Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. It is an autoimmune disease that affects the CNS. In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin coating of the neurone. Areas of scarred myelin are called lesions. These lesions interfere with transmission of nerve signals and cause the symptoms of MS.
True or False? MS is not infectious or contagious
True
MS is fatal. True or False
False
There is a cure for MS. True or False?
False
Can vary from day to day – symptoms can come and go and vary greatly in terms of severity
There may be periods of relapse of varying types of length and severity.
True or false?
True
How many people in the UK have MS?
85000
Ratio of MS affecting women:men
2:1
Usually diagnosed at what age?
Between 20’s and 30’s. Can appear in people older than this. Rare in teenagers and children
How is MS diagnosed?
There is no single test available to either diagnose or rule out MS. Instead, there are several tests/ procedures that are used:
- Neurological exam
- MRI scan
- Evoked potential tests
- Spinal tap
Criteria for MS diagnosing?
Must have objective evidence of two attacks.
The two attacks must be separated in time (at least one month) and space.
There should be no other explanation for these attacks or the symptoms the person is experiencing
What are the causes of MS?
Unknown - however there are several theories: Genetics e.g. sex, racial group Infection Ethnicity (caucasians > x2 likely) Hormones Environmental factors e.g. stress, diet
Not everyone with a genetic risk will develop MS - Why?
Risk is modified by environmental factors
e.g. Sunlight, Diet (Vit D), other lifetime experiences (infections?)
What are the four environmental factors that can affect MS?
Latitude (x5 more likely in temperate and cooler climates)
Migration (move 15years, risk is fixed at that of the country you grew up in)
SES (less common in lower class)
Infection (past infection may influence risk)
