Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, disabling disease of the central nervous system. The disease causes inflammation, destruction, and scarring of the sheath that covers nerve fibers, called myelin, in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, electrical signals from the brain are slowed or blocked from reaching the eyes, muscles, and other parts of the body.
Nerve Fiber (Neuron)© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
There are several types of MS:
Malfunction of the body's immune system seems to be the cause of MS, but the exact cause of this malfunction is unknown.
The following conditions may contribute to MS:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for MS include:
Symptoms may range from mild to severe and may include:
Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
The goals of MS treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent relapses, delay disability, and slow disease progression.
Treatments include:
Medications
Medications may include:
Physical Therapies and Lifestyle Changes
Therapies and changes may include:
Psychological Therapies
Individual or group
therapy
will help you learn coping strategies for physical symptoms and emotional stress.
If you are diagnosed with MS, follow your doctor's
instructions
.
There are no guidelines for preventing MS, because the cause is unknown.
To prevent flare-ups or worsening symptoms if you have MS:
RESOURCES:
Multiple Sclerosis Association of Americahttp://www.msaa.com/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokehttp://www.ninds.nih.gov/
National Multiple Sclerosis Societyhttp://www.nationalmssociety.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
MS Programhttp://www.msprogram.ca/Default.aspx/
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canadahttp://www.mssociety.ca/en/default.htm/
References:
Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel G and Jankovic J.
Neurology in Clinical Practice e-dition.
4th ed. Butterworth Heinemann; 2003. Neurology in Clinical Practice website. Available at:
http://www.nicp.com/content/default.cfm
. Accessed October 25, 2007.
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
. 16th ed. The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2006.
Mayo Clinic and Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at:
http://www.mayo.edu/
.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information
. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/multiple_sclerosis.htm
. Accessed October 25, 2007.
Rose JW, Carlson NG. Pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Continuum Lifelong Learning Neurol.
2007;13:35-62.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.
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EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.