Multiple sclerosis is a disabling disease of unknown origin. It commonly affects middle-aged women by attacking the protective sheath covering the nervous system called the myelin, causing causing an interruption in neurological impulses between the brain and body, resulting in irreversible nerve destruction. The first signs of the disease are lack of coordination, vision disturbances, and uncontrollable movement and numbness or weakness of the extremities, eventually leading to speech problems, trouble walking and incapacitation, according to MayoClinic.com.
Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia is a condition that results from the formation of a cyst within the spinal canal, known as a syrinx. As the syrinx expands, increased pressure on the spinal cord results in neurological compromise and spinal cord destruction. According to "The Merck Manual," syringomyelia commonly occurs in young adult males, and may be associated with a congenital anomaly known as Arnold-Chiari malformation which results in dilation of the spinal canal. Trauma can also play a role in the initiation of syringomyelia. A minor tear in the dural sheath can allow cerebral spinal fluid a pathway to flow, forming a syrinx which leads to spinal cord compression. Like in MS, symptoms are usually gradual with weakness of the upper or lower extremity, depending on the location of the syrinx--if in the upper spinal column, a loss of sensation will be noticed around the nape of the neck and shoulders, along with severe headaches; lower cord involvement usually produces bladder and urinary issues along with lower extremity sensory compromise.
Treatment consists of surgically decompressing the affected region. This relieves the pressure placed on the cord and alleviates the symptoms, provided permanent neurological damage has not already occurred.
Guillian-Barre Syndrome
Similar to MS with inflammation and destruction of the myelin sheath, Guillian-Barre syndrome only affects the periphery nerves and not the central nervous system. "The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" explains that the exact cause of this syndrome is unknown; however, two-thirds of reported cases have occurred after a viral exposure, and an estimated 10 percent of cases arise after medical procedures such as operations or vaccinations.
Symptoms generally occur bilaterally with numbness between the fingers and toes. Patients have reported difficulty breathing and noticed atrophy of the muscles of the extremities.
Physical rehabilitation and strengthening exercises usually regains the loss of muscle tone and stability. Neurological symptoms are most often self-correcting, with little medical attention required. Occasionally, patients will require respiratory assistance.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Known as Lou Gehrig's disease, this generally afflicts middle-aged adults, and presents with progressive muscle weakening and cramping of the hands, difficulty swallowing, breathing and eventually death as the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord degenerate.
Along with noticeable muscle atrophy, "Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor" states that patients often present a brisk deep tendon reflex, and show normal sensory evaluations.
No effective treatment exists for the condition. Patients normally suffer for approximately 2 to 3 years, eventually losing their battle. Full body paralysis results as all motor neurons eventually die.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Multiple Sclerosis
- "The Merck Manual"; Fourteen Edition; 1982
- "The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book"; David E. Larson, M.D.; 1996
- "Differential Diagnosis and Management for The Chiropractor"; Thomas A. Souza; 2001
