MS:
- Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease.
- Body’s own immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding nerves in the CNS.
- This produces inflammation and scar tissue as the body tries to repair the damage.
- Characteristic plaques may show up in an MRI scan
- Demyelination of nerves slow or may stop nerve impulse
FOUR TYPES OF MS:
- Relapsing-Remitting. Most common form. Flare-ups or exacerbations are
followed by periods of remission
- Secondary-Progressive. Begins as relapsing-remitting MS. Symptoms worsen
steadily over time with or without relapses.
- Progressive-Relapsing. Rare form characterized by steadily worsening disease
with occasional relapses.
- Primary-Progressive. Slowly worsening symptoms with no periods of remission.
This type is not common.
SYMPTOMS:
- Symptoms may be varied and occur at different
time intervals
- Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, visual
blurring, sensory disturbances including tingling
and numbness
- Over time motor skills may become impaired
- advanced cases bladder dysfunction may occur
as well as mental impairment
TESTING:
- Lumbar Puncture
- Checking for elevated protein levels due to
the autoimmune nature of the disease
- Evoked Potential
- Time for a sensory stimulus to travel
- Use of EEG (electroencephalograph)
- MRI scan to detect plaques in the CNS
DIAGNOSIS:
- Typically difficult to diagnose
- CNS plaques may not appear for years
- Diagnosis is based on patient’s symptoms and Testing
TREATMENT:
- Steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs shorten duration of attack
