Presentation Outline on Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation Outline on Multiple Sclerosis

Outline

Multiple Sclerosis:

Definition: Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The exact antigen — or target that the immune cells are sensitized to attack — remains unknown, which is why MS is considered by many experts to be "immune-mediated" rather than "autoimmune."

Etiology: Etiology of MS is still not known, scientists believe that the interaction of several different factors may be involved. To answer this important question, studies are ongoing in the areas of immunology (the science of the body’s immune system).

Epidemiology:

There are about 300,000 patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis in the North America

The age of onset peaks between 20 and 30 years; 70% of patients manifest symptoms between ages 21 and 40

Disease rarely occurs prior to 10 or after 60 years of age, however, patients as young as 3 and as old as 67 have been described

Females are affected more frequently than males (1.4 to 3.1 times a women than men affected)

Etiology: Primary

1. Immunologic

2. Genetic

3. Environmental

4.Infections

Etiology: Secondary

Sex

Age

ethnicity

Pathophysiology: Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the CNS. In pathologic specimens, the demyelinating lesions of MS, called plaques, appear as indurated areas—hence the term sclerosis

Diagnosis:

Imaging tests, like an MRI

Spinal taps

Electrical tests

Blood tests

Manifestations:

Blurred or double vision

Thinking problems

Clumsiness or a lack of coordination

Loss of balance

Numbness

Tingling

Weakness in an arm or legs

I. Treatment: There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms. Some people have such mild symptoms that no treatment is necessary. Although there's not yet a cure for MS, there are many effective medications

Ampyra (dalfampridine)

Imuran (azathioprine)

Cytoxan Therapy

Novantrone (mitoxantrone IV)

Natalizumab (Tysabri)

Potent IV steroids

Botulinum toxin (Botox)

Interferon beta drugs - similar to proteins produced naturally by the body

Baclofen

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

J. Complications:

Muscle weakness

Sensorineural hearing loss

Fasciculation