Multiple Sclerosis Overview

An autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

MS is more common in women, with a ratio of approximately 2:1, but affects men and women equally after the age of 50.

Typically, MS symptoms first appear in early adulthood, with the peak onset age between 20 and 40 years old.

The myelin sheath is damaged by the immune system, leading to demyelination and scarring, which disrupts communication between nerve cells.

MS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing communication problems and leading to a range of symptoms depending on the areas affected.

The blood-brain barrier normally protects the CNS, but in MS, immune cells can penetrate it, causing inflammation and damage.

T cells can break through the blood-brain barrier by attaching to adhesion molecules and releasing enzymes that weaken the barrier.

B cells and their antibodies also play a role in MS, triggering the complement cascade, which damages the myelin sheath.

A theory suggesting that MS is caused by a genetic predisposition.

Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with MS.

Caucasians have significantly higher MS rates compared to other racial groups.

Sunlight exposure and vitamin D levels play a role in MS risk; less sunlight may increase risk.

Lower levels of uric acid are associated with an increased risk of MS.

MS relapses are unpredictable and can occur without warning.

Relapsing Remitting, Secondary Progressive, Primary Progressive, and Progressive Relapsing.

MS symptoms may be similar to conditions like Lupus, Encephalitis, Migraine, Stroke, and even brain tumors.

The age at which the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis appear. A younger age of onset is associated with a more favorable prognosis.

The sex of the patient. Females tend to have a better prognosis than males.

The type of symptom experienced at the beginning of the disease. Optic neuritis or sensory symptoms are associated with a better prognosis.

The frequency of relapses in the early stages of the disease. A higher frequency of relapse is linked to a less favorable prognosis.

The progression of the disease. Relapsing-remitting MS, where symptoms worsen, then improve, is typically associated with a better prognosis than progressive MS, where symptoms worsen steadily.

High doses of intravenous corticosteroids given during acute relapses to shorten the attack. These potent anti-inflammatory drugs reduce swelling in the brain and spinal cord caused by an immune system attack on the nervous system.

A group of medications that aim to modify the course of multiple sclerosis by suppressing the immune system. Examples include interferon beta1a, interferon beta 1b, and glatiramer acetate.

A medication used to slow the progression of secondary-progressive MS and extend the time between relapses in both relapsing-remitting and progressive-relapsing MS. It is infused intravenously to reduce the risk of heart problems.

A type of medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation in the brain.

A drug that blocks the activation of T cells, which are a type of immune cell that can damage the myelin sheath in MS.

A drug that inhibits the growth of activated T cells, helping to reduce inflammation in the brain and slow the progression of MS.

An undesirable effect where the body develops antibodies against beta interferon, reducing its effectiveness.

A condition characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms, often affecting people with MS.

Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can lead to blurred vision and pain.

A common symptom of MS characterized by extreme tiredness and lack of energy.

Difficulty controlling bladder function, resulting in incomplete urination or urinary incontinence.

The blood-brain barrier may become more permeable due to infection or viruses, allowing T cells to enter the brain. These T cells can get trapped inside the brain once the barrier recovers, potentially contributing to inflammation and damage.

Axonal Transection is the complete and irreversible severing of axons, disrupting nerve signals. It occurs in MS, leading to thinning, loss of myelin, and eventually a complete loss of axons.

Remyelination is a repair mechanism in MS where oligodendrocytes attempt to rebuild the damaged myelin sheath around axons. However, repeated attacks result in less effective remyelination with each attempt, leading to scar-like plaques around damaged axons.

Episodes of worsening neurological function in MS, characterized by acute periods of symptom flare-ups.

A gradual and ongoing decline in neurological function in MS, leading to worsening symptoms over time.

A measure of disability and severity in MS that assesses various neurological functions including walking, coordination, vision, and cognitive abilities.

A type of MS characterized by a combination of relapses and progressive deterioration.

A type of MS characterized by a progressive decline in neurological function without any relapses.