Clinical Introduction to Multiple Sclerosis

Question 1

What is the epidemiology of MS?

Answer 1

It is a western disease, more prevalent in woman and in the age class of 20-40.

Question 2

What is the clinical pathology of MS?

Answer 2

Demyelination of axons which can be seen on MRI as demyelinating lesions, and neuronal degeneration which leads to loss of tissue and an increase in fluid.

Question 3

What are the possible causes of MS?

Answer 3

Genetic (not that high risk) and environmental factors such as Vitamin D, smoking, obesity, and the EBV virus.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of MS?

Answer 4

Optic neuritis (decreased visuals/color vision), diplopia (see double), Lhermitte’s symptom (spinal lesions), decreased motor function, bladder dysfunction, loss of psychological functions, and fatigue.

Question 5

What are the two subtypes of MS?

Answer 5

Relapsing-remitting MS and Secondary progressive MS (where there are no more relapses but severe damage).

Question 6

How is MS diagnosed?

Answer 6

‘Dysfunction of variable areas of the brain or spinal cord at more than one occasion in time: Dissemination in space and time.’ Dissemination in space is that we want to see 2 or more lesions at different places. Dissemination in time means there are more than 1 relapses with new lesions.
Also, oligoclonal bands presence in the cerebrospinal fluid could diagnose MS.