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Multiple Sclerosis-A Demyelinating Disorder and Its Dental Considerations-A Literature Review with Own Case Report

Al Johani K, Fudah M, Al-Zahrani M, Abed H, Srivastava KC, Shrivastava D, Cicciù M, Minervini G

Brain sciences, 2023

9 citations

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune condition that primarily affects the myelin sheath covering the neurons of the central nervous system, including those of the brain and spinal cord. Although the etiology is not completely understood, various factors, such as genetic infections and environmental background, play a role in the pathogenesis. Repeated active episodes of MS characterized with marked inflammation results in the scarring of particular nerve segments, and eventually results in functional impairment over a period of time. Based on the clinical course of the disease, four clinical types of MS have been identified, with the relapsing-remitting type being the commonest. MS is known to occur more commonly in females in the age group of 20-40 years. Dysarthria, fatigue, muscle spasm, and numbness are the common presenting symptoms of MS. Diagnosis is generally achieved with MRI brain scans, showing demyelination plaques and lumbar puncture. Treatment of MS's acute phase includes high doses of corticosteroids; whereas preventive treatment of MS includes the prescription of immunosuppressive therapy, including biologics. A large group of MS patients present with oral manifestations, including dysphagia, dysarthria, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disturbances, facial palsy, and chronic periodontal diseases. Other typical oral manifestations seen in MS patients include trigeminal neuralgia, paresthesia, or orofacial pain. Dental treatment and following drug…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

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