Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system by causing the immune system to attack the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibers. This interferes with communication between the brain and body and can cause varied symptoms depending on which nerves are affected. While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and attacks. Managing a healthy lifestyle and seeking social support can also help those living with MS.

1. Multiple Sclerosis
By:
Kennedy T.
Julia Y.
Cody C.
William M.

2. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central
nervous system. The immune system attacks the
myelin sheath, a protective coating, that protects
signals that are sent through the nerve. This causes
communication problems between the body and the
brain. The disease eventually deteriorates the nerves
until they cannot function properly. Symptoms vary
widely depending on which nerves are being affected.
There is currently no cure for this disease.
Overview Will
McCullough

3. Etiology Cody Custer
The cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown, but
scientists believe that several different factors are
involved. These factors include environmental,
infectious, immunological, and genetic. In areas farther
from the equator, MS is more common due to the lack
of vitamin D. Smoking may play a huge role in MS as
well. Having a first-degree relative with multiple
sclerosis significantly increases an individual’s risk of
developing the disease too. MS causes nerves to
become exposed and the brain has difficulty sending
signals to the rest of the body. The disconnection
between the brain and the muscles, tissues, cells, and
organs made by the damaged nerves causes multiple
sclerosis symptoms.

4. Signs and Symptoms of MS Kennedy
Trotter
Multiple signs of MS include;
- Blurred or Double Vision - Fatigue
- Unusual Sensations - Muscle Spasms
- Dizziness/Trouble Walking
- Weakness in Arm or Leg
People with MS tend to start having symptoms between
ages 20 and 40 years old. Multiple sclerosis symptoms are
caused by damage to the protective sheath around the
nerves of your spine or brain. The damage causes scarring
making it hard for signals to travel between the brain and
the body. The signs and symptoms are slightly different for
children. The symptoms might start after the child has a
nerve disorder called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
(ADEM). ADEM symptoms often consist of headache,
confusion, fever, seizures, stiff neck, coma, and weakness.

5. Diagnosis and Tests
Julia YepesTo diagnose multiple sclerosis, a careful discussion about the patient’s medical history will
take place between the physician. The diagnosis is highly dependent on the patient’s
medical history and the physician’s skill on evaluating the information.During
examination, the physician will check for exaggerated reflexes such as Babinski’s reflex. An
eye examination will also take place to determine optic nerve damage. For some patients,
some tests go beyond medical history and major diagnostic tools will be used.
MRI’s: Most non-invasive and sensitive method that will be able to detect
areas of demyelination. It also provides the clearest evidence of white matter lesions in the
CNS.
Visual Evoked Potentials: VEP’s are electrical responses to repeated stimuli to
detect optic neuritis.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials: BAEPs detect abnormalities in
patients with demyelinating lesions in the brainstem.
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials: SSEPs deliver brief electrical stimuli to the
wrist or ankle and permits detection of disruptions in the pathways from the arms and legs
to the brain at very specific positions of the CNS.

6. Treatment and Care
Julia YepesThere are multiple medical professionals that assist
in treating multiple sclerosis.
Neurologist: Involved in testing,
diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management.
Neuropsychologist: Helps manage
your mental functions.
Nursing Professional: Helps in areas
including maintaining general good health,
assessment and management of symptoms.
Physiatrist: Responsible for
rehabilitation medicine. Designs a treatment plan
to help you function at the highest level.

7. Treatment and Care
Julia YepesThere is no cure for multiple sclerosis, however, there are available
treatments for managing MS.
For MS attacks, there are two treatments.
Corticosteroids: These are prescribed to reduce and treat nerve
inflammation.
Plasmapheresis: Also known as plasma exchange; the liquid
portion of your blood, or plasma, is removed and separated from your
blood cells.
For treating MS symptoms, there are 4.
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist aids in helping you with
strengthening exercises to make daily tasks easier.
Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxants such as baclofen and
tizanidine helps ease the stiffness you may experience.
Medications to Reduce Fatigue: There are different types of
medication to reduce fatigue MS patients could use.
Other Medications: Other medications are also prescribed for

8. Living and Managing Cody
Custer
Multiple sclerosis is a long-lasting condition that
can affect one's lifestyle in many ways. Luckily,
there are tons of things you can do to stay positive
and upbeat;
- Get Help if Needed - Keep a Diary
- Find a Support Group
- Consider Counseling
- Eat Healthy, Rest, and Exercise
- Follow Treatment Plan

9. References
www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/home/ovc-20131882
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/What-Causes-MS
http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/effects-on-the-body
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/living-with-multiple-sclerosis
http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/doctors#Physiatrist8
http://msfocus.org/diagnose-multiple-sclerosis.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/diagnosis-