<
<
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.
A number of lifestyle behaviors are thought to help in the propagation of the condition. Doctors say that modifying these unhealthy habits will significantly lower the risk. They include, among others, smoking, stress, diet, occupational factors (exposure to toxins), vaccination and hormone intake.
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.
There are four clinical courses that have been described to date. These include the relapsing remitting, the primary and secondary progressive and the progressive relapsing type. All these have specific features that distinguish them. For example, the relapsing remitting is intermittent in nature.
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.
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.
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.
A number of lifestyle behaviors are thought to help in the propagation of the condition. Doctors say that modifying these unhealthy habits will significantly lower the risk. They include, among others, smoking, stress, diet, occupational factors (exposure to toxins), vaccination and hormone intake.
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.
There are four clinical courses that have been described to date. These include the relapsing remitting, the primary and secondary progressive and the progressive relapsing type. All these have specific features that distinguish them. For example, the relapsing remitting is intermittent in nature.
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.
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.
<
;
<
;
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment