Remember Me
forgot your password?

Factors Behind the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

Powered by iMedix Search for health information:

e.g.: diabetes, headache, Lipitor etc.
Related Searches to This Article:
multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a form of autoimmune disease that often causes irreversible impairments at different levels of the nervous system. At present, multiple sclerosis can neither be prevented, nor completely cured. However, the existing treatments are used to slow down the progression of the disease, prolong the periods of remission, ease the symptomatic flare-ups and prevent the development of further complications. The main factor responsible for the development of multiple sclerosis is inappropriate activity of the immune system.

While the normal immune system produces antibodies that fight against antigens (foreign infectious agents), in the case of multiple sclerosis the immune system becomes dysfunctional and turns against healthy body cells. The compromised immune system can no longer distinguish between healthy, normal cells and antigens, triggering repeated attacks on the body's nervous system and destroying the nervous cells' protective cover called myelin. The destruction of myelin (protein that has a series of vital roles at the level of the nervous system) determines serious impairments of the central nervous system and peripheral nerve tissues.

Myelin surrounds the axons, (filaments that are responsible with the transmission of electric impulses among nerve cells) facilitating the transmission of information between nervous cells. When the myelin cover is destroyed, the signals transmitted at the level of the nervous system are disrupted, thus causing a series of neurological symptoms in patients confronted with this type of disease. Although in the past medical scientists believed that multiple sclerosis only involves the destruction of myelin, recent medical investigations have revealed the fact that the axons are also attacked by the dysfunctional immune system.

Axon destruction begins in the incipient stages of multiple sclerosis and it is considered to be the main reason for the irreversible character of the disease. The spontaneous periods of remission experienced by most patients with multiple sclerosis are believed to occur not as a result of temporary decreased autoimmune response, but as a result of accentuated remyelination (repairing of the myelin) at the level of the nerve cells. However, the benefic effects of remyelination are later surpassed by the undesired actions of the immune system in the periods of relapse. Intrigued by the process of spontaneous remyelination that occurs in the periods of remission, medical scientists are currently working to stimulate and enhance this process at the level of the nerve cells in patients with multiple sclerosis. Extra stimulation of the nervous systems' production of myelin, corroborated with immunosuppressive treatments may provide an efficient cure in the near future.



We recommend you clicking this site http://www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com for more multiple sclerosis subjects like multiple sclerosis information or multiple sclerosis information

Groshan Fabiola

We recommend you clicking this site http://www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com for more multiple sclerosis subjects like multiple sclerosis information or multiple sclerosis information

Rate this Article: 3 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/factors-behind-the-progression-of-multiple-sclerosis-73355.html
Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Health Articles
  • More from Groshan Fabiola

Power Body Toning - Ivar Nordtveit Power Body Toning Review

By: Chris Jensen | 06/07/2009
People would usually go to the gym if they want to lose weight. But with all the fitness programs and books on losing weight, there are still those who notice too little progress in their efforts. If you are one of those people who are sick of all the fat loss books, diet restrictions, and time consuming gym schedules, check Power Body Toning from Ivar Nordtveit.

Superfeet Has The Ideal Cushioning Arch Support For Any Foot

By: TheInsoleStore.com | 06/07/2009
Superfeet Premium Insoles offer a variety of high quality, durable insoles for every purpose. Whether you need something for tight fitting dress shoes, casual shoes, or running shoes, Superfeet has what you need.

Inexpensive Alternative to Volcano Vaporizers: Hot Box Vaporizers

By: Alien | 06/07/2009
Hot Box Vaporizers are the best alternative to a Volcano Vaporizers. Thus if you are in love with the experience that a Volcano Vaporizer gives you, but you can not afford one, a hot box vaporizer is the way to go.

Herbal Vaporizer: The Best Intoxicating Experience for Smoking Lovers

By: Alien | 06/07/2009
In these recent days, health hazards have been a major concern particularly for those who are indulged in researches concerning health.

A Complete Description of an Herb Grinder

By: Alien | 06/07/2009
One of the most essential and perhaps the most inseparable part of a vaporizer is an Herb Grinder. The main task of an herb grinder is to grind the herbs and the spices into smaller pieces.

Give up stop smoking Hypothesis

By: Aleks G | 06/07/2009
There have been many testimonials of smokers who rendered stopping but merely couldn’t because they smoke for other reasons. A quit smoking hypnosis is a series of instructional sessions wherein a man is hinted or instructed to quit smoking. Someone could always stop as soon as one truly selects to give up.

Leg Massager Cosmetic and Health Product

By: Albert Cain | 06/07/2009
There is yet another more interesting option to get relief from leg pain is getting a portable Leg massager. You may not even know about this product with latest technology; now it is the time to check this out. Though you can have cylindrical shaped, calf massager also but it is better to have a complete leg massager which massages calves and foot both. You can take this portable leg massager to your office and enjoy massage while seating on your desk.

Ginger - Powerful Antioxidant For Alzheimer's, Cancer and Heart Disease

By: Keith Scott MD | 06/07/2009
Ginger is one of the most powerful antioxidant foods and, like its close relative turmeric, has potent preventive action against Alzheimer's disease, cancer and other degenerative conditions.

Asheville North Carolina Real Estate

By: Groshan Fabiola | 03/07/2009 | Finance
NC mountain homes for sale represent a solid investment – through thick and thin. Asheville Realtors, residents, and visitors have all witnessed the resilience of the town nicknamed “Land of Sky” and “The Paris of the South” during the recent USA housing market depression

Wrought Iron Fences, Low Security But Great Esthetics

By: Groshan Fabiola | 03/07/2009 | Business
For those of you that do not view fences of a way of securing that property because maybe you are already living in a safe neighborhood or you feel safe, there is a much more appealing alternative to the traditional wooden fences or even concrete fences

Avoid Repossession Act Now Sell your Birmingham House Fast

By: Groshan Fabiola | 03/07/2009 | Finance
Sell my house fast is possible in the Birmingham area. We buy houses fast. You can now think to sell my house and have the cash in one week or less. Stop repossession of your house, if you bogged down with debt and need debt advice call us

Sell your house in Just Three Days in Birmingham and Still Live there

By: Groshan Fabiola | 03/07/2009 | Finance
Need to sell your house in just three days, that is not a pipe dream, at least not if you live near the Birmingham area. Birmingham Home Help is not just a company, it is Birmingham people who understand what it is like to have to sell your home fast

Important Features Of A Good Time Tracking Software

By: Groshan Fabiola | 03/07/2009 | Business
In times when pretty much every niche or field is literally flooded with new companies and professionals, staying on top of your game is becoming increasingly difficult

Tips On Getting Effective Time Management Software

By: Groshan Fabiola | 03/07/2009 | Business
Learning how to efficiently manage our time is one of the most important aspects of our careers, and in other parts of our life

The Benefits of Attending Post Natal Fitness Classes in Sydney

By: Groshan Fabiola | 29/06/2009 | Health
The benefits of physical exercise for mothers after giving birth are numerous and should not be ignored by anyone who wants to lose weight and get back into the pre-pregnancy shape and size

Fitness Classes for Sydney Mothers

By: Groshan Fabiola | 29/06/2009 | Health
Being a mother is probably the most fulfilling experience that a woman can have. It makes way for a whole new array of feelings and emotions and a lot of satisfaction watching your child grow and turn into an adult

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup


Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.38, 1)