CAUSES AND TREATMENTS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (article)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease that can affect the central nervous system (CNS). Millions of nerve cells in the brain send signals throughout the body to control movement, sensation, memory, cognition, and speech. Every time you take a step, blink, or move your arm, your CNS is at work.
Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals via nerve fibers. A layer called the myelin sheath covers and protects these fibers. It ensures that each nerve cell properly reaches its intended target.
Immune cells mistakenly attack and damage the myelin sheath in people with MS. This damage results in the disruption of nerve signals.
What Causes MS?
Damaged nerve signals can cause debilitating symptoms, including:
- walking and coordination problems
- muscle weakness
- fatigue
- vision problems
MS affects everyone differently. The severity of the disease and the types of symptoms vary from person to person. The exact cause of MS is unknown. However, scientists believe that four factors may play a role in the development of the disease.
Cause 1: Immunologic
MS is considered an immune-mediated disease. That is, the immune system malfunctions and attacks the CNS. Researchers know that the myelin sheath is directly affected, but they don�t know what triggers the immune system to attack the myelin.
Cause 2: Genetic
Several genes are believed to play a role in MS. Your chance of developing MS is slightly higher if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has the disease.
Cause 3: Environmental
Epidemiologists have seen an increased pattern of MS cases in countries located farthest from the equator. This correlation causes some to believe that vitamin D may play a role.
Cause 4: Infections
Researchers are considering the possibility that viruses and bacteria may cause MS. Viruses are known to cause inflammation and a breakdown of myelin (called demyelination). Therefore, it�s possible that a virus could trigger MS.
Treatment for MS
Although there is no cure for MS, there are treatment options to help manage MS symptoms.
The most common treatment category is corticosteroids, such as oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone, which reduce nerve inflammation. In cases that don�t respond to steroids, some doctors prescribe plasma exchange. In this treatment, the liquid portion of your blood (plasma) is removed and separated from your blood cells, which are then mixed with a protein solution (albumin) and put back into your body.
There are currently no therapies proven to slow the progression of primary-progressive MS. For relapsing-remitting MS, several disease-modifying therapies are available but they all entail significant health risks. Talk to your doctor about whether any are right for you.
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