Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that primarily affects the brain and spinal cord. It is classified as an immune-mediated condition, meaning it results from an abnormal response of the body’s immune system rather than an infection or a purely genetic defect.
In MS, the immune system mistakenly targets components of the CNS. In MS the blood brain barrier, which functions to protect the CNS from pathogens is weakened allowing cells to pass through, which cause inflammation, leading to demyelination – and subsequent nerve injury. As a result of the damage and loss of myelin, messages travel along the axon more slowly or may be completely blocked.
Thus, resulting in a variety of symptoms that can vary and may change over time influencing mobility, sensation, and body functions including the bowel.
Resources:
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/
Source references
Alvino, B., Arianna, F., Assunta, B., Antonio, C., Emanuele, D.A., Giorgia, M., Leonardo, S., Daniele, S., Renato, D., Buscarinu, M.C., et al. (2022) ‘Prevalence and predictors of bowel dysfunction in a large multiple sclerosis outpatient population: An Italian multicenter study’, Journal of Neurology, 269, pp. 1610–1617.
Bourre, B., Desprez, C., Gourcerol, G., Tavolacci, M.P., Duflot, T. and Leroi, A.M. (2023) ‘Multiple sclerosis and bowel symptoms: Frequency and barriers to their management’, Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 78, 104919.
Coggrave, M. and Norton, C. (2022) ‘Neurogenic bowel dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: A review of prevalence, pathophysiology, and management strategies’, International Journal of MS Care, 24(3), pp. 123–131. doi:10.7224/1537-2073.2022-001.
Gulick, E.E. (2022) ‘Neurogenic bowel dysfunction over the course of multiple sclerosis: A review’, International Journal of MS Care, 24(5). doi:10.7224/1537-2073.2021-007.
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