1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) By: Morgan Farr Biology 1010

2. What is it? Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped. (ex: extension cord) The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system.

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4. Early Warning Signs Most cases of MS are diagnosed between ages 20-40. Some of the most common symptoms of MS are: Tingling (especially in extremities) Numbness Loss of balance Weakness in one or more limbs Blurred or double vision Fatigue and dizziness

5. What are the Symptoms? Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions). Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body. Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks. It is common for the disease to return (relapse). However, the disease may continue to get worse without periods of remission.

6. How to Diagnose Tests to diagnose multiple sclerosis include: Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap) for cerebrospinal fluid tests, including CSF oligoclonal bandingCSF oligoclonal banding MRI scan of the brain and MRI scan of the spine are important to help diagnose and follow MS MRI scan of the brain Evoked potentials

7. Treatments There is no cure for MS yet but there are some treatments to help slow the progress of this disease. A few of these are: Interferons (Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif) Copaxone Novantrone Tysabri My mom has MS and takes Avonex. It is an intramuscular shot once a week in the thigh. So far it has done a great job slowing and basically stopping the diseases progression. The side effects are like having the flu the day after taking the shot (body aches, fatigue, headache)

8. Prognosis Although MS is chronic and incurable, many people can still live a normal or almost normal life and their life expectancy can be unaffected too. – Some people/groups have a better outlook: Women Those diagnosed when young (less than 30) Those with infrequent attacks Those with relapsing-remitting pattern

9. References PubMed Health website-diseases and conditions-Multiple Sclerosis WebMD-Multiple Sclerosis YouTube National Multiple Sclerosis Society Cleveland Clinic Medline Plus Mayo Clinic