious attack usually lasts
the myelin sheath, which helps neurons carryweeks or months and occurs between the ages
electrical signals. MS causes gradual destruction ofof 20 and 40.
myelin (demyelination) and transection of neuronBalance and equilibrium abnormalities (e.g., dizziness,
axons in patches throughout the brain and spinalvertigo, uncoordinated movements, tremor)
cord. The name multiple sclerosis refers to theBladder and bowel dysfunction (e.g., urgency,
multiple scars (or scleroses) on the myelinincontinence, nocturia, constipation)
sheaths.Behavioral changes (e.g., mood swings, depression)
CausesTreatment 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 ownmedicine. However, there are treatments available
immune system. For unknown reasons, immunethat may slow its progression and alleviate
cells attack and destroy the myelin sheath thatassociated symptoms. Some cures are reported
insulates neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Thisin alternative medicine literature.
myelin sheath, created by other brain cells calledDrug therapies-Medications that target the body's
glia, speeds transmission and prevents electricalimmune system may decrease the frequency
activity in one cell from short-circuiting to anotherand duration of attacks. These medications can be
cell. Disruption of communication between theused on a long-term basis and also to treat
brain and other parts of the body prevent normalspecific 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. Thedepression.
demyelinated areas appear as plaques, small roundAdditional therapies-Because MS may affect the
areas of gray neuron without the white myelinpatient's ability to perform self-care and other
covering. The progression of symptoms in MS isactivities of daily living, treatment may also include
correlated with development of new plaques inreferral to specialists for physical and occupational
the portion of the brain or spinal cord controllingtherapy.
the affected areas. Because there appears to beCurrently, there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis
no pattern in the appearance of new plaques, thebut 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 sclerosisSince all medications have some down-side
are unfortunately unknown. This illustrates theeffects, your doctor can help you decide what
importance to conduct medical trials to attemptyou need based on the severity of your disease.