Transcript Definition of Multiple Sclerosis

GROUP MEMBERS
Vanessa Wickham
Satrupa Devi Singh
Joshua Griffith
Jennifer Hayner
Carlwyn Collins
Ashley Singh
DEFINITION
 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) a progressive disease of the
CNS characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath
surrounding the nerve fibres of the brain, spinal cord,
and optic nerves.
 As a result, the transmission of nerve impulses becomes
impaired, particularly in pathways involved with vision,
sensation, and movement.
 Patients become paralyzed and/or blind in severe cases
while in milder cases there may be numbness in the limbs.
 MS can affect people of all ages.
 It’s more common among persons aged from 20-40/50.
 Developed more in women than men
AETIOLOGY
 The exact cause is still “Unknown”
 However, it is said to be caused by damage to the myelin
sheath.
 This sheath is the protective covering that surrounds nerve
cells.
 When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow
down or stop.
 The nerve damage is caused by inflammation.
 Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells
attack the nervous system.
 This can occur along any area of the brain, optic nerve,
and spinal cord.
AETIOLOGY CONT’D
 Reasons why our Immune System attack the myelin:
 Genetically
 Environmental
 Infections
 Too much salt
CLINICAL FEATURES
 These symptoms are less common,
but also possible:
 Headache
 Hearing Loss
 Itching
 Respiration / Breathing Problems
 Seizures
 Speech Disorders
 Swallowing Problems
 Tremor
CLINICAL FEATURES
CONT’D
As the MS advances these
symptoms may appear:
 Alterations in perception
and thinking
 Fatigue
 Heat sensitivity
 Muscle spasm
 Sexual dysfunction
 Vision impairment
 Tingling and numbness of
the skin and limbs
 Difficulty with walking
 Weakness and exhaustion
 Memory loss
 Depression
 Urinary and bowel
problems
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Blood-brain Barrier Breakdown
The BBB prevent entrance of T-cells into the nervous
system.
The blood–brain barrier is normally not permeable to these
types of cells, unless triggered by infection or a virus, which
decreases the integrity of the tight junctions.
When the blood–brain barrier regains its integrity, usually
after infection or virus has cleared, the T-cells are trapped
inside the brain.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
CONT’D
AUTOIMMUNOLOGY
 The immune system attacks the nervous system, forming
plaques or lesions.
 Commonly involves white matter.
 Destroys oligodendrocytes- causing demyelination.
 Remyelination occurs in early phase but not completely.
 Repeated attacks lead to fewer remyelination
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
CONT’D
INFLAMMATORY
 T-cells attacks on myelin triggers inflammatory processes,
stimulating other immune cells and soluble factors like
cytokines and antibodies.
 Leaks form in the BBB cause swelling, activation of
macrophages, and more activation of cytokines and other
destructive proteins
MEDICAL
MANAGEMENT
There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time. But, there
are treatments that may slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to
control symptoms and help you maintain a normal quality of life.
Medicines are often taken long-term. These include:
Medicines to slow the disease
Steroids to decrease the severity of attacks
Medicines to control symptoms such as muscle spasms, urinary
problems, fatigue, or mood problems
Medicines are more effective for the relapsing-remitting form than for
other forms of MS.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
CONT’D
The following may also be helpful for people with MS:
 Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy,
and support groups
 Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, bed lifts, shower
chairs, walkers, and wall bars
 A planned exercise program early in the course of the
disorder
 A healthy lifestyle, with good nutrition and enough rest
and relaxation
 Avoiding fatigue, stress, temperature extremes, and
illness
MEDICAL
MANAGEMENT CONT’D
 Changes in what you eat or drink if there are swallowing
problems
 Making changes around the home to prevent falls
 Social workers or other counseling services to help you
cope with the disorder and get assistance
 Vitamin D or other supplements (talk to your doctor first)
 Complementary and alternative approaches, such as
acupressure or cannabis, to help with muscle problems.
REFERENCES
 (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2015, from http://www.slideshare.net:
http://www.slideshare.net/irfanziad1/multiple-sclerosis-9926963
 Definition of Multiple Sclerosis. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2015, from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37556.php
 Medline Plus - Multiple Sclerosis. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2015,
from http://www.nlm.nih.gov:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000737.htm
 Mutiple Sclerosis. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2015, from
http://www.britannica.com:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/397172/multiplesclerosis-MS