Multiple Sclerosis Research Paper

Imagine going on a journey without a road map, GPS, or a set of directions—a journey with no foregone conclusion. Would you feel safe? Would you feel secure? This feeling of constant insecurity and uncertainty is what individuals affected with multiple sclerosis (MS) often go through. In fact, Healthline states that 20% of those with MS will have no symptoms after diagnosis (Madell). In this article, you will read about multiple sclerosis, particularly the various causes, types, symptoms, and treatments, as well as the current research being performed.

For many experts, MS is an “autoimmune” disease—a disease caused by antibodies produced against the body. However, the exact target that the immune cells attack is not known, which is why many …show more content…
Despite decades of research, the cause is still unknown. Current research suggests that several different factors are involved. For instance, the amount of Vitamin D is thought to support immune function and help protect against MS. Those that live farther from the equator are exposed to less amounts of sunlight annually, which means they are at a higher risk of developing MS than those living closer to the equator. Additionally, virus, bacteria and other microbe exposure during childhood could cause demyelination (damage of myelin) and inflammation—making it a possible triggering factor in MS. While MS is not hereditary, having an affected family member does noticeably increase the risk of developing the disease as …show more content…
RRMS is characterized by attacks (relapses) that worsen neurologic function. After each attack, partial or complete recovery periods (remissions) occur. According to the National MS Society, approximately 85% of those with MS have RRMS (“What”), making it the most common type of MS. However, those with RRMS eventually transition to SPMS, meaning that the disease progresses more steadily, with or without any relapses. Moreover, PPMS is the type of MS in which neurologic function progressively worsens without relapses or remissions. Finally, the type of MS that steadily progresses from the start and has occasional relapses along the way without remissions, is known as PRMS—the least common of the

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