What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

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Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a strong disease that affects a person emotionally, physically and also sexually. This disease usually appears in premature adulthood and leads to major physical disability and emotional sorrow. The person that has MS will need a lot of support from health and social professionals as well as family and friends. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines MS as: ‘A chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that typically presents in the third or fourth decade of life’ (WHO, 2008). Multiple sclerosis is an illness that affects the brain and spinal cord. It leads to problems with vision, muscle control, balance and sensation.MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system—a…show more content…
There are not available any diagnostic tests or procedures to help catch this disease early. Yet, there are a few current theories that explain the cause of MS such as interaction of environmental and genetic factors. These factors are geographical, genetic, viral, infective and maybe related to a shortage of vitamin D (D’Arcy, 2012). Multiple sclerosis affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States, more than 50,000 people in Canada, and 2.5 people million worldwide. Multiple sclerosis is at least two to three times more common in women than in men, which suggests that hormones may play a vital role in determining an individual’s susceptibility (Miller, D. H. et all 2008). Also, the risk of getting MS is greater in siblings, twins and children of the patients that have MS. The areas with the highest rate of MS are northern United States, southern Canada, northern Europe, and New Zealand-most cases of MS occur in places above 40 degrees north. MS is related to northern latitudes where sunlight is limited and Vitamin D (made by the body when exposed to sunlight) deficiency is common. Scientists consider that vitamin D deficiency may activate MS in some people. In addition, it is believed that certain bacterial infection, viruses and fungi may help the development of…show more content…
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