Exploring Multiple Sclerosis: An Overview and History

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Introduction Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the Central Nervous System (CNS) which affects all ages and gender. MS is currently the leading cause of disability in young adults and found to be more prevalent in women and affects 2.5 million people worldwide. “Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive chronic immune - mediated disease characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord” (Mahan, Escott-Stump, 2008). MS was discovered in 1868 by Jean-Martin Charcot, at the time he was treating a female patient for tremors. Charcot began noticing similar neurological problems as his other patients and after the patient died he conducted an examination on her brain and discovered …show more content…

The MS Sociey bridged several gaps between neurologists, patients with MS, and the funding needed to advance in research. In 1947 Dr. Elvin Kabat at Columbia University identified abnormal immunologic proteins in the spinal fluid of people with MS. With the information already obtained in previous studies relating the Oligoclonal bands to proteins in the spinal fluid immune system and MS could now be connected. By the 1960’s neurologists and scientists were able to make an accurate diagnosis and measure how therapies could affect disability. A group of patients who were experiencing exacerbations (flare ups) were given adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) hormone (a hormone normally produced by the pituitary gland). The goal was for the ACTH to have anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing effect. In comparison to the placebo group the hormone was a success. In 1978 CAT scans were performed and helped in the diagnosis of MS. Then in the 1980’s CAT scanning was replaced with the MRI scan which showed the brain in greater detail. Also in the 1980’s, there were several new treatment trials taking place. From 1990-current scientists have been able to show white blood cells (T cells) as having a direct correlation to MS. Neurons and axons were identified as being damaged leading to disability. There were improvements made in medications for symptom management and by 1993 the first injectible medication, Copaxone …show more content…

However, a number of well-established findings have been incorporated into a hypothesis to explain the etiology of MS (Mahan & Escott-Stump, 2008). “Although a familial predisposition to MS has been noted in a minority of cases, familial tendency is not well established' no consistent pattern of Mendelian inheritance has emerged” (Victor & Ropper, 2005) (p.1093). MS is known to be a immune - mediated demyelinating, progressive disease the affects the CNS. The term Multiple Sclerosis is called multiple because multiple areas of the optic nerves, spinal cord, and brain undergo “Sclerosis” where myelin is replaced with sclera or scar

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