The Effects of Multiple Sclerosis on Human Body

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that involves the Central Nervous System. Multiple Sclerosis was first delineated in 1868 by French medical specialist Jean-Martin who was a neurologist. Since the early years of the 19th century, specialists depended on mysticism, wild speculation and 'the traditional philosophy' to treat the ill.Probably the earliest multiple sclerosis history is the case of Lidwina the Virgin, who lived in Schiedam, Holland. Lidwina acquired an acute illness in 1395, age 16, and eventually fell when she skated on a frozen river. The disease destroys the myelin (layer that forms around the nerves), which supports the nerves, causes inflammation and also affects the myelin. With the myelin being destroyed, it makes it very difficult for the brain to pass a massage to the remaining parts of the body. Myelin is designed to transfer nerve signals across nerve fibers.

MS has multiple effects on the human body if not alleviated. A few of the effects could be brain delays- having difficulty thinking, confusion, in some cases, it can also cause seizures. The MS-induced nerve injury can also lead to hand-eye coordination issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and indications of Multiple Sclerosis fluctuates broadly and rely upon the measure of nerve harm and which nerves are influenced. Multiple Sclerosis signs and symptoms are very different from person to person. 'It is a disease with unpredictable symptoms which will vary in intensity. While some people experience fatigue and numbness, severe cases of MS can cause paralysis, vision loss, and diminished brain function. Some symptoms of MS could include: vision problems, tingling and numbness, pains and spasms, weakness or fatigue, balance problems or dizziness, bladder issues, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive problems'.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 'More than 2.3 million people currently have an MS diagnosis'. A recently conducted prevalent analysis in the U.s, sponsored by the National MS Society, has reported that about 1 million people above the age of 18 are dealing with an MS diagnosis. Until today, scientists, researchers, and doctors are still unsure of what causes Multiple Sclerosis. Nearly all the people that are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis have no determinant condition. However, having a family background of Multiple Sclerosis still increases that risk, it is still not considered a hereditary disease. A few researchers say that the immune attack is caused by specific types of viral infections.

There is no proof that there is transmission of Multiple Sclerosis from one person to another. Thus, the disease is not said to be infectious, therefore people are unable to get it from any person with MS they could encounter. There are several successful treatments for managing Multiple Sclerosis. These forms of medications can be recommended for various separate treatment groups for MS. The first type is to delay the development of the disease; next is to reduce the intensity and extent of a relapse; and lastly is to specifically address the side effects. According to Medical New Today, in 2017 the FDA approved a radical new medication for the treatment of MS. The medication was also the first to be authorized for the treatment of PPMS. Work performed by a group of researchers has proved that ocrelizumab decreases recurrences dramatically in relapsing MS and delays disease development in PPMS. “Ocrelizumab, as with many other MS treatments, is an immunosuppressant drug. While most drugs for MS target T cells, ocrelizumab targets a subset of B cells that are thought to play a role in the destruction of myelin.”

References

1. Ghasemi, N., Razavi, S., & Nikzad, E. (2017). Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Diagnoses and Cell-Based Therapy. Cell journal, 19(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.22074/cellj.2016.4867
2. Myssaa, M. (2020, February 26). History of Multiple Sclerosis. Retrieved April 30, 2020, from https://mymsaa.org/ms-information/overview/history/
3. “Multiple Sclerosis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Apr. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269.
4. Orrell R. W. (2005). Multiple Sclerosis: The History of a Disease. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 98(6), 289. http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/history
5. Worth, Tammy. “What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?: Everyday Health.” EverydayHealth.com, 9 Apr. 2018, www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/what-causes-ms/. https://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/what-causes-ms/
6. Nichols, Hannah. “Multiple Sclerosis: Are We Close to a Cure?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International , 21 Aug. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319061.