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Multiple Sclerosis
Student Name
Student University
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Multiple Sclerosis
Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is alifelong neurological illness tha …
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Multiple Sclerosis
Student Name
Student University
1
Multiple Sclerosis
Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is alifelong neurological illness that disturbs the central nervous system that is
the brain and the spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system attacks nerve fibers and
myelin coating (a fatty substance that covers and protects healthy nerve fibers) in the brain and spinal
cord (Johns Hopkins, 2022) .This assault causes inflammation, which disrupts nerve cell processes and
myelin, altering electrical signals in the brain. Multiple sclerosis is impulsive and itaffects each patient in
adifferent way; some of them may be moderately affected, while others may lose their ability to walk,
talk, or write.
There are many causes of multiple Sclerosis which results in adverse effects. The particular cause
of multiple sclerosis is still not known and researchers are finding ways to identify the real cause of the
illness. However, continuing research indicates that avariety of factors, such as the environment where
you live, your genes, and even the air that you breathe, may be some possible reasons for multiple
sclerosis. Although some factors like emotional trauma and infections, might exacerbate multiple
sclerosis, there is no particular evidence to confirm that anything you do could cause the illness or stop
halt its normal progression (Mayo clinic ,2022) .
Multiple sclerosis has various effects and itvaries from one person to another, with time and in
intensity. Effects of multiple sclerosis can include bladder problems (regular urination, urgency), fatigue,
depression, tremors, dizziness, impaired coordination(ataxia), temperature sensitivity, sensory symptoms
(pain or numbness), trouble with concentration and short-term memory, weakness, visual symptoms,
vision problems (pain or blurriness in one eye), and spasticity (spasms or muscle stiffness) (Cleveland
Clinic, 2021) .
The development of MS takes place in the form of chronic disabling disorder that effects the
brain and spinal cord of the body which forms the CNS. This disease develops in the body when the
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immune system of the body attacks the protective layer that is the myelin sheath covering the nerve fibers
(Stadelmann, Timmler, Barrantes-Freer, & Simons, 2019) .This attack hinders the communication
between the brain and remaining body parts which leads to permanent damage to the nerves. Relapsing-
remitting illness has been experienced by majority of people suffering from MS. They experience relapses
that last afew days or weeks and then go away partially or completely. Following these relapses, periods
of tranquil sickness remission might last months or even years. Small variations in body temperature may
temporarily exacerbate MS symptoms, although they are not considered true illness relapses. At least half
of people with relapsing-remitting MS develop asteady progression of symptoms within 10 to 20 years of
the onset of their illness, with or without intervals of remission. Secondary-progressive MS is the name
for this type of MS (Lassmann, Van Horssen, & Mahad, 2012) .
The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are progressive, that impact the immune function of the body.
Multiple sclerosis sign, like those of other chronic inflammatory disorders, varies broadly. They are
determined by the location of the lesions and whether the person is currently undergoing an attack or is
recovering. Symptoms and co-occurring disorders can also interact with each other. Common symptoms
of multiple sclerosis are divided into five major categories which are motion control, fatigue, neurological
symptoms, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and neuropsychological symptoms (Ghasemi, Razavi, &
Nikzad, 2017) .
These symptoms affect multiple areas of the body and can affect nearly every system of the body
such as: Skeletal system- Multiple sclerosis can cause secondary damages like muscle weakness or
broken bones from falls due to low coordination. Itdoes not affect the skeletal system directly. Digestive
system- Multiple sclerosis has at least one digestive symptom such as constipation, heartburn, diarrhea,
stomach pain, or dysphagia. Immune system- Itstarts attacking the healthy cells and overreacts in
multiple sclerosis which may increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke (Smith, 2017) .Circulatory
system- Blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks are some common circulatory system problems in multiple
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sclerosis. Reproductive system- Multiple sclerosis does not directly affect fertility but sexual dysfunction
makes itdifficult to get pregnant.
Apart from the symptoms there are certain treatment methods that helps in managing the
symptoms of MS as ithas no known cure. Treatment primarily concentrates on quick retrieval from
attacks, decreasing ailment advancement, and handling multiple sclerosis symptoms. The symptoms for
some people have such mild that no therapy is required. Symptomatic treatment is one way of treating
multiple sclerosis in which drugs or therapies are used to help in making symptoms manageable
(Cockburn, Pateman, Taing, Pradhan, & Ford, 2017) .Some treatments for particular symptoms include:
Fatigue: Multiple sclerosis-related fatigues can be controlled by medication which helps to treat sleep
disorder narcolepsy. Muscle problems: Muscle problems like stiffness and tremors can be treated by the
use of acombination of medicines including Sativex or Botox. Neurology symptoms: Symptoms related
to visual disorders and walking problems can be cured with medication. One commonly used medication
used is Fampridine to treat walking problems. Continence: Medication, special exercise, continence aids,
and definite dietary changes are some of the treatments for continence (Torkildsen, Myhr, & Bø,2016) .
Neuropathic pain: Antidepressants and gabapentin are used in the treatment of neuropathic pain that
causes burning pain due to nerve damage.
The impact of MS on the body is both long-term and short-term. Some of the long-term impacts
that lead to permanent alterations in the body are- Mobility- with the progression of the disease people
will encounter limited or complete loss of mobility, which is approximately 33% of people will get
affected by it. Bowel and bladder problems- 50% of the patient suffer from MS and their level of
disability determines the severity of bowel or bladder problems (Feinstein, Freeman, & Lo, 2015) .Sexual
problems- in this disease certain parts of the brain are damaged which impacts sexual arousal as ittakes
place in the brain. Thus, 63% of people suffering from MS experience alack of sexual activity. Cognitive
issues- the functions of the brain like learning, memorizing, processing of information, focusing,
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problem-solving, and span of attention get disturbed and experienced by approximately 50% of people
which eventually impacts the quality of life.
There are many known risk factors that may increase the chance of developing multiple sclerosis
as first is Age: Multiple sclerosis can distress younger and older people at any age, but onset usually
happens around 20 and 40 years of age. The second factor is gender: women are two to three times more
likely than males to suffer from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The third one is related to Race:
People who live in Africa, Asia, or Native America have the lowest chance of acquiring multiple sclerosis,
but those who live in Northern Europe, primarily White people, have the highest risk. Infection comes in
fourth. Viruses like Epstein-Barr, which have been related to multiple sclerosis and can cause
mononucleosis, are among the most common. A fifth risk factor is Family history: The risk of having
multiple sclerosis increases ifany of your parents or siblings have had multiple sclerosis. The sixth one
relates to the climatic conditions: Nations with temperate climates, such as Canada, southeastern Australia,
northern United States, New Zealand, and Europe are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis
(Eskandarieh, Heydarpour, Minagar, Pourmand, & Sahraian, 2016) .And the last risk factor is Smoking:
Smokers are more likely to have multiple sclerosis than non-smokers.
Conclusion
Finally, itcan be concluded that severeness of the disease is related to the stage of the disease and
personal belief of the people, their values and experiences. Variety of reactions can be observed while the
diagnosis of MS, as some people will show denial and remain furious for long period of time while some
people show positive approaches towards the diagnosis process. These people endeavour to modify their
lifestyle to meet the demands of effectively controlling their condition.
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References
Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Multiple Sclerosis (MS) .Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17248-multiple-sclerosis
Cockburn, N., Pateman, K., Taing, M. W., Pradhan, A., &Ford, P. J.(2017). Managing the oral side -effects
of medications used to treat multiple sclerosis. Australian dental journal, 62 (3), 331-336.
Eskandarieh, S., Heydarpour, P., Minagar, A., Pourmand, S., &Sahraian, M. A. (2016). Multiple sclerosis
epidemiology in east Asia, south east Asia and south Asia: asystematic review.
Neuroepidemiology, 46 (3), 209-221.
Feinstein, A., Freeman, J., &Lo, A. C. (2015). Treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: what works,
what does not, and what isneeded. The Lancet Neurology, 14 (2), 194-207.
Ghasemi, N., Razavi, S., &Nikzad, E. (2017). Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Diagnoses and
Cell-Based Therapy. Cell Journal, 19 (1), 1-10.
Johns Hopkins. (2022). Multiple Sclerosis (MS) .Retrieved from Johns Hopkins:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/multiple_sclerosis/
conditions/
Lassmann, H., Van Horssen, J., &Mahad, D. (2012). Progressive multiple sclerosis: pathology and
pathogenesis. Nature Reviews Neurology, 8(11), 647-656.
Mayo clinic .(2022). Multiple sclerosis .Retrieved from Mayo clinic :
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-
20350269
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Smith, R. L.(2017). Cells are the new cure: the cutting-edge medical breakthroughs that are transforming
our health. .BenBella Books.
Stadelmann, C., Timmler, S., Barrantes-Freer, A., &Simons, M. (2019). Myelin in the central nervous
system: structure, function, and pathology. Physiological reviews, 99 (3), 1381-1431.
Torkildsen, Ø.,Myhr, K. M., & Bø,L.(2016). Disease -modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis –a
review of approved medications. .European journal of neurology, 23 ,18-27.
