Multiple Sclerosis                                                  

MS or Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in the formation of lesions in the brain and spinal cord.  Eventually damage occurs to the myelin sheaths of neuron axons.  

As with many other autoimmune disease, a genetic factor is involved in MS.  MS is associated with HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DRB5 genes.  It is thought that molecular mimicry may be linked to the inflammatory responces. 

Image taken from: Knight Science  http://ksjtracker.mit.edu/2007/07/30/wires-dailies-lots-of-ink-multiple-genes-for-multiple-sclerosis-turn-up-in-multiple-studies-published-in-one-day/


Clinical Signs and Symptoms:

Numbness    weakness    partial/total loss of vision    tingling or pain in limbs    tremor    


Testing:

MRI, ImmunoFixation Electrophoresis, isoelectrophoresis Immunofixation. 

Treatment:

Supportive Care

 

 Credit: Rebekah Green