Name: Mason Arbogast

Title: Multiple Sclerosis

I. Introduction:

A. Attention: According to Michael J. Olek, the writer of “Multiple Sclerosis -Etiology, Diagnosis, 
and New Treatment Strategies” multiple sclerosis (MS) afflicts approximately 250,000 to 350,000 individuals in the United States and is the most common autoimmune disease involving the nervous system.

B. Credibility: Approximately 6 years ago my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which has progressively gotten worse almost resulting in complete disability.

C. Thesis Statement: With autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis on a steady rise over the past decade, three major factors must be considered: the possible causes, common symptoms, and
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis 1. Fatigue, Cognition, and Mood are results from the direct damage of the central nervous system. * Cognition is affected due to the interlinking nerves (neurons) that become damaged and can no longer communicate effectively resulting in memory loss and comprehension/learning abilities 2. Eyesight is also heavily affected due to optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve. * According to www.nationalmssociety.org, vision problems are usually the first symptoms for MS patients. 3. Mobility, Balance, Tremors, Pain, Sensations, Cramps, & Spasticity also relate to the demyelinated nerves that no longer give proper sensory signals. * Any nerve damage can cause sudden spasms, burning sensations, stiff muscles and severe pain.

[Transition: Now that the Multiple Sclerosis symptoms have been defined and properly diagnosed, treatment of the disease can now occur.]

D. Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis 1. The treatment of Multiple Sclerosis can be broken down into three strands. * Reduce the impact of symptoms including fatigue, pain, and spasticity through rehabilitation programs. * Reduce the length and the severity of relapses by using steroids. * Improve the condition by using disease-modifying drugs. 2. A