Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple Challenges

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system, of otherwise healthy individuals. Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women more than men, and is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age. MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, usually by inflammation, nerve signals slow down or stop. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. This can occur along any area of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord, and although the cause of this is unknown, it is thought that a virus and/or gene defect is to blame. Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role. Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the attack. Episodes can last from days to months, and can have periods of remission, often followed by relapse. However, the disease may continue to get worse without periods of remission. There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, so treatment involves management of symptoms, and therapies aimed at slowing the progression of the disease to allow the affected person to maintain a normal quality of life.

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis ( MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves (Dangond, 2010). Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another (Calabresi, 2007). Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease (Compston & Coles, 2008).

The body’s own defense system...