Understanding Multiple Sclerosis By Examination of Theories in Medical Literature

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease which causes inflammation and demyelination
in the central nervous system. The demyelination is caused from mediated cell death,
apoptosis and/or necrosis, of oligodendrocytes. Although MS can be diagnosed, very little is understood
about its pathogenesis. Many researchers have focused on the immune system itself in attempt
to understand the pathogenesis of MS. The idea that demyelination primarily resulting from a T
cell-mediated immune response to various myelin antigens is widely accepted; however, there are other
factors to consider. In order to understand the primary cause(s) of MS which are not fully understood
in science research currently, it is important to examine the effects of glutamate excitotoxicity
and the environmental factors which could cause it. This opinion paper seeks to outline theories regarding
the pathogenesis of MS in attempt to understand this complicated neurodegenerative disease.