In this essay the researcher will discuss the impact of Multiple Sclerosis and how it affects the immune system
by
soly87 (student)
Discuss the impact of an auto-immune disease and its impact on the immune system
By Kayleigh Solomon
Nursing A.
In this essay the researcher will discuss the impact of Multiple Sclerosis and how it affects the immune system; the essay will also include the impact of allergies on the immune system discussing secondary defense mechanisms.
"Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing problems with muscle movement, balance and vision" www.nhs.uk. The reason behind Multiple Sclerosis remains unknown, however researchers suggest there could be a number of factors including, immunologic which is when there is an abnormal immune system response, environmental factors, genetic although MS is not passed via genes there is more chance of it developing in an individual where the family is already effected, and infectious agents researcher believe there is a possible virus or infectious agent which triggers MS.
Multiple Sclerosis can affect both males and females and usually starts between the ages of 20-50 years old. Multiple Sclerosis is believed to be the cause of damage to the myelin sheath which protects each nerve fiber disrupting the transfer of impulses from the brain to the body. There are four types of MS which are, Relapsing-Remitting MS which is clearly defined attacks followed by complete or partial recovery, Secondary-progressive MS which occurs 10-20 years after diagnose, Primary-progressive MS which involves continuous or worsening symptoms from the beginning and Progressive-relapsing MS which is relatively rare and combines relapse with steady worsening
