- Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects your central nervous system.
- There are many available treatments used today, but stem cells transplantations are not considered standard.
- Experts say some people with multiple sclerosis may benefit from stem cell transplantations, but there are risks involved.
High voltage electrical transmission cables are usually wrapped in a protective layer of insulation. If the insulation is removed, electrical problems can certainly be expected.
This is essentially how myelin functions in the human body. Nerve fibers are coated with a layer of insulation made of proteins and fats called a myelin sheath. This sheath protects nerve fibers and speeds up electrical activity.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s natural defense systems to mistakenly attack and destroy these myelin sheaths. Depending on the exact location and scope of this damage, it could manifest as a variety of neurological symptoms.
Stem cells transplantations are not a standard treatment for MS, but new research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry examines whether it might be an option worth exploring.
While some people with MS might benefit from this type of treatment, it’s not recommended for everyone. Let’s find out what experts had to say about the study.
According to Dr. Augusto Miravalle, the chief of the RUSH University Multiple Sclerosis Center in Chicago who was not involved in the study, part of what makes treating MS complicated is that researchers are still trying to determine what causes MS.
“The cause of MS is still unsolved, but recent research has provided valuable insight into certain genetic and epigenetic (environmental) factors that increase the risk of developing MS. How these genetic and environmental factors influence the risk of developing MS is not fully understood,” Dr. Miravalle told Medical News Today.
Complicating things further, the disease progression of MS…
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