Pathophysiology: Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is an auto immune disease which effects the body’s central nervous

system. An auto immune disease is one in which the body’s immune response attacks itself. In

the case of Multiple Sclerosis the central nervous system attacks the myelin sheaths which is a

protective layer on nerve fibers (“Multiple Sclerosis”, 2017). The destruction of the myelin

sheaths can lead to issues since the nerves can become damaged. Progression of the disease can

lead to the patient’s inability to walk and inability to perform the daily activities of living.

If there is suspension of Multiple Sclerosis the healthcare practitioner will order an MRI

test to confirm diagnosis. The MRI of the brain and spinal cord will show lesions. These lesions

are results of the scarring that occurs from the damaged myelin sheaths (“Multiple Sclerosis:

Diagnosis”, 2017). Since Multiple Sclerosis attacks nerves, the damage caused to the nerves can

lead to issues with vision, weakness in extremities, tremors, unstable gait, muscle stiffness or

spasms, and slurred speech (Multiple Sclerosis”, 2017).

The onset of symptoms varies depending on the type of multiple sclerosis the patient.

Currently, there are four different types of onset which includes relapsing-remitting, primary

progression, secondary progression and progressive-relapsing. There is no cure for multiple

sclerosis, but with treatment the disease’s progression can be slowed down. Patients diagnosed

with Multiple Sclerosis are encouraged to participate in therapies such as occupational and

physical therapy to help with mobility and help to perform daily tasks of living such as feeding

and dressing oneself.

 References

Albumin (Blood). (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/

encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=albumin_blood

Complete blood count (CBC). (2018, January 09). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://

www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complete-blood-count/about/pac-20384919

Diabetes. (2018, August 08). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/

diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451

Hematocrit test. (2018, January 06). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://

www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hematocrit/about/pac-20384728

Hyponatremia. (2018, May 08). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373711

Multiple Sclerosis. (2017, August 04). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/

syc-20350269

Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosis. (2017, August 04). Retrieved November 12, 2018, from https://

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/

drc-20350274