Central Nervous System

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disorder in which damage occurs to the protective tissue, known as myelin, surrounding the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. With MS, a person’s immune system malfunctions and starts attacking the body’s own tissues. In this case, the myelin sheaths are affected. Myelin protects the nerves and is necessary for their proper function. As the disease progresses and myelin is destroyed, the nerve impulses are interrupted and the symptoms of MS occur.

The 400,000 Americans with MS are different in the extent to which they are affected. There are four clinical courses of the disease which range from occasional flare ups to the constant worsening of symptoms and combinations of the two.

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease that leads to fluctuating weakness and fatigue. The waxing-and-waning weakness of muscles, worsening with use and improving with rest, is a hallmark of this particular disease. Myasthenia gravis is caused by a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. It is a lesser known disorder and is estimated to affect about 14 people per 100,000 in the U.S.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a potentially disabling anxiety disorder. A person who has OCD has intrusive and unwanted thoughts and repeatedly performs tasks to get rid of the thoughts. The effects of OCD range from mild to severe.