Pathophysiologic Condition: Multiple Sclerosis

This paper will be looking at the pathophysiologic condition- Multiple Sclerosis(MS), specifically exploring the pathophysiological process of the disease, signs and symptoms accompanied, and treatments identified as therapies targeting the symptoms. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2016), multiple sclerosis is defined as “unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and the body.” Although the etiology or cause of MS remains unknown, there is much research being conducted to categorize influences of many factors contributing to the onset of the disease. Borazanci et al. 2009 conclude that a mixture of genetics and environmental

Common findings are neurodefecits in the central nervous system (CNS) such as chronic neurologic demyelination and inflammation of the CNS, lesions found in the neural space of the person, and an inappropriate immune response (Borazanci et al. 2009). Loss of myelin in the CNS leads to inappropriate action potential activation in which the axons of the neurons become inflamed over time and potentially lead to axon damage and/or loss (Nickerson 2013). Nickerson 2013 also stated that this long term inflammation could be contributing to the long term disabilities associated with MS. Loss of myelin in the axons of neurologic cells lead to many things; one being the formation of astrocytic scarring forming on the myelin sheaths (Newlan et

Newman et al 2009 found that the chronic demyelination of can have an excitatory effect on the spinal cord and focal lesions found in the spinal cord are common in early onset signs of MS. Other less visible and subjective symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis reported by this group include fatigue, pain, depression, sleep disturbances and reported decreased quality of life. Initial symptoms include blurred or double vision in which the Optic and Oculomotor neurons of the brain are affected. Women are qualitatively diagnosed more often than men and Newman et al. 2009 assessed the pain perception of this group. Pain is highly subjective and an important contributor to the associated decreased quality of life of persons with Multiple Sclerosis limiting their work and social interactions . A heightened perception of pain with women diagnosed with MS is most likely due to the exposure of the myelin sheaths and the inflammatory response during the demyelination phase associated with active disease lesions (Newman et al.