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A Review Of MS Prevention

| Thursday, 22 August 2013
By Andrea Davidson


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.

The aetiology is believed to be a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. A number of genetic variations have been found in the individuals affected with the condition. Relatives of affected individuals have an increased risk of getting the condition. The closer one is to the affected individual, the higher the chances. Identical twins are said to be at the highest risk of suffering from the disorder if one of them is affected. These are followed by fraternal twins and siblings.

The role for microbes is backed by two theories namely the hygiene theory and the prevalent theory. In the hygiene theory, a microbe will only result into MS on a second exposure. The first exposure causes an immunological reaction that is protective. In the prevalent theory, it is said that certain microorganisms are associated with geographical areas known to have a high prevalence of the condition and thus are thought to play a role.

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.

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.

Four clinical courses exist; relapsing remitting, secondary and primary progressive and progressive relapsing. The relapsing remitting form is characterized by alternating periods of disease manifestation (relapse) and asymptomatic periods (remission). Secondary progressive occurs as a later stage of relapsing remitting type in 65% cases.

The priority after an episode of CNS attack should be to rehabilitate the affected individual and to prevent secondary attacks. Disability should be prevented if possible. Interferon beta and glatiramer are two drugs that have become very useful in the control of progression. There is a strong recommendation for prompt treatment of infections as these are a significant risk factor.

High levels of temperature have been established to be a factor that worsens the signs and symptoms. They lead to the deterioration of the nerves that have already been affected and for this reason they should be avoided at all costs. If air conditioners are available, they should always be put in sue. Hot swimming pools and tubs are to be avoided. MS prevention, as seen here, involves the removal of any exacerbating factors.




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