Kamryn N.

Carroll

Mrs. Wilson

AP English Literature and Composition

11 May 2018

Multiple Sclerosis

Thesis Statement: Multiple sclerosis is an often devastating disease that doctors can treat

through therapy, but one in which there is no cure.

Introduction

I. Multiple Sclerosis

A. What is MS?

B. Risk factors?

C. What is the cause?

II. Types of Multiple Sclerosis

III. Symptoms and Signs

A. What are the first signs of MS?

B. What are some common symptoms?

C. What are rare symptoms?

IV. Treatment

A. What can be done to help those with MS?

B. Is there therapy for patients with MS?

C. Who can help you during the process?

D. Is it curable?

V. Diagnosis
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A. Can it be easily determine if you have the disease?

B. What research is being done to find information on the disease?

C. What tests can be done to find disease?

D. How to move forward?

VI. Research

A. Have there been progressions in curing MS?

B. What research has been done?

C. What efforts go toward MS?

VII. Conclusion

Multiple Sclerosis
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Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord overall resulting in

damage to the nerves which communicate commands to and from the brain. While finding

sources on MS one might discover causes, common symptoms, and treatments. Multiple

Sclerosis is an often devastating disease that doctors can treat through therapy, but one in which

there is no cure but through research one can develop more knowledge.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) a disease that affects millions worldwide. The disorder disrupts

the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves by directing

abnormal responses through the immune system. The exact antigen attacked is still unknown

which is why many experts consider MS to be an “autoimmune” disease (“Symptoms &

Diagnosis”). Many things are still left unknown such as causes, and treatments, but are

continuously being researched by etiologists and immunologists in order to make further

developments. It is estimated that 1.1 to 2.5 million people worldwide have Multiple Sclerosis

(Davis). MS is very rarely fatal but can also sometimes lead to death. On average, people

diagnosed have a five to ten year lower life expectancy than those who do not have the disease,

but the gap seems to decrease as time goes (“Symptoms & Diagnosis”). Within the past few

years the life expectancy of those with MS has drastically changed due to efforts from the

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Several studies show that there are many risk factors of MS. These factors include age,

sex, race, family history, climate zones, and whether or not one smokes. Most MS patients are

between the ages of fourteen and sixty but can be diagnosed as early as the age of three. It is

also proven that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis than men are

for an unknown reason (Montoya). Caucasians are also almost twice as likely to be diagnosed

with MS than African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. Those who have family members with
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the disorder have a likelier chance of getting the disease, especially those who have a twin with

the disease (“Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Early Signs and Common Symptoms.”). Smoking is one

of the major risk factor not only when developing the disease, but also in worsening common

symptoms. Another risk factor is living in temperate places, such as, New Zealand, Canada,

southeastern Australia, and Europe. These are just some of the leading risk factors and might be

the cause of a person's Multiple Sclerosis. Although all of the causes of MS is not yet known,

people are constantly studying and searching for answers to many unsolved questions. Some of

the questionable causes are, a common virus, obesity, trauma to the head or spinal cord, or an

attack of the immune system which affects the myelin coating that is wrapped around important

nerve fibers in the central nervous system.

There are a total of four types of MS, the most common, being Relapsing-remitting MS

or RRMS. Approximately eighty-five percent of those diagnosed with the disorder have this

type (“Symptoms & Diagnosis”). Almost all of those diagnosed start out with RRMS but then it

progresses into much worse forms. Most people with RRMS experience symptoms known as

clinical attacks followed by periods of little to no symptoms at all. Through these relapses you

might notice worsening symptoms (“Symptoms & Diagnosis”). This type causes several brain

lesions or inflammatory cells which can be seen on MRI scans and are very harmful and may

cause other, stronger forms of MS to appear.

The second most common form would be Primary progressive MS or PPMS.

Approximately fifteen percent of those diagnosed with MS have this type. PPMS is very similar

to RRMS but rather than having relapses or clinical attacks you have constant symptoms that

tend to be worse than those of RRMS. At different stages this type can be detected as active or

inactive or whether it shows progression or not. As PPMS worsens you may not notice any signs
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of recovery. Most diagnosed with primary progressive are over the age of forty (“Symptoms &

Diagnosis”). This type happens in result of RRMS.

The third most common form diagnosed would be Secondary progressive MS or SPMS.

With this form of the disease you will not undergo any sort of remissions or symptoms. Rather

than continual symptoms and remissions your disorder continually worsens. This is the stage of

MS where you begin noticing several changes, such as, nerve damage or for some the loss of

nerves (“Symptoms & Diagnosis”). SPMS develops from primary relapsing- remitting MS.

The fourth and least common form of MS is Progressive relapsing or PRMS. This form

is very rare and initially appears similar to primary progressive. With PRMS you experience

continual symptoms with addition of severe “clinical attacks.” Most people that were originally

diagnosed with PRMS are now being said to have PPMS a less severe form (“Symptoms &

Diagnosis”). This is a very uncommon form of Multiple Sclerosis.

Along with each type of disease you may experience several different things. People

with RRMS and PPMS have very similar symptoms. People with SPMS and PRMS have very

similar symptoms but are much more severe further in their stages. With each disease your life

expectancy is a little different. The more progressive types are harsher on one’s body causing

one to lose strength and control of their bodies. Every type requires a different form of treatment

or therapy when slowing the advancement of the disease.

Throughout the lives of MS patients they undergo several symptoms, signs, and

sensations that may be severe or may be something as little as a small pain or inconvenience.

The initial signs of MS are blurred or double vision, color distortion, shakiness, or becoming

blind in one eye. Some of the most common symptoms would be fatigue, numbness, weakness,

vertigo, depression, cognitive changes, muscle spasms, bowel problems, and bladder problems.
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Some of the least common symptoms would be tremors, breathing problems, headaches, hearing

loss, seizures, and developing swallowing problems (“Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Early Signs and

Common Symptoms”). Most patients obtain unusual sensations, such as, electric shock when

moving their neck, numbness or tingling, tightness or swelling, and severe itching. Although

some people may go through their whole life showing little to no symptoms others may have

severe chronic symptoms that never go away and worsen as time goes on (“Multiple Sclerosis

(MS): Early Signs and Common Symptoms.”). Symptoms may vary depending on the type of

Multiple Sclerosis you have.

The cure to MS is not yet found due to the lack of knowledge of the disease but constant

studies are being conducted. With there being no cure there are still various treatments that can

modify the progression of the disease. Most people with MS are told that physical therapy is

imperative when trying to better the disorder. Physical therapy is used in order for patients to

gain more control over their bodies which will help them conduct simple daily tasks, in which

they might already have trouble doing. Some things that become very hard for people with

Multiple Sclerosis to do would be walking long distances, and performing simple chores like

mopping and washing dishes. Many other things can help slow the progression of the disease,

such as, disease modifying drugs, and performance-enhancing drugs. Some of the most

frequently used drugs would be, steroids, interferon injections, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl

fumarate, and very recently medicinal marijuana has been used. Some of the less frequently

drugs would be, teriflunomide, natalizumab, and alemtuzumab (“Multiple Sclerosis”). Drugs

such as steroids and marijuana do not take effect on the course of MS, but they reduce the

duration and severity of “clinical attacks” or tremors (Davis). Both physical therapy and

medications suppress the immune system which is the biggest issue those with MS face.
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Throughout the course of one's Multiple Sclerosis they will encounter several forms of

help. One might be asked to see many different health care specialists, such as, primary health

providers, speech pathologists, and physical therapists. The primary health care providers are

normally the people who would diagnose the disease or refer you to someone better to diagnose

the issue. A primary provider may also send those whom have worsening speech problems to a

speech pathologist. Speech pathologist will not only fix speech issues but they also teach some

how to swallow properly which normally isn’t needed unless the disorder is very far down the

line (“Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Early Signs and Common Symptoms.”). A speech therapist is

often brought in to reteach skills one has lost throughout the course of the patients disease.

Physical therapists can help someone regain control over their own body. All of these people are

put in place to help break down the limitations that MS patients face daily.

Multiple Sclerosis is a very hard disease to detect. Doctors may not readily identify if

one obtains the disease because many people have the symptoms that MS brings on. Some

people have MS for many years and are unaware due to questionable signs. The only way to

determine if you have the disease is to search through one’s medical history and to participate in

neurological exams or studies. Searching through old information can provide doctors with

evidence of past symptoms and possible nerve issues (“Symptoms & Diagnosis”). Most doctors

never give patients a one-hundred percent diagnosis of MS but they can strongly suggest that you

have it.

There are a few tests that may help determine one’s fate with the disease. The most

common would be a Magnetic Resonance Imaging or a MRI. An MRI can be used to take

images of the brain and spinal cord. Another common form of testing is a Lumbar Puncture or a

spinal tap. A spinal tap is used when evaluating cerebrospinal fluids. The final test that can give
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key clues would be evoked potential testings. These tests are used to find anything abnormal on

the brain, spinal cord, or the optic nerves in eyes (“Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Early Signs and

Common Symptoms”). These are just a few major tests doctors can use to find abnormalities in

someone's health.

There are several things Multiple Sclerosis patients can do in order to move forward and

stay positive about their disease. One of the easiest ways to control progression is to maintain a

good diet by eating foods low in saturated fats and supplements of Omega-3. Exercising is an

essential way to regain strength and help through relapses by staying mobile whether it be at

work or at home. It is also very important for those diagnosed to be emotionally and spiritually

well (“Symptoms & Diagnosis”). The easiest way to do this is to always keep a good attitude

and constantly be surrounded by people that believe in the same things you do. The final way to

move forward is by creating relationships with people that know your physical, mental, and

cognitive barriers. These are just a few ways in which patients can gain confidence and grow

with their disease with the help of others.

Research is continuous in finding and developing new medications, immune system

modifications, and ways to determine potential MS causes. In 1946, Sylvia Lawry, founded the

National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Before the founding of the society little to no research had

been done on MS. Today the National Multiple Sclerosis Society have raised a total of 1.04

billion to the efforts of MS. They are constantly striving to improve the quality of life for those

with Multiple Sclerosis. Some of their most frequent work goes into stopping the progression of

the disease, restoring what has been lost in those diagnosed, and ending Multiple Sclerosis

forever. Throughout the years the researchers have discovered several things such as, stem cell

progressions, genetic modifications, bacteria, and cell based therapies. Researchers have also
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found quicker and easier ways to diagnose MS. Altogether without the efforts of National MS

Society much would still be unknown about MS.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does much more than just pay researchers. In

order to get the money to pay the researches they put on big events. One of the biggest events is

the MS walk. They puts on these huge events all around the country in which thousands

participate. There biggest proceeds come from the MS walks. On average people donate around

twenty-five dollars per person to the walk hosts. They promote large donations due to no fees

for participating (“Multiple Sclerosis”). Along with walks they also do biking so that everyone

has a chance to “create a world free of MS.” One of the more recent additions to the profit is the

Muckfest. This is similar to a mud run, where an obstacle course full of mud is set up. In

addition to all the money raised from charity walks, runs and mud races the society also collects

money from online donations (“Multiple Sclerosis”). Along with the efforts NMSP is making

the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS), and the National Institute

of Health (NIH) are both in laboratories attempting to gain knowledge on the causes and effect of

Multiple Sclerosis.

Along with conducting research by gaining money through big events researchers also

gather information in many other ways. Researchers are very committed in finding a cure so

they ask anyone with Multiple Sclerosis to constantly give blood, donate DNA samples from

their saliva, and share their stories of recovery or even tough times (“Symptoms & Diagnosis”).

Through the help of donations from everyone and simple tests from Multiple Sclerosis patients

worldwide the further doctors can conduct research in order to find a cure.

In conclusion, Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects several people worldwide but

one in which there is no cure for. Many efforts are being put forth in finding causes, treatments,
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and cures but due to little information on the course of the disease much is still undetermined.

As time goes on more discoveries will be made to further our knowledge and help prevent

Multiple Sclerosis through the help of patients and donors who are willing to fight for the cause

and cure.

Works Cited

Davis, Charles Patrick Phd MD. “20 Early MS Symptoms (Pain), Warning Signs,

Treatment & Diagnosis.” MedicineNet,

www.medicinenet.com/ms_multiple_sclerosis_symptoms_and_treatments/article.htm.

Montoya, Silvana. “Symptoms and Signs of MS in Women.” Medical News Today,

MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315639.php.

“Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Early Signs and Common Symptoms.” WebMD, WebMD,

www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms#1.

“Multiple Sclerosis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research,

4 Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-

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causes/syc-20350269.

“Symptoms & Diagnosis.” National Multiple Sclerosis Society,

www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis.