Technology

The term demyelinating disease is used to refer to a condition which causes damage to the myelin sheath that surround the nerves present in the central nervous system. The overall result for the damage is that, the nerve impulses slow down and eventually stop being functional. For this particular essay, we shall focus on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which is most common type of a demyelinating disease.

Multiple sclerosis manifests itself when the immune system attacks both the myelin sheath and the cells that produce and maintain myelin sheath. Due to this, there are multiple areas of sclerosis in the brain which may eventually slow or stop nerve signals.

Common symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis include muscle weakness, poor coordination and memory failure. Other symptoms associated with the disease include urinary urgency and incontinence, blurred, double vision and impairment in terms taste and smell. The exact cause of the disease has not been ascertained but surveys indicate that the disease is hereditary. Both infectious and non-infectious environmental factors have also been associated with MS. Genetic susceptibility is also a common cause of the disease (MedicineHealth.com, 2010).

The disease is more prevalent in women than in men and often presents itself between the age of 20 and 40 but most of the onset signs present themselves at the age of 34. It is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms resemble those of other medical problems. Initially, medics were using both Schumacher and Poser criteria but they later shifted to the McDonald criteria (MedicineHealth.com, 2010). However, it is now simple in that, a follow up of clinical data for those who may have neurologic symptoms is normally sufficient to diagnose MS.

Currently, there is no known cure for MS but some therapies have proven to be of much help. Also some medical treatments are necessary in the management of MS but they often have adverse effects on ones mobility, energy level and eating habits. Patients have also shifted to the use of alternative treatments though scientific study does not back there use.