Multiple Sclerosis
Causes
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by the damage of the myelin sheath, a protective covering to nerve cells. As a result, nerve signals slow down or stop completely.
This nerve damage is caused by inflammation. The inflammation occurs when the body's immune system attacks it own nervous system. Inflammation can be along the spinal cord, optic nerve, or brain.
It is unknown why this occurs. A common thought is that it is due to a genetic defect, a virus, or environmental factors.
Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis occurs in episode that can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of time when there are reduced or no symptoms. Since nerve damage can affect many different areas, symptoms vary from patient to patient.
Here are a few symptoms (not all are listed):
There is no known cure for MS. There are medications and therapies that help slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to allow patients a normal, healthy life.
Long-term medications can be taken to reduce the progression of the disease. Medications to alleviate symptoms can also be taken. Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and support groups are recommended as well.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by the damage of the myelin sheath, a protective covering to nerve cells. As a result, nerve signals slow down or stop completely.
This nerve damage is caused by inflammation. The inflammation occurs when the body's immune system attacks it own nervous system. Inflammation can be along the spinal cord, optic nerve, or brain.
It is unknown why this occurs. A common thought is that it is due to a genetic defect, a virus, or environmental factors.
Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis occurs in episode that can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of time when there are reduced or no symptoms. Since nerve damage can affect many different areas, symptoms vary from patient to patient.
Here are a few symptoms (not all are listed):
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Uncontrollable rapid eye movements
- Loss of vision
- Loss of hearing
- Frequent and/or strong urge to urinate
- Constipation
- Loss of balance
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness, numbness, or tremor in arms and/or legs
- Difficulty speaking
There is no known cure for MS. There are medications and therapies that help slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to allow patients a normal, healthy life.
Long-term medications can be taken to reduce the progression of the disease. Medications to alleviate symptoms can also be taken. Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and support groups are recommended as well.
http://www.riversideonline.com/source/images/image_popup/ww5r308_big.jpg
Parkinson's Disease
Causes
A brain chemical called dopamine is used by nerve cells to control muscle movement. In Parkinson's patients, the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed. If dopamine cannot be produced, nerve cells in that part of the brain can no longer properly send messages. This causes loss of muscle function. The condition worsens over time.
It is unknown why these nerve cells are destroyed.
Symptoms
Symptoms may be mild at first. They can affect one or both sides of the body.
Here are a few (not all are listed):
There is no known cure for Parkinson's disease. the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms.
Medications can be taken to increase dopamine levels in the brains.
A brain chemical called dopamine is used by nerve cells to control muscle movement. In Parkinson's patients, the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed. If dopamine cannot be produced, nerve cells in that part of the brain can no longer properly send messages. This causes loss of muscle function. The condition worsens over time.
It is unknown why these nerve cells are destroyed.
Symptoms
Symptoms may be mild at first. They can affect one or both sides of the body.
Here are a few (not all are listed):
- Excessive blinking
- Constipation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Problems with balance and walking
- Muscle aches/pains
- Rigid/stiff legs
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Dementia
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
There is no known cure for Parkinson's disease. the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms.
Medications can be taken to increase dopamine levels in the brains.
http://students.cis.uab.edu/kelseycp/dopamine.gif