Multiple Sclerosis Is A Prolonged, Progressive, Wasting...

Multiple sclerosis is a prolonged, progressive, wasting disorder of the Central Nervous System categorized by distributed demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord. The onset of MS is usually between 20 and 50 years of age, although it can occur in young teens and much older adults. Women are affected two of three times more often than men. (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, Bucher, Camera, 2014, p. 1428) MS is five times more dominant in temperate climates such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe, as linked to tropical regions. Relocation from one geographic area to another may modify a person’s risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Immigrants and their offspring tend to take on the risk level†¦show more content†¦1432). According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2014), â€Å"MS happens to families, not just to individuals. When a person is diagnosed with MS, there is immediate impact on all who love them. Family members may experience similar emotions to the person with MS as they adapt to MS in their lives –fear, guilt, anger, denial, grief, anxiety†. The exact cause of MS is unknown. However, its pathogenesis is associated with irregular immune responses against CNS antigens, interference of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and trans endothelial migration of activated leukocytes, as well as chemokines and cytokines, from peripheral circulation to the CNS. In active disease, there appears to be ongoing inflammatory as well as neurodegenerative processes within the CNS atmosphere. The triggering event for the first attack of MS remains projected. It is assumed that genetic and environmental factors are involved in the progress of MS. (Borazanci, 2009, p. 2) Potential precipitating factors include infection, smoking, physical injury, emotional stress, excessive fatigue, pregnancy, and poor state of health. The role of triggering factors such exposure to pathogenic agents is controv ersial. The association with multiple sclerosis is possibly random and there probably is no cause-and-effect relationship. (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, Bucher, Camera, 2014, p. 1428) According to Borazanci, â€Å"A number