subject: MUTIPLE SCLEROSIS: SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS [print this page] MUTIPLE SCLEROSIS: SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS
Multiple sclerosis is the inflammatory disease of the Central Nervous System. It affects the ability of nerve cells or neurons in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. There are different types of neuron present in the different parts of CNS. Those in the white matter tissue are most liable to be attacked in multiple sclerosis. This type of neuron is a long thin cell containing the cell nucleus and an elongated strand called an axons. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals to axons which are wrapped in an insulating substance called myelin. In MS, the body own immune system attack the myelin and damages it.
The name multiple sclerosis refers to scars (sclerosis better known as plaques or lesions) particularly in the white matter of the brain is mainly composed of myelin. When myelin is lost; the axons can no longer conduct electrical signals. The main causes of MS are genetic, environmental and infectious.
MS basically occurs due to genetic, environmental or infectious factors. A person's chances of developing MS increase if 1 in 100 yours siblings or parents has MS or 1 in 4 if your identical twin has MS. There are specific genes which have been linked with MS. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in human increases the probability of suffering MS.
People living far from the equator has develops the more chances of suffering from MS. Decreased sunlight exposure and decreased intake of vitamin D also raises MS. People living in North America, Japan and China are commonly at risk. Smoking also is one of the independent causes of MS.
Some researchers believe that infections may trigger the immune system to attack the nerve cells. The virus or bacteria that cause the infection looks like neuron. Basically an immune system develops T cells to fight off the virus or bacteria. So, when T cells remains in our body after the infection is gone, get confused after seeing look like' nerve cells as an invader. The result is that immune system attacks our nervous system.
There are many issues related to the patient and physician to consider in treating multiple sclerosis. The main goals may include improving the speed of recovery from attacks like treatment with steroid drugs. Second is to reduce the number of attacks or the number of MRI lesions or attempting to slow progression of the disease (treatment with disease modifying drugs or DMDs). An additional goal is relief from complications due to the loss of function of affected organs from treatment with drugs aimed at specific symptoms. Examining the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord may found abnormal chemicals and or antibodies, so that diagnosis can be easily be done. On the other hand, an electro physiological test helps in examining the impulse travelling through the nerves.
