Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that attacks the nervous system from the brain to the spinal cord.
The brain, as we know, has been referred to having gray and white matter. The neurons, which are made of a cell body, are grouped together in an organized position. When looking at the brain with the naked eye, it appears gray. This is the cerebral cortex. The much deeper gray cells are called nuclei. These two areas allow us to think, speak, and tell our body what to do.
Myelin is a coating that covers our axons, which when looked at, appear to be white. Axons are the threads that connect cells. The coating,(myelin) acting similar to insulation on electrical wires, keeps the treads from short circuiting allowing signals to flow quickly from the brain to other parts of the body.
MS, as it is also called, disseminated sclerosis, affects the white matter in the brain that has to do with the nervous system. The covering, like what you might find on an electric wire, covers the nuclei which can be attacked by your own immune system. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most nonvascular causes of neurologic disabilities. The disease has no preference, men or women, though some testing has shown it is more prevalent in the female gender. It has been found in children, but it usually begins in early adult life.
An exact cause has not been found, but MS may result from damage to the material which surrounds the nerve cells called the Myelin Sheath. Multiple sclerosis, a progressive disease, often worsens over time. The inflammation can leave many areas of scar tissue, also known as lesions. The progression and repetition of flare-ups, (inflammation) can occur anywhere along the threads from the brain to the spinal cord.
There are medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, but many patients have had problems dealing with the side effects of the medications and seek other types of treatment.
Researchers do not know what triggers the relapse of the disease. It is not unusual for MS patients to have higher numbers of immune cells. Immune responses may play a role in theories which include virus, or genetic defect, or combinations of both. Geographic studies have been preformed and results have shown that MS occurs more often in northern Europe, northern United States, southern Australia, and New Zealand. People who live in these areas and have a family history or the gene have a higher risk of the disease. It is not yet known what role genetics play in the disease, but it is on-going research.
Attacks of MS vary and symptoms may last days to months, reduce, disappear, and then have a relapse. The inflammation can reoccur in different parts of the brain. Symptoms may be different than before depending on what new areas of the brain are affected. Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress are common triggers and may worsen attacks.
A history of two or more attacks separated by a period of no symptoms may be signs of relapsing-remitting MS. Disability and discomfort vary with the damage done and the frequency of attacks. Progressive MS is diagnosed when attacks get more severe with less improvement between attacks.
It may be a common factor that there is a return to normal or near-normal function between attacks. Some people have remissions, that last days, months, or even years. Research has yet to come up with a cure, but there are new progressive treatments for the symptoms and some can ead a close to normal life. Living a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards the goal of controlling the disease.
Always check with your physician before you start any treatment, and know that you have a true diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Some diseases can mimic the symptoms of MS. Discuss the ways that may be of the most benefit to you both in healing your body and the safety involved.
Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages Multiple Sclerosis at www.gilbertlowe.info
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