Multiple sclerosis (M.S) is amongst the most-misconstrued diseases of the contemporary century.   There have been no established cures, proven treatments for Multiple sclerosis since its discovery, yet it usually affects many people in the U.S. M.S is a disease affecting the nervous systems destroying the fatty myelin sheath which insulates the nerve cells (Holland and June, 2005). Communication amid the nerves is disrupted without the insulation.   The body worsens the situation by repairing, and clogging the area with scar tissues. The signals that move from one brain and brain stem like the signals for muscle coordination, or visual sensation signals are slowed or blocked. Hence, an individual afflicted with the diseases can suffer a myriad of symptoms (Scolding, 2012).

The cause of Multiple sclerosis is yet to be discovered by researchers. There is a form of deadlock amongst both the doctors and scientists community on whether the disease is viral or hereditary. Nonetheless, one thing is usually certain that some form of defect in the immune system leads to the white blood cells to destroy and attack the fatty Myelin sheath (Scolding, 2012). There are 5 types of MS which include:

a.   Benign Multiple Sclerosis: this is the least severe M.S with little progression and often takes up 20% of all the cases.

b.   Benign Relapsing-Remitting MS. this type of disease carries symptoms which alter in mild disability, severity, and constitutes to 30 % of all the cases.

c.   Chronic Relapsing MS:   this type is depicted by disability that increases with each and every attack. It is often common with 40 % of all the cases.

d.   Chronic Progressive MS: this type of MS has a constant disability which gets worse as time goes on and constitutes to 10 % of all the cases

e.   Acute Progressive M.S: this type of Multiple Sclerosis can kill in either weeks or months. This is contrast to other types of Multiple Sclerosis that can take either years or decades (Scolding, 2012).

2.   Current statistics of those Affected;

Multiple Sclerosis significantly affects more women compared to men. The majority of the patient initially start to experience the symptoms of MS between the ages of 20 to fifty. Presently, it has been estimated that more than four hundred thousand individuals in the US and approximately 2.5 million globally have Multiple Sclerosis (Pietrangelo, 2014). Approximately two hundred new cases of Multiple Sclerosis are diagnosed on a weekly basis in the United States. The rates of Multiple Sclerosis are usually higher farther from the equator. The rate of Multiple Sclerosis in the southern states is approximately 57 to 78 cases out of a one hundred thousand people (Pietrangelo, 2014). The rate in the northern states is two times as high at approximately 110 to 140 cases out of 100,000 people.   According to Pietrangelo (2014) the lowest risk of MS seems to be amongst the Africans, Native Americans, as well as, the Asians.

3.     Explanations on how the various body systems are affected;

Multiple Sclerosis is considered to be an autoimmune diseases and a continuous neurodegenerative condition. MS affects the nervous system that gradually impacts the entire body. It depicts various symptoms to the different parts of the body.

a.     The nervous systems

The body’s immune system of an individual having Multiple Sclerosis attacks its myelin sheath which consists of cells surrounding and protecting the nervous system including the brain and the spinal cord. When the cells are usually damaged, the nervous system is exposed, and the brain experiences some form of difficult when sending signals to the body. The disconnection amid the brain and the muscles, organs, cells and tissues which are served by the damaged nerves leads to   many symptoms of MS such as vertigo, dizziness, confusion, emotional or memory problems (Iezzoni, 2010).

b.   Hearing and Vision

Vision related problems are usually the signs that show that something is wrong for the majority of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Pain, blurriness, double vision, as well as, problems seeing constraints can suddenly start and affect either one or both the eyes (Pietrangelo, 2013). In the majority of cases, vision problems are self-limiting and result from eye muscles fatigue. Although, it is rare individuals having MS might experience deafness or hearing loss. This is mainly attributed to the damage of the brainstem.

c.   Speaking, Swallowing, and Breathing

Speech related problems such as poor articulation, slurring, and volume control issues happen in up to four of ten individuals having Multiple Sclerosis. They usually happen during fatigue time or relapses. Seeing problems can be as a result of breathing difficulties that are brought on by damaged or weak nerves which control chest muscles (Pietrangelo, 2013). Difficulties controlling the breathing muscles can start early in the disease and worsens as the diseases continuous. Problems related to swallowing are usually less common, but this might happen when nerve damage wakens the muscles and hinders the ability of the body to control swallowing muscles.

d.   Arms and Legs

A majority of people with MS have a wide array of symptoms that affect their limbs. The Myelin sheath damage usually leads to numbness, pain and tingling of the legs and arms (Pietrangelo, 2013). Problems related to hand-eye coordination, balance, muscle weakness and gait might happen when the brain has problems sending the muscles and nerves.

e. Bladder and Bowel Function

Problems with bowel and bladder functions usually happen in MS. Bowel problems can comprise diarrhea, constipation and bowel control loss. In addition, Multiple Sclerosis affects the reproductive system, the circulatory system due to the nerve damages (Pietrangelo, 2013).

Symptoms and signs widely vary, depending on the severity of damage and the nerves that have been affected. Some individuals with severe Multiple Sclerosis might lose their ability to walk independent or at all, while others experience elongated time period of remissions a period which they do not develop new symptoms.

4.   Medications/treatments

According to Scolding (2012), there is no known treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. This implies that there is no cure. Nonetheless, new strategies have the potential of modifying the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. Hence lessening the frequency and severity of attacks and managing the symptoms thus enhancing the quality of life of the patients. Multiple Sclerosis patients are usually known to experience relapse of attacks. For several years Corticosteroids have been used for the purpose of treating the relapses.   The Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory effects that have the potential of resting the blood-brain barrier integrity (Iezzoni, 2010). Another treatment for relapses that have been discovered entail rests and treatment of the prevailing infections. Surgical interventions such as dental and tonsils extraction have failed the test of time. Presently, there are no proven surgical interventions for Multiple Sclerosis

Preventive measures for Multiple Sclerosis entail taking a rest, drinking to avert tingling and numbness, as well as, avoiding excessive heat. Psycho-educational approach is vital for all the patients having MS (Holland and June, 2005). It entails education and counseling and is directed at assisting the people to self-manage, and plan as effectively and comfortable as possible. The patients are usually taught how they can identify emotional and cognitive change as well as, the physical changes.

The treatment of Multiple Sclerosis has over the years developed and allowed individuals to manage the condition. The nurse specialists serve an integral role in supporting and advising the individual’s choice on the selected treatment if needed. For relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis and those how several attacks have the DMT (Disease Modifying Therapy) might be an option for treatment. Moreover, DMDs (Disease-modifying Drugs) have been indicated to reduce the frequency of clinical attacks in MS patients. the drugs are taken on rather long term basis and have been indicated to be the very best defense when it comes to slowing the natural progression of MS (Litzinger & Monica, 2009). The DMDs shall not prevent the repetitive symptoms and are yet to be approved.

In conclusion, MS is amongst the mystery diseases in the globe. This is attributed to the fact that neither its cure nor cause is known. Multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to a disease through which an individual’s immune system attacks the protective fatty myelin which covers a person’s nerve.   The damage to the Myelin disrupts communication amid the bran and the rest of the body. Eventually, the nerves might deteriorate a process that at present time is irreversible.   The symptoms of MS are frequently mistaken for other disorders. Nonetheless, with precise diagnostic tests like the MRI treatments of the prevailing infection can start instantly. The disease management is a vital element when it comes to reducing the frequency and the severity of the attacks. Pharmacists can also serve a core role through understanding the MS complexly and be able to rule out the numerous diagnosis when the patients are present at the practice settings.

References:

Iezzoni, L. I. (2010). Multiple sclerosis. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood.

Holland, Nancy J, and June Halper. Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Care Guide to Wellness. New York: Demos, 2005. Print.

Pietrangelo ., (2014). Multiple Sclerosis by the Numbers: Facts, Statistics, and You. Health line Web August 2014 < http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/facts-statistics-infographic > and

Scolding, N. (2012). Multiple sclerosis. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Pietrangelo., (2013). Multiple Sclerosis From TOP to BOTTOM.. Health line Web August 2014 http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/effects-on-the-body

Litzinger M., & Monica L.,   (2009). Multiple Sclerosis: A Therapeutic Overview. US Pharmacist. 34(1):HS3-HS9. Web August 2014 < http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588913_1 >

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