Multiple sclerosis is a long term
progressive autoimmune disease that
affects the brain and the spinal cord. For
unknown reasons, the immune system attacks
some structures of its own body during MS.
In particular, the myelin coverings of the
nerves and nerve tracts are destroyed by
the immune system. Myelin destruction
appear as plaques. Plaques can be found
anywhere in the brain. The symptoms will
depend upon the plaques’ location.
during MS, these "plaques" can heal but
not completely. That’s why some symptoms
can vanish in time but not completely.
When a new plaque is formed then new
symptoms show up. There is no specific
marker for diagnosing MS. Diagnosis of MS
can be established according to the
results of several diagnostic procedures:
1. “Attacks” consisting of more new
symptoms with incomplete remission;
2. Physical examination (neurological
status);
3. CT/MRI image of the brain (positive in
95% of cases;)
4. Laboratory analyses of the
cerebro-spinal liquor (lumbar punition)
(positive in 70% of cases);
5. Evoked potentials can be visual (VEP),
audio (AEP) and sensitive (SEP). VEP are
positive in 20-30% of all cases, SEP in
60% and AEP in 50-70% of all cases with
MS.
According to this I can tell you only that
IT IS POSSIBLE to have MS and not to show
up on VEP or lumbar punition. Please see
a specialist if you suspect that you are
experiencing symptoms of the illness.
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"Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Multiple Sclerosis Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
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