Multiple Sclerosis: Causes, Diagnosis & Management (Immunology and Immune System Disorders)

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system which leads to neuronal demyelination. As the disease progresses, oligodendrocytes and axons are destroyed, resulting in sclerotic plaques or lesion formation. Although treatment is available which can alleviate some of the symptoms, no cure is available. This book presents current research in the study of the causes, diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis. Topics discussed include the reactivity profile of B cells and autoantibodies in MS; the role of fatty acids in neurodegenerative diseases; the possible mechanisms that the Epstein-Barr virus is exploiting to trigger MS and immunoglobulin free light chains in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.