Multiple sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata is a condition that affects the spinal cord and brain. The component that is affected is mainly the protective cover or myelin sheath. One the sheath has been damaged, the function of the nervous system is compromised and this results in a number of signs and symptoms that may manifest both psychologically and physically. In a number of patients, these signs and symptoms resolve completely while in others it may result in serious complications. MS prevention aims at avoiding both the symptoms and complications in susceptible individuals.
The aetiology is believed to be a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. A number of genetic variations have been found in the individuals affected with the condition. Relatives of affected individuals have an increased risk of getting the condition. The closer one is to the affected individual, the higher the chances. Identical twins are said to be at the highest risk of suffering from the disorder if one of them is affected. These are followed by fraternal twins and siblings.
Microbial infection has also been implicated as an aetiological factor in MS. Two hypotheses have been developed to back the theory; hygiene hypothesis and prevalence hypothesis. With hygiene, disease presents after a secondary exposure to a given agent with primary contact being protective. In the case of prevalence, the disease is as a result of a microbe more common in areas where MS is outstanding with no symptom manifestation. Certain viral infections have been associated with MS including herpes, Epstein Bar Virus, mumps and measles.
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.
The pathology of the condition is manifested in three main ways; inflammation, formation of lesions and damage to nerve tissue. This is what causes the abnormalities that are seen clinically. Reaction between the sheath of nerve tissue and antibodies produced in the blood is thought to be the cause of this.
Four clinical courses exist; relapsing remitting, secondary and primary progressive and progressive relapsing. The relapsing remitting form is characterized by alternating periods of disease manifestation (relapse) and asymptomatic periods (remission). Secondary progressive occurs as a later stage of relapsing remitting type in 65% cases.
Whenever an attack occurs, the initial priority should be to restore the CNS function and to prevent subsequent attacks. Efforts to avoid permanent disability should also be made. A number of pharmacological agents have been found to be helpful in delaying the progression of disease. The leading agents are beta interferon and glatiramer. Prompt treatment of flu particularly in the months following delivery in women.
High temperatures have been found to be an exacerbating factor in these patients. They accelerate the deterioration of the nervous system especially for the components that have already been affected. It is recommended, therefore, that affected individuals use air conditioners whenever possible. They should avoid using hot tubs or hot swimming pools. As can be seen in all these situations, all MS prevention strategies revolve around avoidance of exacerbating factors.
The aetiology is believed to be a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. A number of genetic variations have been found in the individuals affected with the condition. Relatives of affected individuals have an increased risk of getting the condition. The closer one is to the affected individual, the higher the chances. Identical twins are said to be at the highest risk of suffering from the disorder if one of them is affected. These are followed by fraternal twins and siblings.
Microbial infection has also been implicated as an aetiological factor in MS. Two hypotheses have been developed to back the theory; hygiene hypothesis and prevalence hypothesis. With hygiene, disease presents after a secondary exposure to a given agent with primary contact being protective. In the case of prevalence, the disease is as a result of a microbe more common in areas where MS is outstanding with no symptom manifestation. Certain viral infections have been associated with MS including herpes, Epstein Bar Virus, mumps and measles.
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.
The pathology of the condition is manifested in three main ways; inflammation, formation of lesions and damage to nerve tissue. This is what causes the abnormalities that are seen clinically. Reaction between the sheath of nerve tissue and antibodies produced in the blood is thought to be the cause of this.
Four clinical courses exist; relapsing remitting, secondary and primary progressive and progressive relapsing. The relapsing remitting form is characterized by alternating periods of disease manifestation (relapse) and asymptomatic periods (remission). Secondary progressive occurs as a later stage of relapsing remitting type in 65% cases.
Whenever an attack occurs, the initial priority should be to restore the CNS function and to prevent subsequent attacks. Efforts to avoid permanent disability should also be made. A number of pharmacological agents have been found to be helpful in delaying the progression of disease. The leading agents are beta interferon and glatiramer. Prompt treatment of flu particularly in the months following delivery in women.
High temperatures have been found to be an exacerbating factor in these patients. They accelerate the deterioration of the nervous system especially for the components that have already been affected. It is recommended, therefore, that affected individuals use air conditioners whenever possible. They should avoid using hot tubs or hot swimming pools. As can be seen in all these situations, all MS prevention strategies revolve around avoidance of exacerbating factors.
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