Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord, affecting the protective cover (myelin sheath) of nerve cells. It is also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis. The damage alters the function of part of the nervous system resulting in a diversity of signs and symptoms including both physical and mental problems. The symptoms may either resolve completely or they may give rise to permanent neurological impairment. MS prevention is still yet to be fully defined since the causes of this chronic disease have not been clearly understood.
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.
In terms of the pathologic presentation, there are three main features that have been identified. These include inflammation, damage and formation of lesions on myelin sheaths. These processes all contribute to the breakdown of the protective tissues and thus cause the characteristic symptoms. Autoimmune reactions at these sites are thought to play a prominent role.
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.
Generally, there is no way to prevent the attacks of MS. As such, the primary aim of therapy is to restore function after an attack, prevent new attacks and avoid disability. Interferon beta or glatiramer may delay disease progression in some cases of secondary progressive MS. Viral infections such as flu may trigger relapses, so are the first few months after delivery in women. Prompt treatment of such infections is recommended.
Elevated body temperature can worsen the symptoms of MS by causing the already affected nerves to function even more poorly. For this reason, air conditioners are recommended for affected persons. Victims should avoid hot swimming pools and hot bath tubs. In a nutshell, there is no known way of MS prevention other than minimizing the predisposing 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.
In terms of the pathologic presentation, there are three main features that have been identified. These include inflammation, damage and formation of lesions on myelin sheaths. These processes all contribute to the breakdown of the protective tissues and thus cause the characteristic symptoms. Autoimmune reactions at these sites are thought to play a prominent role.
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.
Generally, there is no way to prevent the attacks of MS. As such, the primary aim of therapy is to restore function after an attack, prevent new attacks and avoid disability. Interferon beta or glatiramer may delay disease progression in some cases of secondary progressive MS. Viral infections such as flu may trigger relapses, so are the first few months after delivery in women. Prompt treatment of such infections is recommended.
Elevated body temperature can worsen the symptoms of MS by causing the already affected nerves to function even more poorly. For this reason, air conditioners are recommended for affected persons. Victims should avoid hot swimming pools and hot bath tubs. In a nutshell, there is no known way of MS prevention other than minimizing the predisposing factors.
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