Multiple Sclerosis Christine Martin A

Background Information Helen, a 28-year-old woman, has noticed strange “pins and needles” feelings in her feet and hands. She has been very tired lately and she says that when she goes to the gym “she just feels weak.” She says that her inability to exercise has been making her feel depressed. Her vision seems to be getting worse and she’s made an appointment with her ophthalmologist for later in the week. Most recently, she has experienced moments of unsteadiness when she walks. She was a gymnast in high school; she has never had a problem with balance before. She has noticed that her symptoms seem to come and go. She experiences periods of fatigue and balance problems, but the majority of the time she feels just fine.

Patient Symptoms “Pins and needles” feeling in feet and hands - parietal She has been very tired lately and “just feels weak” – pineal glad Lack of exercise makes her feel depressed - amygdala Her vision is getting worse – occipital lobe Unsteadiness when she walks - cerebellum Symptoms tend to come and go Overall, many fatigue and balance problems

What is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Common Symptoms Include: Fatigue Numbness Walking, Balance, & Coordination Problems Bladder Dysfunction Bowel Dysfunction Vision Problems Dizziness and Vertigo Pain Cognitive Dysfunction Emotional Changes Depression

Error in Communication The immune system attacks the central nervous system and damages the myelin sheaths surrounding the nerves. Any damage to the myelin sheaths or the nerve fibers creates scar tissue around the nerves. This “sclerosis,” or hardening, distorts and interrupts signals from the brain producing the variety of symptoms.

Prognosis The prognosis for MS varies dramatically because the disease affects each person differently. Most people, however, can live a near-normal life while learning to minimize the symptoms The majority of patients with MS do not become severely disabled, but 20 years after their diagnosis 1/3 of patients will be in a wheelchair In general, women tend to have a better outlook than men Suicide rates are 7.5 times higher for MS patients than the general population Some of the most common causes of death in MS patients are secondary complications resulting from immobility, chronic urinary tract infections, and compromised swallowing and breathing

Neurologist A neurologist is a medical doctor who has trained in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. A neurologist would be able to help Helen because her disease relates directly to a problem in the nervous system, the deterioration of myelin sheaths.

Ophthalmologist An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. An ophthalmologist would be able to help Helen because one of the common symptoms of MS is vision problems.

Sources le_sclerosis_000017_4.htm le_sclerosis_000017_4.htm sclerosis/DS sclerosis/DS00188