1. Multiple Sclerosis

2. What is MS? This is a chronic and often disabling disease in which the body’s immune system (t-cells) attacks the central nervous system. This damage is not reversible or preventable. This is a chronic and often disabling disease in which the body’s immune system (t-cells) attacks the central nervous system. This damage is not reversible or preventable.

3. The body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. Once the sheath is damaged t-cells excrete a chemical that further damages the nerve. This damage is irreversible. The body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. Once the sheath is damaged t-cells excrete a chemical that further damages the nerve. This damage is irreversible. The scarring left behind (sclerotic tissue) causes loss of feeling, function, or control.

4. How do you get it? o MS is not contagious and allegedly not directly inherited. The actual cause is still not known. o MS affects more than 2.1 million people world wide and is 2-3 times more common in women than men.

5. Diagnosis o Extensive neurological testing including coordination, balance, language, and vision. o Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on brain, neck and spinal cord. o Spinal tap to test for oligoclonal bands.

6. Diagnosis o Extensive neurological testing including coordination, balance, language, and vision. o Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on brain, neck and spinal cord. o Spinal tap to test for oligoclonal bands.

7. 4 Types of MS o Relapse Remitting (most common) o Secondary-Progressive o Progressive-Relapsing (least common) o Primary progressive

8. Treatment o Immunosuppressant therapy o Myelin “bodyguard” o Manage symptoms o Improve function and safety o Many types of therapy o Stay healthy and active

9. Future Treatment possibilities Chemotherapy and Stem cell use are both being tried in the lab but neither are being allowed to test on human subjects.