multiple sclerosis
Demyelinating autoimmune condition
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and body.
Symptoms vary widely—vision problems, numbness, fatigue, difficulty walking, cognitive changes—and may come in episodes or progress steadily.
Often abbreviated MS: She was diagnosed with MS at thirty-two.
Nerve sheath degradation
- lesionsAreas of damaged tissue
- central nervous systemBrain plus spinal cord
- brainSeat of cognition
- spinal cordBrain's extension through vertebrae
optic nerve · neurons · axons · neurodegeneration · white matter · MRI · neurologist · neurological exam
Weariness from prolonged exertion
- numbnessLoss of sensation
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
- weaknessDeficiency in force
- spasticityPathological muscle tightness
diplopia · vertigo · tremor · ataxia · incontinence · cognitive fog · pain · depression
Thymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
lymphocytes · myelin · autoantibodies · plasma cells · antigen · innate immunity · self-tolerance · autoimmunity
Immune response protein
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
- immunosuppressantsDrugs reducing body defenses
- immunomodulatorsAgents modifying bodily defenses
- monoclonal antibodiesIdentical lab-cloned immune proteins
physical therapy · occupational therapy · rehabilitation · infusion · injection · steroids
Recurring then temporarily resolving
- relapseReturn to former illness
- remissionTemporary disease absence
- flareSudden bright burst
- exacerbationMaking something more severe
prognosis · worsening · stabilization · recovery · chronic · lifelong · long-term management
demyelination
Nerve sheath degradation
- lesionsAreas of damaged tissue
- central nervous systemBrain plus spinal cord
- brainSeat of cognition
spinal cord · optic nerve · neurons · axons · neurodegeneration · white matter · MRI · neurologist · neurological exam · blood-brain barrier
fatigue
Weariness from prolonged exertion
spasticity · diplopia · vertigo · tremor · ataxia · incontinence · cognitive fog · pain · depression · muscle stiffness
T-cells
Thymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- inflammationProtective tissue response
cytokines · lymphocytes · myelin · autoantibodies · plasma cells · antigen · innate immunity · self-tolerance · autoimmunity · immune response
interferon
Immune response protein
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
- immunosuppressantsDrugs reducing body defenses
- immunomodulatorsAgents modifying bodily defenses
monoclonal antibodies · physical therapy · occupational therapy · rehabilitation · infusion · injection · steroids
relapsing-remitting
Recurring then temporarily resolving
exacerbation · prognosis · worsening · stabilization · recovery · chronic · lifelong · long-term management
- Neurodisabilitiescerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, ASD, ADHD
- Neurological Disordersepilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, neuropathy, dementia
- Myelin Disordersdemyelination, Krabbe disease, Guillain-Barre, CIS, transverse myelitis
- SclerosisALS, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis
- diseasescancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, influenza, measles
- health conditionsdiabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma, hypertension
multiply, multiple, multiplying, multiplied, multinational, multicultural, multiplicity, multimedia, multiples