Alzheimer's DiseaseMultiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis which is common in women is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and central nervous system. MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other effectively. MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. This can occur along any area of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord.It is unknown what exactly cause this. However environmental factor and gene defect are to be blame. You are slightly more likely to get this condition if you have a family history of MS
Symptoms vary, based on the severity of attack.Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks.Since nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in Muscles, Bowel and bladder,Eye, Numbness, tingling or pain speech and swallowing
Treatment
Medications are generally useful to to slow down the progression of MS and have to be taken on a long-term basis, they include:
- Interferons, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, and natalizumab
- Fingolimod
- Methotrexate, azathioprine, intravenous immunoglobulin and
- cyclophosphamide may also be used if the above drugs are not working well. Steroids may be used to decrease the severity of attacks.