Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory process that affects the components of the central nervous system namely the spinal cord and the brain. The condition preferentially affects the myelin sheath which is the protective covering of the spinal cord. Patients suffering from this condition will exhibit either psychological or physical symptoms or both. Fortunately, a number of patients will have a complete resolution of symptoms and will go back to normalcy. Others progress to chronic states. MS prevention should be aimed at stopping the onset of the symptoms.
Environment and genes are the two most significant risk factors. Affected persons have been found to posses several genetic aberrations. Relatives of affected persons are at a very high risk of contracting the same. The closer the relationship one has with such a patient, the higher the risk. Identical twins have the highest risk in the event that one of them is affected. Next are fraternal twins and siblings in that order.
The role for microbes is backed by two theories namely the hygiene theory and the prevalent theory. In the hygiene theory, a microbe will only result into MS on a second exposure. The first exposure causes an immunological reaction that is protective. In the prevalent theory, it is said that certain microorganisms are associated with geographical areas known to have a high prevalence of the condition and thus are thought to play a role.
Certain lifestyle habits and situations have also been linked to MS. These include smoking, stress, vaccination, diet, hormone intake and occupational factors such as toxins. Though the clear role of uric acid as a protective factor is yet to be seen, it has been found out that gout occurs less commonly in people with MS.
Pathologically, there are three main features of MS including formation of lesions, inflammation and damage to myelin sheaths. Interaction of these characteristics results in breakdown of nervous tissue and hence physical manifestation of signs and symptoms. Damage is also believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction in the body.
Four main clinical courses exist. These are the progressive relapsing, the relapsing remitting, and the primary and secondary progressive. All have varying features and varying degrees of severity. The secondary progressive is the commonest and affects about 65% of individuals with the disease. The relapsing remitting is characterized by recurrence after treatment.
The priority after an episode of CNS attack should be to rehabilitate the affected individual and to prevent secondary attacks. Disability should be prevented if possible. Interferon beta and glatiramer are two drugs that have become very useful in the control of progression. There is a strong recommendation for prompt treatment of infections as these are a significant risk factor.
High levels of temperature have been established to be a factor that worsens the signs and symptoms. They lead to the deterioration of the nerves that have already been affected and for this reason they should be avoided at all costs. If air conditioners are available, they should always be put in sue. Hot swimming pools and tubs are to be avoided. MS prevention, as seen here, involves the removal of any exacerbating factors.
Environment and genes are the two most significant risk factors. Affected persons have been found to posses several genetic aberrations. Relatives of affected persons are at a very high risk of contracting the same. The closer the relationship one has with such a patient, the higher the risk. Identical twins have the highest risk in the event that one of them is affected. Next are fraternal twins and siblings in that order.
The role for microbes is backed by two theories namely the hygiene theory and the prevalent theory. In the hygiene theory, a microbe will only result into MS on a second exposure. The first exposure causes an immunological reaction that is protective. In the prevalent theory, it is said that certain microorganisms are associated with geographical areas known to have a high prevalence of the condition and thus are thought to play a role.
Certain lifestyle habits and situations have also been linked to MS. These include smoking, stress, vaccination, diet, hormone intake and occupational factors such as toxins. Though the clear role of uric acid as a protective factor is yet to be seen, it has been found out that gout occurs less commonly in people with MS.
Pathologically, there are three main features of MS including formation of lesions, inflammation and damage to myelin sheaths. Interaction of these characteristics results in breakdown of nervous tissue and hence physical manifestation of signs and symptoms. Damage is also believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction in the body.
Four main clinical courses exist. These are the progressive relapsing, the relapsing remitting, and the primary and secondary progressive. All have varying features and varying degrees of severity. The secondary progressive is the commonest and affects about 65% of individuals with the disease. The relapsing remitting is characterized by recurrence after treatment.
The priority after an episode of CNS attack should be to rehabilitate the affected individual and to prevent secondary attacks. Disability should be prevented if possible. Interferon beta and glatiramer are two drugs that have become very useful in the control of progression. There is a strong recommendation for prompt treatment of infections as these are a significant risk factor.
High levels of temperature have been established to be a factor that worsens the signs and symptoms. They lead to the deterioration of the nerves that have already been affected and for this reason they should be avoided at all costs. If air conditioners are available, they should always be put in sue. Hot swimming pools and tubs are to be avoided. MS prevention, as seen here, involves the removal of any exacerbating factors.
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