Multiple sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata is a condition that affects the spinal cord and brain. The component that is affected is mainly the protective cover or myelin sheath. One the sheath has been damaged, the function of the nervous system is compromised and this results in a number of signs and symptoms that may manifest both psychologically and physically. In a number of patients, these signs and symptoms resolve completely while in others it may result in serious complications. MS prevention aims at avoiding both the symptoms and complications in susceptible individuals.
Environment and genes are the two most significant risk factors. Affected persons have been found to posses several genetic aberrations. Relatives of affected persons are at a very high risk of contracting the same. The closer the relationship one has with such a patient, the higher the risk. Identical twins have the highest risk in the event that one of them is affected. Next are fraternal twins and siblings in that order.
There is strong evidence to suggest that microbes may play a role in the aetiology. This is backed by two theories. The first of these theories is the hygiene hypothesis. In this theory, the disease occurs after a second exposure to a certain microbe. The first exposure to the microbe results in a protective reaction. The second theory is the prevalence hypothesis which purports that certain types of microbes are isolated in persons living in areas with a higher prevalence of MS as compared to those living in lower prevalent areas.
A number of lifestyle behaviors are thought to help in the propagation of the condition. Doctors say that modifying these unhealthy habits will significantly lower the risk. They include, among others, smoking, stress, diet, occupational factors (exposure to toxins), vaccination and hormone intake.
The pathology of the condition is manifested in three main ways; inflammation, formation of lesions and damage to nerve tissue. This is what causes the abnormalities that are seen clinically. Reaction between the sheath of nerve tissue and antibodies produced in the blood is thought to be the cause of this.
There are four clinical courses that have been described to date. These include the relapsing remitting, the primary and secondary progressive and the progressive relapsing type. All these have specific features that distinguish them. For example, the relapsing remitting is intermittent in nature.
Generally, there is no way to prevent the attacks of MS. As such, the primary aim of therapy is to restore function after an attack, prevent new attacks and avoid disability. Interferon beta or glatiramer may delay disease progression in some cases of secondary progressive MS. Viral infections such as flu may trigger relapses, so are the first few months after delivery in women. Prompt treatment of such infections is recommended.
High temperatures have been found to be an exacerbating factor in these patients. They accelerate the deterioration of the nervous system especially for the components that have already been affected. It is recommended, therefore, that affected individuals use air conditioners whenever possible. They should avoid using hot tubs or hot swimming pools. As can be seen in all these situations, all MS prevention strategies revolve around avoidance of exacerbating factors.
Environment and genes are the two most significant risk factors. Affected persons have been found to posses several genetic aberrations. Relatives of affected persons are at a very high risk of contracting the same. The closer the relationship one has with such a patient, the higher the risk. Identical twins have the highest risk in the event that one of them is affected. Next are fraternal twins and siblings in that order.
There is strong evidence to suggest that microbes may play a role in the aetiology. This is backed by two theories. The first of these theories is the hygiene hypothesis. In this theory, the disease occurs after a second exposure to a certain microbe. The first exposure to the microbe results in a protective reaction. The second theory is the prevalence hypothesis which purports that certain types of microbes are isolated in persons living in areas with a higher prevalence of MS as compared to those living in lower prevalent areas.
A number of lifestyle behaviors are thought to help in the propagation of the condition. Doctors say that modifying these unhealthy habits will significantly lower the risk. They include, among others, smoking, stress, diet, occupational factors (exposure to toxins), vaccination and hormone intake.
The pathology of the condition is manifested in three main ways; inflammation, formation of lesions and damage to nerve tissue. This is what causes the abnormalities that are seen clinically. Reaction between the sheath of nerve tissue and antibodies produced in the blood is thought to be the cause of this.
There are four clinical courses that have been described to date. These include the relapsing remitting, the primary and secondary progressive and the progressive relapsing type. All these have specific features that distinguish them. For example, the relapsing remitting is intermittent in nature.
Generally, there is no way to prevent the attacks of MS. As such, the primary aim of therapy is to restore function after an attack, prevent new attacks and avoid disability. Interferon beta or glatiramer may delay disease progression in some cases of secondary progressive MS. Viral infections such as flu may trigger relapses, so are the first few months after delivery in women. Prompt treatment of such infections is recommended.
High temperatures have been found to be an exacerbating factor in these patients. They accelerate the deterioration of the nervous system especially for the components that have already been affected. It is recommended, therefore, that affected individuals use air conditioners whenever possible. They should avoid using hot tubs or hot swimming pools. As can be seen in all these situations, all MS prevention strategies revolve around avoidance of exacerbating factors.
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