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Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system, recognized in England by Dr. Moxon in 1873, and in the United States by Dr. Edward Seguin in 1878., much of what can be learned about MS from careful observation was known: that the disease is more common in women than men, that it is not directly inherited, and that it can produce many different neurological symptoms.
In MS, cells and proteins of the body's immune system, which typically defend the body against infections, leave the blood vessels routing to the central nervous system, then pour into the brain and spinal cord, and destroy myelin. With MS, the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged by one's own immune system. Thus, the condition is called an autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune diseases are when the body's immune system, mistakenly attacks normal tissues. In MS, the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, the two components of the central nervous system. Other autoimmune diseases include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
The specific triggering factor which causes an immune system to attack its own myelin remains unknown. Although a viral infection on top of an inherited genetic predisposition is a leading deduction.
Scientist tend to agree, however, that MS involves a genetic tendency but it is not directly inherited. It usually causes sudden neurologic symptoms including vision loss, paralysis, numbness, and walking difficulties. The symptoms can be diverse and confusing, often coming and going without any pattern, making it difficult to diagnose, even with today's technologies.
Multiple Sclerosis is the most prevalent in Caucasians, in relation to any other ethnic group. It is found to be more common in young women, approximately 3 times more likely, then men. MS usually begins between ages 20 and 40. A family history and living in a geographical area with higher incidence of MS (northern Europe, northern United States, southern...