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.
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.
There is strong evidence to suggest that microbes may play a role in the aetiology. This is backed by two theories. The first of these theories is the hygiene hypothesis. In this theory, the disease occurs after a second exposure to a certain microbe. The first exposure to the microbe results in a protective reaction. The second theory is the prevalence hypothesis which purports that certain types of microbes are isolated in persons living in areas with a higher prevalence of MS as compared to those living in lower prevalent areas.
Several risk factors are thought to greatly contribute to worsening of MS. These factors include occupational exposure to toxins, smoking, hormonal treatments, stress, diet and vaccination among others. Avoiding these factors and behaviors is said to lower the risk of the condition significantly.
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.
The priority after an episode of CNS attack should be to rehabilitate the affected individual and to prevent secondary attacks. Disability should be prevented if possible. Interferon beta and glatiramer are two drugs that have become very useful in the control of progression. There is a strong recommendation for prompt treatment of infections as these are a significant risk factor.
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.
There is strong evidence to suggest that microbes may play a role in the aetiology. This is backed by two theories. The first of these theories is the hygiene hypothesis. In this theory, the disease occurs after a second exposure to a certain microbe. The first exposure to the microbe results in a protective reaction. The second theory is the prevalence hypothesis which purports that certain types of microbes are isolated in persons living in areas with a higher prevalence of MS as compared to those living in lower prevalent areas.
Several risk factors are thought to greatly contribute to worsening of MS. These factors include occupational exposure to toxins, smoking, hormonal treatments, stress, diet and vaccination among others. Avoiding these factors and behaviors is said to lower the risk of the condition significantly.
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.
The priority after an episode of CNS attack should be to rehabilitate the affected individual and to prevent secondary attacks. Disability should be prevented if possible. Interferon beta and glatiramer are two drugs that have become very useful in the control of progression. There is a strong recommendation for prompt treatment of infections as these are a significant risk factor.
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.
About the Author:
You can visit the website vitamindmscure.com for more helpful information about Basic Principles Concerning MS Prevention
No comments:
Post a Comment