Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord, affecting the protective cover (myelin sheath) of nerve cells. It is also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis. The damage alters the function of part of the nervous system resulting in a diversity of signs and symptoms including both physical and mental problems. The symptoms may either resolve completely or they may give rise to permanent neurological impairment. MS prevention is still yet to be fully defined since the causes of this chronic disease have not been clearly understood.
The aetiology is believed to be a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. A number of genetic variations have been found in the individuals affected with the condition. Relatives of affected individuals have an increased risk of getting the condition. The closer one is to the affected individual, the higher the chances. Identical twins are said to be at the highest risk of suffering from the disorder if one of them is affected. These are followed by fraternal twins and siblings.
Microbial infection has also been implicated as an aetiological factor in MS. Two hypotheses have been developed to back the theory; hygiene hypothesis and prevalence hypothesis. With hygiene, disease presents after a secondary exposure to a given agent with primary contact being protective. In the case of prevalence, the disease is as a result of a microbe more common in areas where MS is outstanding with no symptom manifestation. Certain viral infections have been associated with MS including herpes, Epstein Bar Virus, mumps and measles.
Certain lifestyle habits and situations have also been linked to MS. These include smoking, stress, vaccination, diet, hormone intake and occupational factors such as toxins. Though the clear role of uric acid as a protective factor is yet to be seen, it has been found out that gout occurs less commonly in people with MS.
In terms of the pathologic presentation, there are three main features that have been identified. These include inflammation, damage and formation of lesions on myelin sheaths. These processes all contribute to the breakdown of the protective tissues and thus cause the characteristic symptoms. Autoimmune reactions at these sites are thought to play a prominent role.
Four main clinical courses exist. These are the progressive relapsing, the relapsing remitting, and the primary and secondary progressive. All have varying features and varying degrees of severity. The secondary progressive is the commonest and affects about 65% of individuals with the disease. The relapsing remitting is characterized by recurrence after treatment.
Generally, there is no way to prevent the attacks of MS. As such, the primary aim of therapy is to restore function after an attack, prevent new attacks and avoid disability. Interferon beta or glatiramer may delay disease progression in some cases of secondary progressive MS. Viral infections such as flu may trigger relapses, so are the first few months after delivery in women. Prompt treatment of such infections is recommended.
High levels of temperature have been established to be a factor that worsens the signs and symptoms. They lead to the deterioration of the nerves that have already been affected and for this reason they should be avoided at all costs. If air conditioners are available, they should always be put in sue. Hot swimming pools and tubs are to be avoided. MS prevention, as seen here, involves the removal of any exacerbating factors.
The aetiology is believed to be a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. A number of genetic variations have been found in the individuals affected with the condition. Relatives of affected individuals have an increased risk of getting the condition. The closer one is to the affected individual, the higher the chances. Identical twins are said to be at the highest risk of suffering from the disorder if one of them is affected. These are followed by fraternal twins and siblings.
Microbial infection has also been implicated as an aetiological factor in MS. Two hypotheses have been developed to back the theory; hygiene hypothesis and prevalence hypothesis. With hygiene, disease presents after a secondary exposure to a given agent with primary contact being protective. In the case of prevalence, the disease is as a result of a microbe more common in areas where MS is outstanding with no symptom manifestation. Certain viral infections have been associated with MS including herpes, Epstein Bar Virus, mumps and measles.
Certain lifestyle habits and situations have also been linked to MS. These include smoking, stress, vaccination, diet, hormone intake and occupational factors such as toxins. Though the clear role of uric acid as a protective factor is yet to be seen, it has been found out that gout occurs less commonly in people with MS.
In terms of the pathologic presentation, there are three main features that have been identified. These include inflammation, damage and formation of lesions on myelin sheaths. These processes all contribute to the breakdown of the protective tissues and thus cause the characteristic symptoms. Autoimmune reactions at these sites are thought to play a prominent role.
Four main clinical courses exist. These are the progressive relapsing, the relapsing remitting, and the primary and secondary progressive. All have varying features and varying degrees of severity. The secondary progressive is the commonest and affects about 65% of individuals with the disease. The relapsing remitting is characterized by recurrence after treatment.
Generally, there is no way to prevent the attacks of MS. As such, the primary aim of therapy is to restore function after an attack, prevent new attacks and avoid disability. Interferon beta or glatiramer may delay disease progression in some cases of secondary progressive MS. Viral infections such as flu may trigger relapses, so are the first few months after delivery in women. Prompt treatment of such infections is recommended.
High levels of temperature have been established to be a factor that worsens the signs and symptoms. They lead to the deterioration of the nerves that have already been affected and for this reason they should be avoided at all costs. If air conditioners are available, they should always be put in sue. Hot swimming pools and tubs are to be avoided. MS prevention, as seen here, involves the removal of any exacerbating factors.
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