-
Essay / A Comparison of Two Nervous System Disorders - 1100
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome are two well-known nervous system disorders. Specifically, these diseases attack myelin, which is a fatty sheath that wraps around the nerve's axon in order to increase its conduction speed. To create a mental picture of what myelin looks like, take a look at any type of power cord. The cord itself may represent a nerve present in the human body. The rubber that surrounds the wires helps insulate the wiring and ensure that the electricity follows a consistent path and does not jump to other areas. This is similar to the myelin that surrounds our nerve fibers, it helps keep the signal intact as it travels to its target source, as well as speeding up the speed at which the signal travels. This article will discuss the background of each disease, their signs and symptoms, and finally the treatments and/or management of each disease. Background of Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be defined as a degenerative disease that attacks the brain and spine. cord: two key elements of the central nervous system. Unfortunately, this disease affects a large number of individuals. According to a study by Rumrill, one in 750 people will end up suffering from multiple sclerosis at some point.1 This high number can be attributed to the fact that almost anyone can be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It can be diagnosed regardless of age and gender, but a unique finding is that it is rarely seen in certain settings. African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are rarely diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. On the other hand, individuals whose origins trace back to German, Scandinavian, or English...... middle of paper ......vocational rehabilitation [online series]. October 2009;31(2):75-82. Available from: CINAHL with full text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed April 29, 2014.2. D'Arcy C. Multiple sclerosis: symptom management. Nursing and residential care [online series]. August 2012;14(8):405-409. Available from: CINAHL with full text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed April 30, 2014.3. Taylor N. Progressive resistance exercise for people with multiple sclerosis. Disability and rehabilitation [online series]. September 30, 2006;28(18):1119-1126. Available from: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Ipswich, MA. Accessed April 30, 2014.4. Finlayson M, Plow M, Cho C. Use of physical therapy services among middle-aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapy [online series]. November 2010;90(11):1607-1618. Available from: CINAHL with full text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed in May 2, 2014.