3-7. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

a. Definition of Multiple Sclerosis. This is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by demyelination (destruction or loss of myelin from the sheath of a nerve) of the white matter of the brain and the spinal cord. (Myelin is a fatty substance that is a major part of the sheath that protects the axon of some nerve cells.)

b. Cause of Multiple Sclerosis. There are theories about what causes MS, but the exact cause of the disease is not known. The disease is more prevalent in cool climates. Young adults between 20 and 40 years of age are more affected by MS than people in other age groups.

c. Signs/Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Signs and symptoms do not have a predictable pattern. They may last for hours or weeks, or come and go. The disease is characterized by remission and then weakness of the extremities, incontinence, and Charcot's triad. Signs and symptoms of Charcot's triad include nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes), tremor, or scanning speech. Other signs and symptoms of MS include the following:

(1) Ataxia (failure or irregularity of muscular coordination).

(2) Impaired pain and temperature sensation.

(3) Elevated gamma globulin in the cerebrospinal fluid.

d. Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. There is no specific therapy for this disease. Steroids, however, offer temporary benefit. Treatment for the condition requires symptomatic general care.