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( Multiple sclerosis)
Multiple sclerosis (abbreviated MS, also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to demyelination.[1] Disease onset usually occurs in young adults, and it is more common in women.[2] It has a prevalence that ranges between 2 and 150 per 100,000.[3] MS was first described in 1868 by Jean-Martin Charcot.[4] MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are wrapped in an insulating substance called myelin. In MS, the body's own immune system attacks and damages the myelin. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals.[1] The name multiple sclerosis refers to scars (scleroses – better known as plaques or lesions) in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, which is mainly composed of myelin.[4] Although much is known about the mechanisms involved in the disease process, the cause remains unknown. Theories include genetics or infections. Different environmental risk factors have also been found.[5][1] Almost any neurological symptom can appear with the disease, and often progresses to physical and cognitive disability.[1] MS takes several forms, with new symptoms occurring either in discrete attacks (relapsing forms) or slowly accumulating over time (progressive forms).[6] Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely, but permanent neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances.[6] There is no known cure for MS. Treatments attempt to return function after an attack, prevent new attacks, and prevent disability.[1] MS medications can have adverse effects or be poorly tolerated, and many patients pursue alternative treatments, despite the lack of supporting scientific study. The prognosis is difficult to predict; it depends on the subtype of the disease, the individual patient's disease characteristics, the initial symptoms and the degree of disability the person experiences as time advances.[7] Life expectancy of patients is nearly the same as that of the unaffected population.[7]
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Multiple sclerosis Subcategories
Multiple sclerosis Articles
New Multiple Sclerosis Treatment - Scientific Breakthrough Discovers Root Cause by frank C. Adams
There are scientific advancements that look promising for preventing and even reversing Multiple Sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condit...
If I Only Had a Brain! by Jon L. Wegner
The longer I have my multiple sclerosis the more things I discover about the disease and myself! I've written articles about the physical side of MS but there is a mental side to the disease, too! I always thought it was a purely physical disease suc...
Why Do I Feel So tired? by Jon L. Wegner
The second noticeable symptom with my multiple sclerosis that I experienced in 1991 was fatigue or tiredness. But again if I search my memory banks I can go back to at least 1980 with the fatigue and tiredness problem. But when you're 20 years old yo...
Living with Multiple Sclerosis by Rob Parker
Although it is a disease that has seen a major expansion as far as awareness over the past couple of years, most people don’t know a lot about multiple sclerosis. The impact of the disease, what causes it, the different types, its treatments, and wha...
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Methods by Juliet Cohen
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease and affects the central nervous system. Central nervous system is made up of nerves that act as the body's messenger system. It damages the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects your nerve...
Modifying the disease through treatment by groshan fabiola
One of the most important things to do when suffering from multiple sclerosis, especially if the patient has secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, is to try and prevent the worsening of the disease. Till some recent time ago this was not possible...
Deadly Viral Brain Disease Developed in Patients Using Rituxan by B. A. Kwiatkowski, Ph. D.
Rituxan (rituximab) is a new generation cancer drug that in clinical practice proved more precise and less toxic than previous chemotherapy compounds that are used to fight cancer. Actually, it is a completely different type of drug then the chemothe...
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