Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Essay - 2355 Words

Introduction Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that majorly affects the brainand the spinal cord (A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia, 1). The disease affects the central nervous system and thus causes limitations of individuals to carry out various activities. In multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath that covers nerve cell axon is destroyed causing inflammation (MediResource Inc., 1). Destructionof the membrane leads to slowed conveyance of signals from the spinal cord to the brain, which as a result leads to reduced response to different stimuli. Inflammation of the nerve occurs mostly when the immune cells from the body attack the nervous system. The inflammation is not only limited to the spinal cord, but sometimes extends to†¦show more content†¦According to data from multiple sclerosis foundation, it is estimated that if any of the parents have thedisease the probability of one of their child getting the disease is about 5 % (Healthline 4). Scientists have the belief that the p ersons that are attacked by the diseases are born with a particular gene that is susceptible some unspecified environmental agents. Due to these genes, there is an immune response that is triggered whenever these individuals come into contact with the unspecified environmental agents. Environment, within which an individual lives, is also believed to contribute to the contracting of multiple sclerosis. In countries that are located far away from the equator there are higher chances of individuals suffering from this disease. This observation has been made by epidemiologists who believe that limited amount of vitamin D would be the cause (Healthline 5). People who live further from the equator have less exposure to sunlight, which is believed to be a natural source of vitamin D; and it is known to play part in functioning of the immune system. Since multiple sclerosis is linked to immune system, lack of adequate vitamins D would contribute to the prevalence of the disease in these places far from the equator. The other majorcause of multiple sclerosis is infections, which may be attributed to spread of bacteria or viruses. Inflammation in the nervous system is caused by viruses, which are believed to beShow MoreRelatedMultiple Sclerosis Essay824 Words   |  4 PagesMultiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder where the myelin sheath within the Central Nervous System is attacked (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2017). The myelin sheath protects the axon of the nerve cell. When the myelin sheath is intact, the axon is able to carry impulses away from the neuron’s cell body, and the message carried is clear. 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