Multiple Sclerosis
Brooke Hildt and Jim Hutchins
Overview
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s own immune system attacks oligodendrocytes and myelin sheath in the central nervous system.
Disease Process
X
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
- Relapsing remitting: most common, flare ups followed by periods of remission
- Secondary progressive: begins as relapsing remitting, after a time period of relapses, disease starts to steadily progress
- Primary progressive: slowly worsening symptoms with no periods of remission, uncommon
- Progressive relapsing: rare form characterized by steadily worsening disease with occasional relapses
Signs & Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Cognitive impairment
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Neuropathic pain
- Vision problems (e.g., blurred vision, double vision, optic neuritis)
- Bladder control issues (e.g., urgency, frequency, incontinence)
- Dizziness
Diagnosis
X
Treatment
There is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, but there are treatments that can reduce the number and severity of relapses and delay the long-term progression of the disease. Corticosteroids have been found to help suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. Beta interferon drugs additionally have the ability of suppressing the immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are used to target proteins involved in autoimmune attack. Stem cell therapies are a growing area of study with a goal of regenerating nerve tissue.
Risk Factors & Disease Prevalence
About 900,000 people in the United States are affected by Multiple Sclerosis. MS is three times more common in women, however, the disease is more severe in men. Diagnosis usually occurs in individuals age 20-30. Environmental factors such as low levels of vitamin D, UV radiation, contracting the Epstein-Barr virus, obesity, and tobacco smoking influence disease prevalence. Exposure to these insults during adolescence seems to be the most relevant to the disease.
Case Study
X