This month, many countries around the world will be spreading awareness on multiple
sclerosis, or "MS". A disease that affects millions of people worldwide. But
what exactly is multiple sclerosis? MS primarily affects the central
nervous system which consists of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. Just
about everything you do depends on this system functioning properly, from
breathing to moving and even watching youtube videos. And these actions are all
facilitated by neurons throughout your body, cells which we've talked about many
times in our previous videos. These neurons are able to send signals all
throughout the body at incredible speeds, in part because of the fatty
coating that surrounds them
something called myelin or the myelin sheath.
This myelin insulates the impulses and allows the nerve signals to reach their
destination, however in the case of MS this is where the issues occur.
The immune system is designed to fight off disease from viruses, bacteria,
parasites or other agents and does so by distinguishing these things from healthy
tissue. But in the case of MS, the immune system ends up attacking the myelin in
what is classified as an auto-immune disorder.
This process of de-myelination can lead to a build above scar tissue, hence the
word sclerosis. The CNS then becomes unable to send and receive signals
properly. Messages traveling along neurons may be slowed down, distorted or
stopped altogether. Because of the bearing, locations and nature of de-myelination,
the symptoms of MS are incredibly diverse. They can range from
muscle weakness to decreased coordination, fatigue, vision problems, numbness or even
paralysis.
Though an MRI scan of the brain to look for lesions or scarring is integral
to diagnosis.
For some, the symptoms come as acute episodes while others experience more
chronic and permanent symptoms, which worsen over time. At this point no true
cause or cure is known. While potential links to environmental factors, viral
infections and genetics have been found, studies are ongoing and not yet
conclusive. And while their has been a lot of work towards not only alleviating some of the
symptoms but slowing the progression, sadly these treatments do not work for
all MS sufferers. Ultimately, bringing like to this issue in an effort to
support and fund research is an incredibly important step to erasing MS.
And though many of us will never truly understand the challenges of
living with MS,
we can work together to raise awareness. We would be so grateful if you could
take a moment and pass this video on to your family and friends and join in the
effort to end MS.
This episode of AsapSCIENCE is supported by 23andMe. 23andMe is a
DNA analysis service that allows you to explore your own genes, whether you're
interested in discovering a global origins for understand you're health and your
risk for disease, be they sure to check out 23andme.com/asap
With the help of their DNA kits, connect to your past, learn about your present health and
potentially be a part of future genetic research all at 23andme.com/asap
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