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Incidence
& Risk Factors
> Symptoms
Multiple
Sclerosis
Multiple
sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the central nervous system
(brain and spinal cord) involving decreased nerve function
associated with the formation of scars on the covering of
nerve cells. Multiple sclerosis involves repeated episodes
of inflammation of nervous tissue in any area of the central
nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The location of the
inflammation varies from person to person and from episode
to episode. The inflammation destroys the covering of the
nerve cells in that area (myelin sheath). This leaves
multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis) along the covering
of the nerve cells. Sclerosis slows or blocks the
transmission of nerve impulses in that area, resulting in
the development of the symptoms of MS.
Incidence
& Risk Factors
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
affects approximately 1 out of 1,600 people. Women are
affected about 60% of the time. The disorder most commonly
begins between 20 to 40 years old. MS is one of the major
causes of disability in adults under age 65.
The exact cause of the inflammation associated with MS is
unknown. Geographic studies indicate there may be an
environmental factor involved with MS. It has a higher
incidence in northern Europe, northern United States,
southern Australia, and New Zealand than in other areas of
the world. There seems to be a familial tendency toward the
disorder, with higher incidence in certain family groups
than in the general population. An increase in the number of
immune cells in the body of a person with MS indicates that
there may be a type of immune response that triggers the
disorder. The most frequent theories about the cause of
multiple sclerosis include a virus-type organism, an
abnormality of the genes responsible for control of the
immune system, or a combination of both factors.
Risks include a family history of MS and living in a
geographical area with a higher incidence rate for MS.
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Symptoms
Symptoms may vary with each
attack. They may last days to months, then reduce or
disappear, then recur periodically. Fever can trigger or
worsen attacks, as can hot baths, sun exposure, and stress.
Some symptoms include:
- weakness of one or more
extremities
- paralysis of one or more
extremities
- tremor of one or more
extremities
- muscle spasticity
(uncontrollable spasm of muscle groups)
- muscle atrophy
- movement, dysfunctional
- slowly progressive
- beginning in the legs
- numbness, decreased or
abnormal sensation in any area
- tingling
- facial pain
- pain in an extremity
- may start suddenly
- loss of vision -- usually
affects one eye at a time
- double vision
- eye discomfort
- rapid eye movements,
uncontrollable
- eye symptoms worsen on
movement of the eyes
- decreased coordination
- loss of balance
- decreased ability to
control small or intricate movements
- walking/gait abnormalities
- muscle spasms (especially
in the legs)
- dizziness
- vertigo
- urinary hesitancy,
difficult to begin urinating
- strong urge to urinate
(urinary urgency)
- frequent need to urinate
- incontinence (leakage of
urine, loss of control over urination)
- decreased memory
- decreased spontaneity
- decreased judgment
- loss of ability to think
abstractly
- loss of ability to
generalize
- depression
- decreased attention span
- slurred speech
- difficulty speaking or
understanding speech
- fatigue, tired easily
Additional symptoms that may be
associated with this disease:
- constipation
- hearing loss
- positive Babinski's reflex
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