The Cause Of Multiple Sclerosis

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The reason I chose multiple sclerosis for my research paper is this disease had directly affected someone I know personally. She went from a very outgoing person to an almost infant like state. The daily activities we take for granted, became an overwhelming task, even breathing became impossible for a short period of time. Multiple sclerosis is so complicated because it impacts two of the most complex systems of the body, the immune system and the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is the most common of the demyelinating disorders and the predominant central nervous system disease among young adults. It is a chronic disorder in which irregular demyelination of the central nervous system results in emotional changes and varying degree…show more content…
These inflammatory attacks cause scarring or lesions at multiple sites in the central nervous system, thus the name multiple sclerosis. Although the cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown, research suggests that in addition to destruction of myelin sheaths, which facilitate the movement of nerve impulses, some underlying nerve fibers are also damaged or severed, which may account for the permanent neurological impairment (Kaplin, 2006). The onset of symptoms occurs between twenty and forty years of age, and the disease affect women twice as often as men (Seidel, 2006). Multiple sclerosis symptoms come and go unpredictably. They may last a few days to several weeks at a time. Many people with multiple sclerosis are able to function quite normally between episodes. The degree of pathophysiology depends on the stage and extent of disease, areas of neuronal involvement (CJ,…show more content…
Spasticity muscle stiffness, tightness or involuntary muscle contractions are frequent. They complicate walking and can significantly interfere with sleep. Vision is frequently affected. Optic neuritis is often a initial symptom of the disease (KJ, 2005). Double vision and jerky movements of the eyes can occur. Written materials should be printed in 14-point font for people with multiple sclerosis (KJ, 2004). Mobility problems can be ambulatory, walk with the assistance of a cane or walker, require manual or power wheelchairs, or be totally confined to a bed. Neurological or sensory problems include numbness, tingling, and pain. Lack of sensation can be a serious issue when it comes to self-reporting injuries, pressure sores, burns, etc.. Tremors are a very disabling symptom and usually become more pronounced when the person tries to reach for something. It significantly affects hand dexterity and the ability to feed oneself, write or any other manipulation that requires fine motor

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