Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory process that affects the components of the central nervous system namely the spinal cord and the brain. The condition preferentially affects the myelin sheath which is the protective covering of the spinal cord. Patients suffering from this condition will exhibit either psychological or physical symptoms or both. Fortunately, a number of patients will have a complete resolution of symptoms and will go back to normalcy. Others progress to chronic states. MS prevention should be aimed at stopping the onset of the symptoms.
The aetiological factors of this condition are a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Certain genetic variations have been shown to increase the risk of MS. The risk is higher in relatives of the affected individual with probability increasing among those very closely related. Identical twins have the highest chance of being victims, followed by fraternal twins, siblings and step siblings in that order. Predisposition is ten times higher when both parents are victims.
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.
Certain lifestyle habits and situations have also been linked to MS. These include smoking, stress, vaccination, diet, hormone intake and occupational factors such as toxins. Though the clear role of uric acid as a protective factor is yet to be seen, it has been found out that gout occurs less commonly in people with MS.
Pathologically, there are three main features of MS including formation of lesions, inflammation and damage to myelin sheaths. Interaction of these characteristics results in breakdown of nervous tissue and hence physical manifestation of signs and symptoms. Damage is also believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction in the body.
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.
The aetiological factors of this condition are a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Certain genetic variations have been shown to increase the risk of MS. The risk is higher in relatives of the affected individual with probability increasing among those very closely related. Identical twins have the highest chance of being victims, followed by fraternal twins, siblings and step siblings in that order. Predisposition is ten times higher when both parents are victims.
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.
Certain lifestyle habits and situations have also been linked to MS. These include smoking, stress, vaccination, diet, hormone intake and occupational factors such as toxins. Though the clear role of uric acid as a protective factor is yet to be seen, it has been found out that gout occurs less commonly in people with MS.
Pathologically, there are three main features of MS including formation of lesions, inflammation and damage to myelin sheaths. Interaction of these characteristics results in breakdown of nervous tissue and hence physical manifestation of signs and symptoms. Damage is also believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction in the body.
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.
