By: Lauren Bacchus & Casey Hansen

A chronic disease that attacks the CNS.

Sclerosis = scar tissue ; The body's own defensive system attacks the myelin, that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers in the CNS.

The nerve fibers are damaged

Fatigue Numbness Balance and coordination

problems Bladder dysfunction Bowel dysfunction Vision Problems Dizziness Sexual Dysfunction Pain Cognitive function Emotional changes;

depression Muscle spasms and

stiffness

Involves an autoimmune process.

The antigen is unknown, therefore the cause of the disease is also unknown .

There is evidence pointing to a viral cause, but is yet to be proven

Environmental and genetic

MS is most common in areas farther from the equator.

Caucasians with European ancestry but there are exceptions

Diagnosed between ages 20-50.2 to 3 times more women then men Not inherited

Numbness and limbsSevere paralysisLoss of vision*Varies depending on the

person

Incurable; The disease stays with you your entire life.

Life expectancy is the same as the unaffected.

A near normal life is possible in some cases.

Two kinds Relapsing- remitting Secondary progressive

Man with relapsing-remitting

Secondary progressive

There is no real cure

Slowing the disease course High doses of

corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation which can help treat attacks.

Rehabilitation; helps improve body function

Exercise and healthy diet

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/index.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_sclerosis

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/DS00188