Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. The insulating sheath around the nerves is progressively destroyed. This leads to a variety of distressing symptoms. It typically affects young adults. The cause is still unknown. New approaches to treatment are being tested including antibody therapies and a factor that may help nerve regeneration. Hopefully, future therapies for this devastating disease will be more than just palliative.
Disease: Multiple Sclerosis
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: What can be done about it?
Anti-inflammatory steroids have a role in reducing the duration and severity of acute attacks. Medicines which relax the muscles may be given to reduce muscle spasms. Other drugs are used to treat incontinence.
Newer treatments include forms of a protein called beta-interferon which has shown clinical benefits. Another development has been a drug which is thought to mimic part of the myelin sheath.
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What is it?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the central nervous system. Normally, nerves of the central nervous system are surrounded by an insulating cover called the myelin sheath. In MS, this sheath is progressively destroyed. When this happens the nerve dies. The patient's symptoms depend on where the damage occurs but can include double vision or blindness, speech difficulties, muscular weakness, incontinence, fatigue, pain and mood alterations.
The cause is unknown, but the immune system is thought to be involved in the inflammation that accompanies myelin destruction. -
Who gets it?
MS affects about 550,000 people in Europe. It is more common in northern Europe and affects more women than men. Typically MS strikes young adults in their 20s and 30s.
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What can be done about it?
Anti-inflammatory steroids have a role in reducing the duration and severity of acute attacks. Medicines which relax the muscles may be given to reduce muscle spasms. Other drugs are used to treat incontinence.
Newer treatments include forms of a protein called beta-interferon which has shown clinical benefits. Another development has been a drug which is thought to mimic part of the myelin sheath. -
What does the future hold?
There is a lot of research going on into ways of modifying the different stages and different forms of this devastating disease. Two antibody therapies are currently undergoing trials. One may stop cells from the immune system from crossing into the brain. The other could reduce the nerve cell destruction seen in MS. Another line of research is evaluating a factor which stimulates myelin cells. This may help nerve regeneration.