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Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating
disease of the central nervous system, most commonly presenting as an individual mix of
neuropsychological dysfunction which tends to progress over years to decades.
The diagnosis is based on a classic presentation (i.e., optic
neuritis, transverse myelitis, internuclear ophthalmoplegia or paresthesias) with other
neurologic abnormalities scattered in time and space as identified by patient history and
exam, together with typical findings on MRI.
- In the U.S.: MS is the most common
debilitating illness among young adults. The prevalence is 0.5-1:1000 with a 0.2% lifetime
risk for the general population. There are approximately 25,000 new cases each year/
- Internationally: Approximately 1:1,000,000
Sex:
- Women are affected almost 2:1 more often throughout adulthood.
Causes:
MS is commonly believed to result from an autoimmune process.
Tests:
- Lab Studies
- Blood Work
- CT Scan Head
- MRI
- CT of the Cervical Vertebra
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Treatment:
- Medication
- Physical Medicine Rehabilitation
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