What two priority concepts relate to MS?
Immunity and Mobility
What type of disease is MS?
Chronic, progressive, degenerative autoimmune disorder of the CNS
What is the underlying mechanism of MS?
Immune system attacks myelin causing demyelination and nerve impulse problems
What happens if demyelination continues?
Axonal damage becomes permanent
What does sclerosis mean?
Scar tissue
What does multiple sclerosis refer to?
Multiple areas of scar tissue in the CNS
What is the treatment goal for MS?
Prevent myelin damage
What is the most common type of MS?
Relapsing-remitting MS
Describe relapsing-remitting MS.
Clear relapses and remissions with near-complete recovery
Describe primary progressive MS.
Steady deterioration, no clear relapses or remissions
Describe secondary progressive MS.
Follows RRMS, relapses less clear, increasing disability
Describe progressive-relapsing MS.
Steady progression with acute relapses, no return to baseline
What three factors contribute to MS?
Immune dysfunction, genetics, environment
Who is most at risk for MS?
Women 20–49 years old
Which population has higher MS risk?
Caucasians of Northern European descent
What environmental factors increase MS risk?
Low sunlight, cool climate, low vitamin D
Common visual symptoms?
Blurred vision, double vision
Common sensory symptoms?
Numbness, tingling
Common motor symptoms?
Weakness, spasticity
Common cognitive symptoms?
Memory and concentration issues
Common speech symptom?
Dysarthria
Most common symptom of MS?
Fatigue
What makes MS symptoms worse?
Fatigue, stress, overexertion, temperature extremes, hot baths
What CSF test helps diagnose MS?
Lumbar puncture showing inflammation
