Multiple Sclerosis 

ultiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that occurs for unknown reasons. While the body's immune system normally works together in a harmonious fashion, multiple sclerosis causes it to attack itself and not know who its enemy is. Multiple sclerosis may occur when Th1 cells attack the neural sheaths of cells in the central nervous system. This causes the sheath lipids to be replaced by a hard layer, preventing the nerve cells from transmitting signals. 

      The symptoms of multiple sclerosis include paralysis, impaired eyesight, weakness of the limbs, impaired movement or stiffness, difficulty walking, slurred speech or inability to talk, and even death. Treatment consists of immune regulation therapy, blood plasma replacement, treatment with antibiotics, and other forms of drug treatment. 

      Statistics indicate that there are currently 2.5 million multiple sclerosis patients worldwide, and annual mortality is approximately 1%. Twice as many women as men get multiple sclerosis, and the effects generally begin when the individuals are 20 to 40 years old. According to a report in the September 2000 issue of the American Public Health Journal, autoimmune diseases have become one of the ten top death causes among women under 65 years of age. This report should awaken people to the unexpectedly large threat aut-immune diseases pose to women today.