World MS Day multiple sclerosis not yet curable

May 30, 2012 is World MS Day

05/25/2012

On May 30, the World MS Day will take place. Events around the topic of multiple sclerosis (MS) take place worldwide. The disease, which is often diagnosed late, has not been curable so far, but recent research suggests that those affected may find it easier to relieve symptoms and slow the disease.

Multiple sclerosis has 1000 faces
MS is a neurological disorder that causes inflammation of the central nervous system - at different sites in the brain and spinal cord. The so-called myelin, the protective layer of the nerve fibers, is thereby damaged or even destroyed. The cause of the disease is still unknown despite intensive research. MS is also considered to be particularly insidious, because the symptoms can be very different, very obscure and even occasionally occur. Therefore, a diagnosis is often made very late, sometimes after a few years. In order to find out about the disease, neurological examinations as well as magnetic resonance imaging and nerve water examinations are carried out.

The first signs of MS may include tingling hands and feet, discomfort, blurred vision, numbness, paralysis, balance and strength disorders. Nevertheless, the symptoms themselves are not a clear indication of MS. In addition, sufferers sometimes concentration and cognitive impairment.

Due to the many different symptoms and manifestations of the disease, MS is also referred to as the disease of the 1000 faces. Many skills are lost in those affected because they can no longer coordinate movements. Because of the damaged nerve fibers motor and fine motor skills no longer work or only to a limited extent. The malfunctioning of the nerves can also result in other impairments and disabilities. For example, it can lead to dysfunction of the bladder and the intestine.

As a rule, MS appears in spurts, the course and severity of which can be very different. The frequency of relapses varies greatly. Often sufferers are dependent on a wheelchair, but this is not necessarily the case.

Risk genes discovered for MS
An international research team led by the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford carried out a large-scale study last year to study the genetic makeup of approximately 9,700 MS patients. These were then compared to the genetic makeup of 17,400 healthy volunteers. The researchers discovered 29 new genetic risk factors for multiple sclerosis. Most of the identified genes are linked to the immune system, suggesting that MS is triggered by an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system turns against itself.

In addition to genetic risk factors, experts say that infections such as human herpesviruses or bacterial pathogens could cause MS. (Ag)

Also read about MS:
New risk genes for multiple sclerosis discovered
MS diagnosis: recognize first symptoms
Preventive vaccine against multiple sclerosis?