Disseminated sclerosis
| Multiple sclerosis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Disseminated sclerosis, encephalomyelitis disseminata |
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| Demyelination by MS. The CD68 colored tissue shows several macrophages in the area of the lesion. Original scale 1:100 | |
| Specialty | Neurology |
| Symptoms | Double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, trouble with sensation, trouble with coordination |
| Usual onset | Age 20–50 |
| Duration | Long term |
| Causes | Unknown |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms and medical tests |
| Treatment | Medications, physical therapy |
| Prognosis | 5–10 year shorter life expectancy |
| Frequency | 2 million (2015) |
| Deaths | 18,900 (2015) |
| Classification |
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| External resources |
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems. Specific symptoms can include double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, trouble with sensation, or trouble with coordination. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely; however, permanent neurological problems often remain, especially as the disease advances.
While the cause is not clear, the underlying mechanism is thought to be either destruction by the immune system or failure of the myelin-producing cells. Proposed causes for this include genetics and environmental factors such as being triggered by a viral infection. MS is usually diagnosed based on the presenting signs and symptoms and the results of supporting medical tests.
There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatments attempt to improve function after an attack and prevent new attacks. Medications used to treat MS, while modestly effective, can have side effects and be poorly tolerated. Physical therapy can help with people's ability to function. Many people pursue alternative treatments, despite a lack of evidence. The long-term outcome is difficult to predict, with good outcomes more often seen in women, those who develop the disease early in life, those with a relapsing course, and those who initially experienced few attacks.Life expectancy is on average 5 to 10 years lower than that of an unaffected population.
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