m Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the

Central Nervous System (CNS).

m It is also thought of as an autoimmune
disorder.
m Invisible disease.
m Not considered fatal.
m Not contagious.
m Twice as common in women as men.
m Myelin is made up of
lipids and proteins.
m It acts as a type of
insulation around the
axon of nerves.
m Demyelinazation occurs
when the myelin sheath
becomes damaged.
© In MS, this is the result of
an abnormal
autoimmune reaction.
m !eredity
m Environmental
m geographical
m ×ery unpredictable!
m Symptoms vary from one individual to
the next, and also from one
exacerbation to the next.
m Symptoms can fully disappear after
exacerbations.
m atigue m Depression
m Muscle Control m Sexual dysfunction
problems m Numbness/Tingling
m Slurred speech m ×ertigo
m Tremors m ×ision problems
m Stiffness m Cognitive problems
m Bladder problems m Paralysis
m Pain
m Can be difficult to diagnose because of
the nature of the symptoms.
m No specific laboratory tests available to
test for MS.
m MRI·s are most often used in diagnosing
and monitoring MS.
© ¦ther tests that can be used are spinal taps
and evoked potential tests
m Medical !
m Neurological examination
m MRI
m Spinal tap
m There are four main types of MS:
© Relapsing/Remitting (RRMS)
© Secondary Progressive (SPMS)
© Progressive Relapsing/Remitting (PRMS)
© Primary Progressive (PPMS)

m
  
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m This is generally the first
diagnosis of MS in the
20·s to 30·s.
m Approximately 85% of
cases.
m Women are twice as
likely to have this
diagnosis.
m Characterized by
relapses or
exacerbations followed
by periods of remission.
m About half of
individuals with RRMS
will develop this type
of MS after a number
of years.
m This starts out as RRMS,
however over time
there will not be real
recovery after
relapses, just a
worsening progression
of symptoms.
m Characterized by
relapses followed by
periods of remission,
however, during those
periods of remission
there is a general
worsening of
symptoms.
m Approximately 5% of
cases.
m There are no real remissions
with this type of MS. Instead
there is a gradual worsening
of symptoms over time.
m ¦nset is generally around
late 30·s to early 40·s.
m Men are just as likely as
women to be diagnosed.
m Primary onset is in the spinal
cord, but may travel to the
brain.
m Individuals with this type of
MS are less likely to suffer
from brain damage.
m Approximately 10% of cases.
m There is currently no cure for MS.
m Treatments focus on:
© Slowing down the disease (disease
modifying)
© Specific symptom treatment
© Exacerbation treatment
m These treatments focus their effects on the
autoimmune system.
m Interferon Drugs
© Avonex
© Rebif
m Copaxone
m Novantrone
m The treatment of symptoms is something
that is very common for individuals with
MS.
m Regular, prescription drugs are used
along with some over the counter drugs.
m Some individuals also use herbal
remedies.
m Main treatment is corticosteroids
© Solu-Medrol (Methylprednisolone)
© Deltasone (Prednisone)
© Decadron (Dexamethasone)
m They have the ability to ´close the damaged blood-brain barrier
and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system.µ
m Usually given by I× either in the hospital or as an outpatient.
© 4 day treatment course followed by decreasing oral corticosteroids
m Side effects
© Increased appetite, indigestion, nervousness/restlessness, trouble
sleeping, headaches, increased sweating, increased hair growth (body
and face)

m
  
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m Anxiety, Anxiety, Anxiety
m Some medications can cause
depression
m Some symptoms can greatly affect a
person and make them feel inadequate
m [et enough rest
m Exercise
m Be careful with heat
m Eat well balanced diet