An Inside Look in Multiple Sclerosis

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Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis, also known as “MS” is a chronic condition where the immune system begins to destroy the myelin sheath that covers the nerves in the body and affects the brain and spinal cord (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). The myelin sheath is used for protection of the nerves in which these nerves aid to transport nerve impulses all over the body (Ruto, 2013). Once the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath, it begins to disintegrate which affects the conductivity of the nerve impulse and impedes the message transmission from the brain to the rest of the body (Ruto, 2013). In turn, the impulses are changed which results in problems in the muscle such as weakness, imbalance and spasms and the body could end up being paralyzed (Ruto, 2013). According to Ruto, “Multiple Sclerosis affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States, more than 50,000 people in Canada, and 2.5 people million worldwide” (2013). The cause of MS is damage to the myelin sheath, brain and spinal cord, but it is unknown how a person can obtain Multiple Sclerosis (PubMed Health, 2013). Some doctors suggest that a person can be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis through genetics or their environment (WebMD, 2014). Other researchers have suggested that the myelin is not recognized by the immune system and views it as a foreign object and therefore begins to attack it as it would be if it were an illness (WebMD 2014). There are certain steps and tests needed to be take in order to be diagnosed with MS. Doctors would have to evaluate the patient to analyze the patient’s symptoms and perform a physical exam to dismiss all out possible diagnosis (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Blood tests, spinal tap, magnetic resonance imaging... ... middle of paper ... ...ews Today. (2012). What is ms? What is multiple sclerosis?. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37556.php. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NIH]. (2014). Multiple sclerosis: Hope through research. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm. PubMed Health. (2013). Multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pubmedhealth/PMH0001747/. Ruto, C. (2013). Special Needs Populations: Care of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. AORN Journal, 98(3), 281-293. doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2013.07.002. University of Maryland Medical Center [UMMC]. (2013). Multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/multiple-sclerosis. WebMD. (2014). Multiple sclerosis health center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd .com/multiple-sclerosis/default.htm?names-dropdown.

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