Multiple sclerosis
MS, encephalomyelitis disseminata, Charcot's disease
This disease was first described in the second half of the nineteenth century by the French neurologist Charcot. Since then, researchers on the causes of this disease were not aware, came all sorts of weird treatments, such as a highly toxic Mercury inunction, is used.
Multiple sclerosis is usually a relapsing, chronic autoimmune disease of the nervous system. This leads to the destruction of the "insulating" (called the myelin sheath) of nerve fibers. It usually begins in early adulthood and affects women preferred.
It is believed that penetrate misdirected immune cells (T cells) and macrophages (macrophages) in the nervous system and destroy the myelin sheaths.
Reasons for the MS many things are under discussion. First, there is a family history, so that the inheritance of this disease is discussed. Environmental factors and diet also appear to play a role. Furthermore, some researchers suggest a triggering of the disease by a viral infection.
Frequency
From 10,000 inhabitants in the Federal Republic of Germany ill about six. There is a clear north-south divide in the incidence of this disease, as these from the equator and then increases again.
Symptoms
- For decades, walking, relapsing course with interim improvements (called remissions), paralysis with weakened muscle reflexes (so-called spastic paralysis) and ocular involvement in the optic nerve.
- Other various nerve disorders including speech, tremors of the hands (tremor) and gastrointestinal disorders.
Diagnosis
- It is most easily via a puncture of the nerve water (liquor). This fluid is for the MS shows a typical constellation of proteins and inflammation parameters (so-called oligoclonal bands and autochthonous IgG).
- There are other diagnostic options, eg using an EEG or an MRI scan (MRI).
Complications
Rare: progressive (chronic progressive) course with irreversible paralysis. Even rarer is the so-called acute MS, which runs a very rapid course and may end with death.