Multiple Sclerosis / Neuroimmunology

Transforming Lives Through Neuroimmunology Advances

At Universal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neuroimmunological disorders. Our specialized team of neurologists, immunologists, and support staff are committed to delivering comprehensive and cutting-edge treatments to enhance the quality of life for our patients.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) / Neuroimmunology

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. It is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective covering of nerve fibers called myelin. Myelin is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system as it facilitates the transmission of electrical signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Autoimmune Disorder:

  • MS is considered an autoimmune disorder because the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from external threats like viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks its own tissues—in this case, the myelin sheath.
  • The immune response leads to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue (sclerosis) in multiple areas of the CNS, disrupting the normal flow of electrical impulses.
Multiple Sclerosis

Types of MS:

  • There are different types of MS, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), primary-progressive MS (PPMS), and progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS). Each type has its own characteristics and progression patterns.

Symptoms:

  • MS symptoms vary widely and can include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, vision problems, and problems with coordination and balance.
  • Symptoms often come and go, with periods of exacerbation (relapses) followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions).

Neuroimmunology:

  • Neuroimmunology is the study of the interactions between the nervous system and the immune system. In MS, the immune system’s T cells and B cells play a role in attacking myelin.
  • The breakdown of immune tolerance, where the immune system fails to recognize self from non-self, is a key aspect of the development of autoimmune diseases like MS.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

  • Diagnosis often involves a combination of clinical symptoms, medical history, neurological exams, and diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect lesions in the CNS.
  • There is currently no cure for MS, but there are disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency of relapses, and slow down disease progression.

Lifestyle Management:

  • Alongside medical treatments, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management can play a role in managing MS symptoms and improving overall well-being.

Neurophysician

Neurophysician

Neurophysician

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