Episode 6 - Discussing the Pathophysiology of MS

According to Dr. Patricia K. Coyle, the nature of unmanaged multiple sclerosis (MS) produces recurrent attacks on the brain and spinal cord, which results in focal inflammatory lesions that can be visualized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Unfortunately, 80-90% of lesions that form are silent and cannot be detected on the neurological examination, which exposes patients to a greater burden of disease and an increased risk of dysfunction. Furthermore, depending on which neurological components are affected, patients are at heightened risk for a broad suite of deficits, including weakness, spasticity, sensory loss, and cognitive issues. As the disease progresses, symptomatology may include bladder disruption, walking abnormalities, tremor, and fatigue.