An overview of the chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease:
Multiple sclerosis
BACKGROUND
The central nervous system (CNS) comprises grey matter, which contains neuron cell bodies and white matter, which contains the nerve axons. Most of the nerve axons are concentrically wrapped around by lipid-rich biological membrane, known as the myelin sheath. In the CNS, myelin is produced by oligodendrocyte. a type of glial cell. (Pfeiffer et al., 1993). These electrical insulating, multilamellar membranes significantly increase the electrical resistance, in which to prevent leakage of electrical currents from the axons, as well as decrease electrical capacitance to reduce the ability of the axons to store electrical energy (Shivane & Chakrabarty, 2007). Therefore, myelin sheath enables the fast-speed saltatory conduction of the nerve impulses. Demyelination is a group of diseases that characterized by the destruction of the normal myelin sheath, with relative preservation of the axons. Myelin sheath degeneration might be resulted from the disease that directly damage the myelin sheath, or the disease that damage the oligodendrocytes (Love, 2006). Eventually, demyelination leads to the impairment of the normal conduction of the electrical impulses in the affected nerves.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory demyelinating disease in the CNS. It is a chronic neurological disease that normally affects young people and it is one of the leading causes of disability. The pathological hallmark of this chronic disease is the formation of demyelinated plaques with the reactive glial scar tissue, which either focally or diffusely distributed throughout the brain and the spinal cord (Lucchinetti et al...
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting the myelination of the central nervous system, leading to numerous issues regarding muscle strength, coordination, balance, sensation, vision, and even some cognitive defects. Unfortunately, the etiology of MS is not known, however, it is generally thought of and accepted as being an autoimmune disorder inside of the central nervous system (Rietberg, et al. 2004). According to a study (Noonan, et al. 2010) on the prevalence of MS, the disease affects more than 1 million people across the world, and approximately 85% of those that are affected will suffer from unpredictably occurring sessions of exacerbations and remissions. The report (Noonan, et al. 2010) found that the prevalence of MS was much higher in women than in men, and that it was also higher in non-Hispanic whites than in other racial or ethnic groups throughout the 3 regions of the United States that were studied.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is generally thought to be an autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin sheaths, or oligodendrocytes that cover nerve axons in the central nervous system (PubMed Health 2013). This immune response causes inflammation, which triggers immune cells to destroy axons “along any area of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord” (PubMed Health 2013). When the myelin sheath “is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop” thus hindering the propagation of action potentials and limiting function (PubMed Health 2013).
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system, in which the myelin that covers the nerves is somehow eaten away and scar tissue for multiple sclerosis in its place, interrupting the nerve’s signals. This disease has an unpredictable and uncontrollable course which leads to the loss of vision, hearing, speech, the ability to walk, control of bladder and bowels, sensitivity to touch, vibration and pain, potency and coordination of movements. The list of possibilities is lengthy and horrifying.
According to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The central nervous system (CNS) comprises of the brain and the spinal cord. CNS is coated and protected by myelin sheath that is made of fatty tissues (Slomski, 2005). The inflammation and damage of the myelin sheath causing it to form a scar (sclerosis). This results in a number of physical and mental symptoms, including weakness, loss of coordination, and loss of speech and vision. The way the disease affect people is always different; some people experience only a single attack and recover quickly, while others condition degenerate over time (Wexler, 2013). Hence, the diagnosis of MS is mostly done by eliminating the symptoms of other diseases. Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects both men and women, but generally, it is more common in women more than men. The disease is most usually diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, however, it can occur at any age. Someone with a family history of the disease is more likely to suffer from it. Although MS is not
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complicated chronic deteriorating disease that has an effect on the central nervous system (CNS). This disease causes destruction of the myelin around the nerve fibers. “The exact etiology of Multiple Sclerosis is unknown; however, it is thought to be an immune mediated disease. MS is characterized by CNS inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss” (Compston & Coles, 2008). Typically, it is described by early relapses and remissions of neurological signs of the CNS. This is known as relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). MS can be identified by a variety of known risk factors. Multiple Sclerosis can be brought on by a mixture of inherited and environmental risk factors such as smoking or an exposure to a virus like Epstein Barr. The inflammatory process has an interesting role on the central nervous system.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is understood as an autoimmune disease, a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues. In Multiple Sclerosis, the patient’s own cells & antibodies attack the fatty myelin sheath that protects and insulates nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, the two components of the CNS. This ultimately causes damage to the nerve cells and without the insulation the myelin sheath provides, nerve communication is disrupted. Hence, Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by symptoms that reflect central nervous system involvement (Luzzio, 2014).
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that involves the different areas of the central nervous system, the brain, and spinal cord. It damages the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects the
Multiple Sclerosis is a nervous system disease that affects the spinal cord and the brain by damaging the myelin sheaths that protects nerve cells. Destroyed myelin prevents messages from communicating and sending properly from the brain, through the spinal cord, to internal body parts. In the United States, more than 350,000 people are diagnosed with this disease. Anyone can get this disease, but it is more common among Caucasian women. MS symptoms begin between the ages 20-40 and are caused by nerve lesions being present in multiple areas of the Central Nervous System, symptoms differ on the lesion’s location.
It is clear that Multiple Sclerosis is a dreadful disease. Its multiple variations not only induce neurological debilitation but it can also bring about other disorders. Unfortunately, a cure hasn’t been created yet but medications and a healthy lifestyle can make the victim’s life much easier.
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the Central Nervous System including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The immune system attacks the protective sheath called myelin that helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses (Early, pg. 517,2013). It disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and the body. Multiple Sclerosis is diagnosed when there will be the evidenced of damage in at least two separate parts of Central Nervous System (Early, pg. 517,2013). It causes the demyelination that is disruption of the myelin that insulates and protects nerve cells of spinal nerve and brain cells. The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is still unknown (Early, pg. 517,2013). Most commonly affects the people between the ages of 15 and 60. It can occur at any age and can appear in children, teens, and older adults. It is more common in women than men (Early, pg. 517,2013). It may follow various courses related to progression
This means that the immune system is malfunctioning within the body (by mistakenly attacking the CNS), which is why it is appropriate for this term to be a possible cause. Studies have found what type of immune cells are responsible for attacking the CNS; T cells and possibly B cells—the major components of cellular adaptive immune response. Studies are still ongoing to find out more in depth information regarding the immunologic cause.
A majority (85%) of patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis experience Relapse-Remitting; this is where a patient who has been diagnosed experience clearly defined flare ups, which are also known as relapses or attacks. They also have episodes where their neurological functions worsen which is then followed by a period of recovery (remission) and during this time, the patient is free from progression of the disease. Primary-Progressive is fairly rare in that this type of MS affects approximately 10% of patients. In this case, the disease worsens slowly over time and is continuous and they do not experience a period of remission, though their disease may plateau, where the disease does not get worse, but does not get better. And within ten years of a patient’s initial diagnosis, 50% of patients with Relapse-Remitting MS can develop Secondary Progressive MS. Here, they will experience occasional flare ups and minor periods of remissions and plateaus. Finally, Progressive-Remitting is the rarest form of Multiple Sclerosis in that it affects only five percent of patients. With this form of MS, people will experience their disease steadily worsening, they get clear short relapses and the disease continues to progress even in times of rest. (NEUROLOGY.ORG). If patients are not treated,
The Dana Foundation, 2013. Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis [online] Available at: < http://www.dana.org/news/cerebrum/detail.aspx?id=39986> [Accessed 06 December 2013].
MRI Scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) have completely revolutionized the diagnosis and surveillance of all patients going through all stages of Multiple Sclerosis. The precise images produced by MRI’s allow the physicians to get a clear cut visual of anything abnormal within the deep tissues of the brain. MRI’s are particularly used when detecting central nervous system demyelination.
Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. This paper will explore the origin of this disease, where it was first discovered, and why they believe it began in this particular region. Although doctors are still researching how and what may causes Multiple Sclerosis, we will also explore the epidemiology and genetics that could influence a diagnosis. Discovering the causes of this disease leads doctors to believe they will also find new ways to treat and help those suffering. Exploring new technology will be discussed in this paper and how many scientists hope to pinpoint the exact cause which is key to prevention. We will discuss people that may be more at risk of developing this disease and why.