Multiple+Sclerosis

Rachel and Emily B-E


 * Multiple Sclerosis** is an inflammatory disease where the nervous system cells around the brain and the spinal cord are damaged. This cell and spinal cord damage leads to scarring and and other symptoms. Although Multiple Sclerosis is not technically a mental disease, it can lead to many different mental illnesses. The average age when MS sets in is 33 and diagnosis is age 37. In the four years the disease takes to develop, many symptoms can arise.

__**Symptoms**__ MS is not directly passed down through families but some people are more susceptible to the disease. Females are almost twice as likely than males to get the disease and Caucasians with a European history are more likely to develop the disease, although anyone is able to be diagnose with it.
 * numbness
 * tingling
 * blurry/double vision
 * weakness in one or more limbs
 * loss of balance
 * slurred speech
 * sudden paralysis
 * difficulty with coordination
 * trouble with cognition
 * fatigue
 * heat sensitive
 * tremors

__**Public Perception of the Disease**__ The common public perception of MS is a disease that develops quickly and leaves people handicapped. Doctors are trying to change this belief because MS actually develops relatively slowly in most patients.

Medications are available to help with flare-ups.
 * __Treatments__ __(There is no cure)__**
 * Avonex (interferon beta-1a)
 * Betaseron (interferon beta-1b)
 * Copaxone (glatiramer acetate)
 * Extavia (interferon beta-1b)
 * Gilenya (fingolimod)
 * Novantrone (miltoxantrone)
 * Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
 * Tysabri (natalizumab)

Treating Exacerbations Exacerbations are caused by inflammation of the central nervous system that causes damage to the myelin sheath that hinders transmissions of nerve impulses by slowing them down or stopping them.
 * High-dose coricosteroids


 * __Similar Diseases to MS__**
 * Dementia
 * Parkinson's Disease

__Sources__
 * "Multiple Sclerosis." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Apr. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. .
 * "Multiple Sclerosis." //Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: Mental Problems//. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. .
 * "Early Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Tingling, Numbness, Balance, and More." //WebMD//. WebMD, 18 Apr. 0003. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. .
 * "National Multiple Sclerosis Society." //Treatments : National MS Society//. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. .
 * Warren, Sharon, and Kenneth G. Warren. //Multiple Sclerosis//. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2001. 23-25. Print.
 * Boyles, Salynn. "MS Progresses Slowly for Most Patients." //WebMD//. WebMD. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. .