Here
you'll find some basic definitions of common terminology
used when discussing multiple sclerosis.
It's
called MULTIPLE because:
-
many
scattered areas of the brain and spinal cord are affected
-
symptoms
can be mild or severe, come and go unpredictably.
It's called
SCLEROSIS because:
- the
disease involves scarred or "sclerosed" tissue
in damaged areas of the brain and spinal cord.
A
SYMPTOM is:
DIAGNOSIS
means:
- a decision
based on an examination of a particular set
of symptoms.
HEREDITARY
means:
- a particular
trait passed down within a family, from generation to generation.
The
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM consists of:
- the
brain
- the
spinal cord in your back
- nerves
CONTAGIOUS
means:
- something
that spreads by direct contact.
An EXACERBATION
is:
- an
irritation or an annoyance.
- is
commonly used to define another episode or attack of MS.
A LESION
is:
- an
injury or other change in an organ or tissue of the body
usually resulting in loss of function to some degree.
A VACCINE
is:
- a drug
introduced into the body to protect it from a
specific disease.
The IMMUNE
SYSTEM is:
- the
system in your body that protects you against something
disagreeable or harmful to your health.
REMISSION
means:
- symptoms
easing up or clearing completely.
REMITTING
means:
- symptoms
coming back either as bad or worse as they once were.
MYELIN
is:
