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Multiple Sclerosis – A Neurological Perspective
Multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata, is a condition in which the body’s immune system begins to attack the central nervous system. Considered an autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis typically develops in the young adult population, and is more likely to affect women than men.
In people with MS, the body’s immune system begins to attack the “white matter” of the brain and spinal cord (i.e., the central nervous system). This white matter, typically found in the outer regions of the brain, is responsible for ferrying signals between the brain’s “grey matter,” or processing centers, and the rest of the body.
Multiple sclerosis attacks and destroys the oligodendrocytes, the cells which create and maintain the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells in white matter. The myelin sheath consists of a fatty layer which insulates nerve cells and allows them to efficiently transmit electrical nerve impulses. When this sheath deteriorates due to the onset of MS, nerves can no longer reliably or rapidly transmit signals, causing a wide range of neurological problems.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Because MS is a neurological disease, its symptoms vary widely depending on the exact nerve cells which are affected. However, some common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Speech problems/impairment
- Cognitive and mental impairment
- Loss of muscle coordination (ataxia)
- Fatigue
- Deteriorating vision or loss of vision
- Muscle spasms
Tysabri and Multiple Sclerosis
There are several ways to treat MS, including the use of a drug called Tysabri. Administered through an IV in a clinical setting, Tysabri has proven relatively effective at treating multiple sclerosis. However, it has also been linked to serious side effects, such as:
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), another demyelinating disease, which is rare but often fatal
- Severe liver damage, with clinical signs appearing within days of first Tysabri dose, possibly leading to death or the need for liver transplant
If you or someone you love has suffered serious side effects after taking Tysabri to treat multiple sclerosis, contact Tysabri attorneys Pulaski & Middleman at 800-223-3784.