This case study is about a 29-year-old professional oboe player who was first diagnosed for optic neuritis and then for multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an example of a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease, wherein there is an autoimmune attack on the integrity of the central nervous system.

This book presents case histories to illustrate in a clinical context essential points about the mechanisms of immunity. It includes cases that illustrate both recently discovered genetic immunodeficiencies and some more familiar and common diseases with interesting immunology.

Autoimmune Neurology presents the latest information on autoimmune neurologic disease, the immune response to the body where organs run wild, causing the immune system to attack itself. Autoimmunity is a main element in numerous nervous system diseases and can target any structure within the central or peripheral nervous system. Over the past 20 years, significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders, including the use of biomarkers has led to new diagnosis and treatment options. Neurologic conditions associated with autoimmune reactions include dementia, neuromuscular disease, epilepsy, sleep disorders, diabetes, and other common neurologic disorders and disease. This current tutorial-reference will be a must-have title for clinical neurologists, research neurologists, neuroscientists, and any medical professional working with autoimmune disease and disorders. - Includes comprehensive coverage of autoimmune neurology - Details the latest techniques for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders, including dementia, neuromuscular disease, epilepsy, and sleep disorders - Presents a focused reference for clinical practitioners and the clinical neurology and neurology research communities

26 real-life cases illustrate the applications of basic immunology in clinical settings May be utilized alone or as a companion to Immunology: A Short Course, 7th Edition by Richard Coico and Geofftry Sunshine (ISBN 9781118396919) Each case study is introduced by clearly written descriptions of the major immunological disorders Full colour photographs and illustrations complement complete presentation of real data Includes complete set of problems and discussion questions for each chapter

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease of the nervous system, affecting about 1 million people worldwide. Even though it has been known for over a hundred years, no cause or cure has yet been discovered-but now there is hope. New therapies have been shown to slow the disease progress in some patients, and the pace of discoveries about the cellular machinery of the brain and spinal cord has accelerated. This book presents a comprehensive overview of multiple sclerosis today, as researchers seek to understand its processes, develop therapies that will slow or halt the disease and perhaps repair damage, offer relief for specific symptoms, and improve the abilities of MS patients to function in their daily lives. The panel reviews existing knowledge and identifies key research questions, focusing on: Research strategies that have the greatest potential to understand the biological mechanisms of recovery and to translate findings into specific strategies for therapy. How people adapt to MS and the research needed to improve the lives of people with MS. Management of disease symptoms (cognitive impairment, depression, spasticity, vision problems, and others). The committee also discusses ways to build and financially support the MS research enterprise, including a look at challenges inherent in designing clinical trials. This book will be important to MS researchers, research funders, health care advocates for MS research and treatment, and interested patients and their families.

This second edition is a comprehensive study of the viruses that affect the brain and the central nervous system. Along with a focus on the viruses themselves, it addresses the diseases they cause, current treatments and preventive measures. Also discussed are the unique aspects of how viruses cause disease and why certain hosts are more susceptible (e.g., polymorphisms, age, co-morbidities). Because there are 29 cutting edge chapters, written by experts in the fields, Neurotropic Viral Infections has been divided into two separate volumes. Volume 1, Neurotropic RNA Viruses, includes 14 chapters on RNA viruses that cause human disease of the central nervous system ranging from Bornavirus to polio to West Nile. Volume 2, Neurotropic Retroviruses, DNA Viruses, Immunity and Transmission, includes 15 chapters divided into two parts. Part 1 includes 7 chapters on retroviruses and DNA viruses that cause human disease of the central nervous system ranging from HIV to varicella zoster virus. Part 2 includes chapters on transmission of these viruses by transplantation, bites by bats and insects, clinical management of the infections, and beneficial uses of attenuated viruses. Neurotropic Viral Infections is a unique resource, bridging basic, clinical, and translational approaches.​

Polymicrobial diseases, those involving more than one etiologic agent, are more common than is generally realized and include respiratory diseases, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, hepatitis, periodontal diseases, multiple sclerosis, genital infections, intra -- abdominal infections, and pertussis.