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Youth Program Central* Search for Schools For Youth With Multiple Sclerosis
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS? Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease, autoimmune in nature, which affects the central nervous system. It is named appropriately due to the multiple sclerotic lesions that occur in both the brain and spinal cord. (1) Multiple sclerosis causes random inflammation in the white matter of the central nervous system. The inflammatory stage is followed by destruction of myelin. Myelin serves a dual role of both insulator and transmitter. It insulates the nerve cell fibers of the central nervous system and facilitates the transmission of electrochemical messages sent throughout the body. (2) Scarring occurs as the myelin is destroyed, resulting in disruption of nerve message transmission. Neurological impairment is associated with this disruption of communication. The impairment seen with multiple sclerosis will vary from person to person and is dependent upon the location and severity of scarring. (3) WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS? Symptoms of multiple sclerosis are varied in nature. Frequently numbness, tingling, visual disturbances, muscle weakness, fatigue, and loss of balance are seen. Bladder dysfunction and psychological changes can also occur. (1) Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may be short lived or long lasting. They will also occur at varying levels of severity. (2) WHAT CAUSES MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS? A specific cause of multiple sclerosis has yet to be determined. (3) Studies indicate that exposure to an environmental medium may trigger multiple sclerosis. This suggests that the disease is not genetic in nature. Studies indicate the medium may be infectious (e.g., viruses or bacteria), toxic exposures (e.g., pesticides, solvents, or x-rays), or may relate to everyday life (e.g., a high dietary intake of animal fats, a presence of or exposure to mercury, as seen in dental amalgams). The way in which these "exposures" are thought to lead to multiple sclerosis, relate to the immune system. It is suggested that through a weakening of the immune system (whether it be related to infection, toxins, or lifestyle) an organism may be allowed to enter the brain and become established. (1) The organism itself may lead to multiple sclerosis. Also, as mentioned previously, the disease is autoimmune in nature. This may indicate that multiple sclerosis is triggered by the immune process which is initiated because of the initial infectious organism. Although multiple sclerosis is not passed on genetically, research indicates that the increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases may be partially genetic. (3) HOW COMMON IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS? "Multiple sclerosis prevalence worldwide is estimated at one million cases . . . " (1) "Currently, there are 350,000 to 500,000 people in the United States who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis." (3) HOW IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS DIAGNOSED? Physicians diagnose multiple sclerosis using a variety of tests, which may include Magnetic Resonance Imagine (MRI), a neurological examination, and/or lumbar puncture. MRI provides pictures of brain lesions. Neurological examination may show certain neurological deficits associated with the sclerotic lesions of multiple sclerosis. A lumbar puncture allows the physician to study the cerebrospinal fluid, looking for an antibody called immunoglobulin G. (IgG) (2) About two thirds of people with multiple sclerosis will have persistently elevated levels of cerebrospinal fluid IgG. (4) HOW IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TREATED? Early treatment is the best course of action to take when dealing with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Drugs available for use in treating multiple sclerosis include Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, and Novantrone. (3) When diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, one should be aware that an integrative approach to treatment is often successful. Exercise, diet, stress management, and avoidance of temperature extremes are also important factors to be aware of. (1) REFERENCES 1. Kidd, Parris M. "Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune inflammatory disease: prospects for its integrative management." Alternative Medicine Review 01 Dec 2001. (31 Dec. 2003). 2. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institutes of Health. NINDS Multiple Sclerosis Information Page. 1 July 2001. (31 Dec. 2003). 3. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. "Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About MS." 2000-2003. (31 Dec. 2003). 4. Huether, Sue E. and Kathryn L. McCance. Understanding Pathophysiology. St. Louis: Mosby, 1996.
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