Multiple Sclerosis
- Created by: dellalou
- Created on: 14-06-16 14:04
View mindmap
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Memory problems
- Poor concentration
- Balance/coordination problems
- Muscle stifness
- Spasms
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing
- Problems with thinking, learning and planning
- Causes
- GENETIC
- those with relatives with MS are more likely to develop it
- ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS
- lack of sunlight and vitamin D
- those who smoke are twice as likely to develop MS
- VIRAL TRIGGERS
- some infections may trigger the immune system, leading to MS
- AUTO-IMMUNE
- immune system attacks itself
- DEMYELINATION
- immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding the axon and disrupts the messages travelling along the nerves
- GENETIC
- Diagnosis
- NEUROLOGICAL TESTS
- look for abnormalities or weaknesses in vision, eye movements, hand or leg strength, balance and coordination, speech and reflexes
- BLOOD TESTS
- used to rule out other causes of symptoms (e.g. vitamin deficiencies)
- CLINICAL OBSERVATION
- looks at how person functions and identifies effects of potential dysfunction
- LUMBAR PUNCTURE
- remove a sample of spinal fluid; changes in fluid can suggest problems with nervous system; fluid sample tested for immune cells and antibodies
- MRI SCAN
- uses strong magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the body; shows any damage or scarring of myelin sheath in brain and spinal chord
- NEUROLOGICAL TESTS
- Treatment
- currently NO CURE, but possible to treat symptoms
- MEDICATION
- Steroids = reduce nerve tissue inflammation and used in treatment of relapses
- Muscle relaxants = ease muscle spasms
- PHSIOTHERAPY
- help with pain and mobility problems
- SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
- help with speech and swallowing problems
- SURGERY
- to stop tremors
- LIFESTYLE CHANGES
- stop smoking
- eat healthy
- regular exercise
- regular vaccinations
- Lifestyle Effects
- lack of understanding of problems associated and causes of MS
- increased knowledge of condition
- poor personal hygiene
- depression and frustration of symptoms
- strain on social relationships
- stress, low self-esteem, isolation, dis-empowerment, fear
- may have to stop working
- problems doing daily tasks
- problems accessing buildings and public transport
- side effects from drugs
- painful treatments and surgical procedures
- increased frequency of medical appointments
- Symptoms
Comments
No comments have yet been made