Multiple Sclerosis
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- Category: Other
- Date Submitted: 05/10/2010 01:29 PM
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Multiple Sclerosis
The Causes:
The causes of multiple sclerosis are unexplained but there are 4 main theories that have tried to explain the causes. The four theories include:
* The immune system
* The environment – A virus may trigger your immune system into attacking your own body.
* Where you live – countries further from the equator suffer more.
* Genetics- if someone in your family has m.s you will be more likely to get it.
The symptoms:
* eye problems, including pain and blurred or double vision
* fatigue
* muscle weakness, stiffness and spasms
* bladder and bowel problems
* loss of balance, coordination and dizziness
* pain
* numbness or tingling of your skin
* difficulty speaking and swallowing
* feeling emotional, anxious or depressed
* sexual difficulties
Diagnosis:
There are different types of diagnosis but most of them depend on the symptoms you have for multiple sclerosis the diagnosis are:
* Neurological examination: This is when your neurologist will look for changes or weakness in your eye movements, leg or hand coordination, balance, speech, and reflexes. This will see if your nerve pathways are damaged.
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: If you have a magnetic resonance imaging scan, you lie down inside a machine called an MRI scanner, while a strong magnetic field creates a detailed image of your brain and spinal cord. MRI scans can show whether there is any damage or scarring of the myelin in your central nervous system.
* Evoked potentials: An evoked potentials test involves small electrodes being placed on your head, which monitor your brain waves in response to what you see and hear. It is painless and can show whether it takes your brain longer than normal to receive messages.
* Lumbar puncture: A lumber puncture is also sometimes called a spinal tap. A sample of your cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord) is taken...
The Causes:
The causes of multiple sclerosis are unexplained but there are 4 main theories that have tried to explain the causes. The four theories include:
* The immune system
* The environment – A virus may trigger your immune system into attacking your own body.
* Where you live – countries further from the equator suffer more.
* Genetics- if someone in your family has m.s you will be more likely to get it.
The symptoms:
* eye problems, including pain and blurred or double vision
* fatigue
* muscle weakness, stiffness and spasms
* bladder and bowel problems
* loss of balance, coordination and dizziness
* pain
* numbness or tingling of your skin
* difficulty speaking and swallowing
* feeling emotional, anxious or depressed
* sexual difficulties
Diagnosis:
There are different types of diagnosis but most of them depend on the symptoms you have for multiple sclerosis the diagnosis are:
* Neurological examination: This is when your neurologist will look for changes or weakness in your eye movements, leg or hand coordination, balance, speech, and reflexes. This will see if your nerve pathways are damaged.
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: If you have a magnetic resonance imaging scan, you lie down inside a machine called an MRI scanner, while a strong magnetic field creates a detailed image of your brain and spinal cord. MRI scans can show whether there is any damage or scarring of the myelin in your central nervous system.
* Evoked potentials: An evoked potentials test involves small electrodes being placed on your head, which monitor your brain waves in response to what you see and hear. It is painless and can show whether it takes your brain longer than normal to receive messages.
* Lumbar puncture: A lumber puncture is also sometimes called a spinal tap. A sample of your cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord) is taken...