Certified Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Exam Questions With 100% Correct Answers | Latest Updated 2026 | Graded A+

Certified Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Exam Questions With 100% Correct Answers | Latest Updated 2026 | Graded A+ Pathophysiology: Immune Dysfunction - answer-An impairment of immune tolerance to central nervous system tissue that ultimately leads to plaque formation The most widely believed hypothesis is that it is a virus-induced immune-mediated disease. Unusually high reactivity of immune system T cells to proteins of myelin in the CNS Overrepresentation of cells that enhance immune responses (pro-inflammatory T helper cells) Presence of immune system cells in MS lesions in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves B lymphocytes responsible for producing antibodies Pathophysiology: Destruction of Myelin and Axonal Damage or Loss - answer-Pathology of MS consists of lesions disseminated in location and of varying age. Lesions are present in both white and gray matter, gray matter lesions are less evident. Oligodendrocytes are damaged in this process. Lesions range from acute plaques with active inflammatory infiltrates to chronic, inactive, demyelinated scars. Slowed conduction and conduction failure occur in demyelinated fibers. Conduction failure is due to fiber fatigue or to an increase in body temperature.Ongoing inflammation, demyelination, and scarring ultimately result in irreversible axonal damage and loss. Acute MS lesions are characterized by T lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and bare, demyelinated, or transected axons. Brain atrophy in MS represents a negative pathologic change. Theories of Etiology: Genetics - answer-Increased susceptibility is present in families in which MS already occurs High genetic susceptibility observed in monozygotic twins (20%-40%) Some genetically isolated groups never develop MS (Hutterites in Canada, East-European Gypsies) Racial differences in MS are likely genetically based Theories of Etiology: Environmental - answer