Multiple Sclerosis (MS) || with certified answers.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) correct answers Chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the CNS
Characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord.
MS can affect people of any age. Onset usually between 20-50yrs, symptoms first appearing
around 30-35yrs.
50yrs and older generally have more progressive disease.
Women are affected 2-3x's more than men.
An estimated 400,000 people diagnosed in the US, with approximately 10,000 new cases
diagnosed annually.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) correct answers More prevalent in temperate climates (between 45-65
degrees of latitude), such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe, as
compared with tropical regions. People who are born in an area of high risk but migrate to an
area of low risk before age 15 assume the risk of their new home. Researchers thus suspect that
exposure to some environmental agent before puberty may predispose a person to develop MS
later in life. MS is less common in Hispanics, Asians, and people of African descent. It rarely
occurs in some ethnic groups, including Alaskan Natives and Aborigines.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)/ Patho correct answers Etiology and Pathophysiology
Cause: unknown, it is unlikely to be related to a single cause. The disease develops in a
genetically susceptible person as a result of environmental exposure, such as an infection.
Multiple genes are believed to be involved in the inherited susceptibility to MS. Having a first-
degree relative with MS increases a person's risk of developing the disease. Common genetic
factors have also been found in families with more than one affected member.
Possible precipitating factors include infection, smoking, physical injury, emotional stress,
excessive fatigue, pregnancy, and a poor state of health. The role of precipitating factors such as
exposure to pathogenic agents is controversial. More than a dozen viruses and bacteria have been
investigated, but none has definitely been proven to cause MS.
, Three pathologic processes characterize MS: chronic inflammation, demyelination, and gliosis in
the CNS. The primary neuropathologic condition is an autoimmune process orchestrated by
activated T cells. An unknown trigger in genetically susceptible individuals may initiate this
process. The activated T cells in the systemic circulation migrate to the CNS, disrupting the
blood-brain barrier. This is likely the initial event in the development of MS. Subsequent
antigen-antibody reaction within the CNS activates the inflammatory response and leads to the
demyelination of axons.
Initially, attacks on the myelin sheaths of the neurons in the brain and spinal cord result in
damage to the myelin sheath. However, the nerve fiber is not affected. Transmission of nerve
impulses still occurs, but it is slowed. PY may c/o noticeable impairment of function (e.g.,
weakness). Myelin can regenerate. When it does, symptoms disappear. At that point, the patient
experiences a remission.
As ongoing inflammation occurs, n
Patterns of Multiple Sclerosis correct answers Category&Characteristics
Relapsing-remitting
• Clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic function (relapses) with partial or complete
recovery (remission).
• Approximately 85% of people are initially diagnosed with this type of MS.
Primary-progressive
• Steadily worsening neurologic function from the beginning with minor improvements but no
distinct relapses or remissions.
• About 10% of people are diagnosed with this type of MS.
Secondary-progressive
• A relapsing-remitting initial course, followed by progression with or without occasional
relapses, minor remissions, and plateaus.
• New treatments may slow progression.
• Most people initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS eventually transition to this type.
Progressive-relapsing
• Progressive disease from onset, with clear acute relapses, with or without full recovery. Periods
between relapses are characterized by continuing progression.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) correct answers Chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the CNS
Characterized by disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord.
MS can affect people of any age. Onset usually between 20-50yrs, symptoms first appearing
around 30-35yrs.
50yrs and older generally have more progressive disease.
Women are affected 2-3x's more than men.
An estimated 400,000 people diagnosed in the US, with approximately 10,000 new cases
diagnosed annually.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) correct answers More prevalent in temperate climates (between 45-65
degrees of latitude), such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe, as
compared with tropical regions. People who are born in an area of high risk but migrate to an
area of low risk before age 15 assume the risk of their new home. Researchers thus suspect that
exposure to some environmental agent before puberty may predispose a person to develop MS
later in life. MS is less common in Hispanics, Asians, and people of African descent. It rarely
occurs in some ethnic groups, including Alaskan Natives and Aborigines.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)/ Patho correct answers Etiology and Pathophysiology
Cause: unknown, it is unlikely to be related to a single cause. The disease develops in a
genetically susceptible person as a result of environmental exposure, such as an infection.
Multiple genes are believed to be involved in the inherited susceptibility to MS. Having a first-
degree relative with MS increases a person's risk of developing the disease. Common genetic
factors have also been found in families with more than one affected member.
Possible precipitating factors include infection, smoking, physical injury, emotional stress,
excessive fatigue, pregnancy, and a poor state of health. The role of precipitating factors such as
exposure to pathogenic agents is controversial. More than a dozen viruses and bacteria have been
investigated, but none has definitely been proven to cause MS.
, Three pathologic processes characterize MS: chronic inflammation, demyelination, and gliosis in
the CNS. The primary neuropathologic condition is an autoimmune process orchestrated by
activated T cells. An unknown trigger in genetically susceptible individuals may initiate this
process. The activated T cells in the systemic circulation migrate to the CNS, disrupting the
blood-brain barrier. This is likely the initial event in the development of MS. Subsequent
antigen-antibody reaction within the CNS activates the inflammatory response and leads to the
demyelination of axons.
Initially, attacks on the myelin sheaths of the neurons in the brain and spinal cord result in
damage to the myelin sheath. However, the nerve fiber is not affected. Transmission of nerve
impulses still occurs, but it is slowed. PY may c/o noticeable impairment of function (e.g.,
weakness). Myelin can regenerate. When it does, symptoms disappear. At that point, the patient
experiences a remission.
As ongoing inflammation occurs, n
Patterns of Multiple Sclerosis correct answers Category&Characteristics
Relapsing-remitting
• Clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic function (relapses) with partial or complete
recovery (remission).
• Approximately 85% of people are initially diagnosed with this type of MS.
Primary-progressive
• Steadily worsening neurologic function from the beginning with minor improvements but no
distinct relapses or remissions.
• About 10% of people are diagnosed with this type of MS.
Secondary-progressive
• A relapsing-remitting initial course, followed by progression with or without occasional
relapses, minor remissions, and plateaus.
• New treatments may slow progression.
• Most people initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS eventually transition to this type.
Progressive-relapsing
• Progressive disease from onset, with clear acute relapses, with or without full recovery. Periods
between relapses are characterized by continuing progression.
