Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the myelin sheath
that protects nerves that transmit messages to and from the brain
become partially damaged. An autoimmune condition is when the body’s
immune system attacks instead of heals. The transmission of messages in
the nervous system is similar to an electric wire that transmits
electrical signals and this cable of electric impulses is protected by
a sheath of fatty substances called myelin. The immune system by
mistake attacks the myelin as a foreign object that needs to be
destroyed.
The cause that creates the degeneration of myelin by the immune
system is not known, but there are many theories which indicate that
there are a variety of causes that can be the trigger. Research
has indicated that genetic factors have caused a substantial number of
cases, but there are many others such as an infection by a protein
virus, an aftermath of a cold or flu, muscle weakness, a strenuous
workout or after pregnancy. Some of the researchers are not even
sure it is an autoimmune condition which damages the myelin sheath.
Symptoms usually begin at age 20 and rarely begin after 65. The
first symptoms, ordinarily mild, may be weakness in a muscle, a
loss in coordination of a leg or hand, partial loss of vision in one
eye or pain in an eye. The degree of disability in patients with
multiple sclerosis varies. Some who have mild symptoms may have a
remission in symptoms, then recur intermittently and later recover
completely. Treatment for multiple sclerosis should be under the care
of a neurologist who must make a definite diagnosis of what the
condition is and recommend the most effective treatment.
Regardless of the treatment, a healthy lifestyle with proper
nutrition will be beneficial in the cure and prevention of multiple
sclerosis as well as almost all health problems. For more information
on a healthy lifestyle, view articles at no charge on “Keys to Reaching
the Century Mark” and “Alzheimer’s” on my website by clicking on the
link below.
