什麼是多發性硬化症？：英語精讀講義

This month, many countries around the world will be spreading awareness on multiple sclerosis or MS,

本月，世界許多國家都會展開宣傳活動，提升大眾對多發性硬化症（簡稱 MS）的認識，

a disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

這種疾病影響著全球數百萬人。

But what exactly is multiple sclerosis? 表達脈絡

但多發性硬化症究竟是什麼？

MS primarily affects the central nervous system,

MS 主要影響中樞神經系統，

which consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. 片語搭配

中樞神經系統由大腦、脊髓與視神經組成。

Just about everything you do depends on this system functioning properly, 講解

你所做的幾乎每一件事，都仰賴這個系統正常運作，

from breathing to moving and even watching YouTube videos.

從呼吸、活動身體，到觀看 YouTube 影片也不例外。

And these actions are all facilitated by neurons throughout your body,

而所有這些活動，都有賴遍布全身的神經元，

cells which we've talked about many times in our previous videos.

這種細胞，我們在先前的影片中已經談過很多次。

These neurons are able to send signals all throughout the body at incredible speeds,

神經元能以驚人的速度向全身傳送訊號，

in part because of the fatty coating that surrounds them, 片語搭配

部分原因在於包覆著它們的脂肪層，

something called myelin or the myelin sheath.

這種物質叫作髓磷脂，也稱為髓鞘。

This myelin insulates the impulses and allows the nerve signals to reach their destination. 文法

髓鞘能為神經衝動提供絕緣作用，讓神經訊號抵達目的地。

However, in the case of MS, 片語搭配

然而，對 MS 而言，

this is where the issues occur.

問題恰恰就出在這裡。

The immune system is designed to fight off disease from viruses, bacteria, parasites, or other agents, 講解

免疫系統原本是用來抵禦由病毒、細菌、寄生蟲或其他病原體引發的疾病，

and does so by distinguishing these things from healthy tissue. 講解

它透過區分這些病原體與健康組織來發揮作用。

But in the case of MS,

但對 MS 而言，

the immune system ends up attacking the myelin 片語動詞

免疫系統最後反而會攻擊髓鞘，

in what is classified as an autoimmune disorder. 講解

因此 MS 被歸類為自體免疫疾病。

This process of demyelination can lead to a buildup of scar tissue, 片語搭配

這種脫髓鞘過程會導致疤痕組織不斷累積，

hence the word sclerosis. 表達脈絡

「硬化」一詞也正是由此而來。

The CNS then becomes unable to send and receive signals properly.

接著，中樞神經系統便無法正常傳送與接收訊號。

Messages traveling along the neurons may be slowed down, 文法

沿著神經元傳遞的訊息可能會變慢，

distorted, or stopped altogether. 用詞

失真，甚至完全中斷。

Because of the varying locations and nature of demyelination,

由於脫髓鞘發生的位置與具體情況各不相同，

the symptoms of MS are incredibly diverse.

MS 的症狀也極為多樣。

They can range from muscle weakness to decreased coordination, 文法

症狀可能包括肌肉無力和協調能力下降，

fatigue, vision problems, numbness, or even paralysis.

疲勞、視力問題、麻木，甚至癱瘓。

Though an MRI scan of the brain to look for lesions or scarring is integral to diagnosis. 用詞

不過，透過腦部 MRI 掃描尋找病灶或疤痕，對診斷至關重要。

For some, the symptoms come as acute episodes, 用詞

有些人的症狀會以急性發作的形式出現，

while others experience more chronic and permanent symptoms which worsen over time. 片語搭配

另一些人則會出現更慢性、持久的症狀，而且隨時間逐漸惡化。

At this point, no true cause or cure is known. 表達脈絡

目前，人們既不清楚確切病因，也沒有治癒方法。

While potential links to environmental factors, viral infections, and genetics have been found,

儘管研究發現它可能與環境因素、病毒感染及遺傳有關，

studies are ongoing and not yet conclusive. 用詞

但相關研究仍在進行，尚未有定論。

And while there has been a lot of work towards not only alleviating some of the symptoms, 文法

儘管人們已投入大量心力，不只希望緩解部分症狀，

but slowing the progression,

也希望減緩病情進展，

sadly, these treatments do not work for all MS sufferers. 用詞

但遺憾的是，這些治療方法並非對所有 MS 患者都有效。

Ultimately, bringing light to this issue in an effort to support and fund research 講解

說到底，讓更多人關注這個議題，進而支持研究並為研究募款，

is an incredibly important step to erasing MS.

是消除 MS 極為重要的一步。

And though many of us will never truly understand the challenges of living with MS, 用詞

儘管我們很多人永遠無法真正體會與 MS 共存的種種挑戰，

we can work together to raise awareness. 片語搭配

但我們可以攜手提升大眾認知。

We would be so grateful if you could take a moment and pass this video on to your family and friends 講解

如果你願意花一點時間，把這支影片分享給家人和朋友，我們將非常感激，

and join in the effort to end MS.

也請加入終結 MS 的行動。

This episode of AsapSCIENCE is supported by 23andMe. 文化背景

本集 AsapSCIENCE 由 23andMe 贊助。

23andMe is a DNA analysis service that allows you to explore your own genes.

23andMe 是一項 DNA 分析服務，讓你可以探索自己的基因。

Whether you're interested in discovering your global origins or understanding your health and your risk for disease, 文法

無論你是想探索自己的祖先來自世界哪些地方，還是想了解自身健康狀況和罹病風險，

be sure to check out 23andMe.com/asap. 片語動詞

都別忘了造訪 23andMe.com/asap。

With the help of their DNA kits, connect to your past, 表達脈絡

透過 23andMe 的 DNA 檢測套件，追溯你的過去，

learn about your present health and potentially be part of future genetic research

了解目前的健康狀況，並有機會參與未來的遺傳學研究，

all at 23andMe.com/asap.

這一切盡在 23andMe.com/asap。

And subscribe for more weekly science videos.

記得訂閱，觀看每週更新的更多科學影片。