Multiple Sclerosis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Multiple Sclerosis - Essay Example Though the real cause of this disease is not clearly known, yet researchers are of the opinion that it occurs due to the abnormal response of the immune system in a person’s body and that such an abnormal response is triggered by a virus. According to researchers, the disease is neither contagious nor inherited but definitely genetic susceptibility plays a major role. Besides the virus, the other triggers include heavy metals, trauma and other environmental triggers. ‘There is no cure for MS, but medicines may slow it down and help control symptoms.’ (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) To keep this disease under control even Physical therapy or occupational therapy would also help. In individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis, the immune system of the person is attacked by the immune cells that are sent out by the body to fight against bacteria and other viruses that attack the body. The immune cells lymphocytes, T-cells and killer cells, not only attack the myelin and the oligodendrocytes (oligo, few; dendro, branches; cytes, cells, but also destroy them completely. These killer cells not only attack the myelin but also consume it and damaging the myelin sheath, (the fatty insulation that covers the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.) The Myelin sheath is responsible for facilitating the smooth transmission of all the high- speed messages that travel between the brain, the spinal cord and the rest of the body. Therefore, when the Myelin sheath is attacked or affected, the messages cannot be sent efficiently and in many cases do not reach their destination. That is why Multiple sclerosis is called an autoimmune disease. Other autoimmune diseases are lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis. In multiple sclerosis, when the Myelin is attacked and destroyed, there is a gradual build up of scar tissue (sclerosis) occurring in multiple