Year 9 Science CAT

Research and Communication

Conditions of the Endocrine and Nervous System

Report Template
Note: (report without brake down to 6 parts at the end)

Student name: Amy Wang

Patient identification: Patient L

Part 1 - Patient diagnosis

- What condition do you think the patient has?
- How did you arrive at this diagnosis?
- Were there any other suspected conditions which were eventually ruled out? (Explain how you ruled
these out and arrived at your final diagnosis).
- What is the prognosis of the patient following the diagnosis?

Based on the provided information, the patient's symptoms, and the MRI scan results, the most likely
diagnosis is Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS),
including the brain and spinal cord.
The patient's reported symptoms of fatigue, numbness, headaches, muscular spasms/tremors, and
problems with vision are commonly associated with MS. The presence of small lesions on the brain and
spinal cord, as observed in the MRI scans, further supports the diagnosis.
Motor Neurone disease and Epilepsy were initially considered as alternative diagnoses but ruled out due
to the absence of specific symptoms. Motor Neurone disease typically presents with muscle weakness,
muscle wasting, and speech and swallowing difficulties, which do not align with the patient's symptoms.
Epilepsy is characterised by recurrent seizures, but the duration and nature of the patient's symptoms
do not match typical epileptic seizures.
MS prognosis often begins between the ages of 20 and 40, with most symptoms appearing suddenly
within a few days or hours. However, some people lose the ability to write, speak, or walk. Yet, MS is
very unpredictable, perhaps as many as 1/3 of all patients with MS go through life without any
persistent disability.

Part 2 - Evidence to support diagnosis.

- What body system (endocrine or nervous) is affected? Can you explain or provide information about how
the condition impacts the body system and in turn the whole body? (all other relevant system being
affected)
- Can you link specific evidence from the patient case notes in supporting your diagnosis? Eg. which specific
symptoms or factors support your diagnosis

MS primarily affects the Central nervous system (CNS), with the immune system targeting the protective
myelin covering nerve fibres. This immune response leads to inflammation, demyelination, and damage
to the nerve fibres, disrupting the transmission of electrical impulses within the CNS. The presence of
lesions on the brain and spinal cord detected by the MRI scans confirms the involvement of the nervous
system. In addition to the CNS, MS can also have secondary effects on other body systems, such as the
musculoskeletal system, resulting in muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, and mobility problems.
The immune system itself is also affected, it attacks the myelin in the central nervous system, causing
inflammation and disrupting nerve signal transmission, leading to chronic inflammation and damage in
MS.
Specific evidence from the patient case notes supporting the diagnosis of MS includes the presence of
small lesions on the brain and spinal cord, consistent with characteristic findings in MS. The reported
symptoms of fatigue, numbness, headaches, muscular spasms/tremors, and problems with vision are
commonly observed in patients with MS.

Part 3 – Explanation of impact condition has on body system.

- How does the body system/s that is impacted work/work together to regulate the body?
- How does the condition impede the function of the system?

The nervous system, particularly the CNS, plays an important role in regulating and coordinating various
bodily functions. It enables communication between different parts of the body through electrical
impulses. The myelin sheath acts as insulation for nerve fibres, facilitating efficient transmission of these
impulses. In the case of MS, the immune system mistakenly targets and damages the myelin, disrupting
the normal functioning of the CNS.
In the case of patient L, the symptoms of fatigue, numbness, headaches, muscular spasms/tremors, and
vision problems are consequences of the impact of MS on the nervous system. MS disrupts homeostatic
mechanisms by affecting the CNS, leading to fatigue due to impaired energy regulation, numbness from
damaged sensory pathways, headaches as secondary symptoms, muscular spasms/tremors due to
disrupted muscle control, and vision problems resulting from damage to the optic nerves and visual
pathways.
The damage to myelin in MS results in the formation of sclerosis, which slows down the transmission of
nerve signals. This disruption can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, depending on the location and
extent of the damage. The patient's symptoms of numbness, muscular spasms/tremors, and vision
problems directly resulted from the demyelination process.

Part 4 - Suggested treatment option

- What treatment option is available for the patient in managing the condition? (Cure and/or symptom
management)
- How does the treatment option impact the specific body system and the body as a whole (Organs, cells
etc.)?

While there is currently no cure for MS, there are various treatment options available to manage the
condition and relieve symptoms, and slow down disease progression.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are commonly used to reduce the frequency and severity of
relapses, and decrease inflammation in the CNS. Examples of DMTs include interferon beta, glatiramer
acetate, and oral medications such as dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod. These treatments regulate the
immune system and reduce the autoimmune response, where the immune system mistakenly attacks
the body's own tissues.
In addition to DMTs, symptomatic treatments can be employed to manage specific symptoms
experienced by the patient. For example, corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve
symptoms like muscular spasms.
These treatment options target the immune response and inflammation within the CNS, aiming to
reduce the autoimmune attack on myelin and slow down disease progression. Symptomatic treatments
assist in managing individual symptoms, such as reducing inflammation to address muscular spasms,
improving mobility and muscle strength through physical therapy.

Part 5 - Referencing
- What research resources did you use? Reference these according to the Harvard Referencing System (see
GWSC Library Website for more details)
1. Better Health Channel. “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Common Symptoms - Better Health Channel.” Www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, 16 June 2021,

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/multiple-sclerosis-ms-common-symptoms.

2. Better Health Channel. “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Better Health Channel.” Www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, 15 June 2021,

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/multiple-sclerosis-ms#how-is-ms-diagnosed.

3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Multiple Sclerosis | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.”

Www.ninds.nih.gov, 23 Jan. 2023, www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-sclerosis.

4. Gebhardt, Marcel, et al. “Headache in the First Manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis - Prospective, Multicenter Study.” Brain and Behavior, vol. 7, no.

12, 16 Nov. 2017, p. e00852, https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.852.

5. Myhr, K. M., and S. I. Mellgren. “Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.” Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. Supplementum, vol. 120,

no. 189, 2009, pp. 73–80, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19566504, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.2009.01213.x.

6. Medlineplus. “Multiple Sclerosis.” Medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine, 2019, www.medlineplus.gov/multiplesclerosis.html

7. Rolak, Loren A. “Multiple Sclerosis: It’s Not the Disease You Thought It Was.” Clinical Medicine and Research, vol. 1, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2003, pp. 57–60,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1069023/.

8. Health Direct. “Multiple Sclerosis (MS).” Healthdirect.gov.au, Healthdirect Australia, 18 Sept. 2018,

www.healthdirect.gov.au/multiple-sclerosis-ms.

9. Venken, Koen, et al. “Disturbed Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis in Multiple Sclerosis.” Trends in Molecular Medicine, vol. 16, no. 2, 1 Feb. 2010, pp.

58–68, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20159585.

10. Multiple Sclerosis Australia. “What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS).” MS Australia, 2023, www.msaustralia.org.au/what-is-multiple-sclerosis-ms/.

11. nationalmssociety. “What Is MS?” National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2015, www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS.

12. The editors of Encyclopaedia britannica. “Multiple Sclerosis | Diagnosis, Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica,

2019, www.britannica.com/science/multiple-sclerosis.

Part 6 - Evaluation of research/resources

 - Can you explain why you selected the resources that you have used?
- Can you explain how credible/reliable the information is?

When researching for information, I am specifically focusing on Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I could learn
material that was directly relevant to the patient's condition by concentrating on sites that were
designed for MS.
Credibility and reliability of the information were assessed easily, such as Government websites ending
with .gov and organisation websites ending with .org were considered reliable, as they are backed by
scientific research, reviewed by experts, and dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and
conducting research on MS.
Some of the resources are not up to date, which is a drawback for their credibility. As it is important to
be up to date, because medical research develops. However, foundational information on MS can still
be relevant, even if published several years ago

Before submission:
- Check that you have answered all parts of the report.
- Proof-read, checking for grammatical and spelling errors.
- Consider ways to make writing more concise.
- Check the assessment rubric.
- Check there are no contractions” and “Once your work is saved as a pdf, check to see if layout preserved
and save file with your name, your patient and diagnosis as the file name. e.g., (Mr. Wei – Patient X,
Alzheimer’s)
- Upload your finalised PDF file onto the compass learning task before the due date.

Word count - 857 words

Full report without brake down to 6 parts ( the same thing)

Based on the provided information, the patient's symptoms, and the MRI scan results, the most likely
diagnosis is Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), including
the brain and spinal cord.
The patient's reported symptoms of fatigue, numbness, headaches, muscular spasms/tremors, and
problems with vision are commonly associated with MS. The presence of small lesions on the brain and
spinal cord, as observed in the MRI scans, further supports the diagnosis.
Motor Neurone disease and Epilepsy were initially considered as alternative diagnoses but ruled out due to
the absence of specific symptoms. Motor Neurone disease typically presents with muscle weakness, muscle
wasting, and speech and swallowing difficulties, which do not align with the patient's symptoms. Epilepsy is
characterised by recurrent seizures, but the duration and nature of the patient's symptoms do not match
typical epileptic seizures. MS prognosis often begins between the ages of 20 and 40, with most symptoms
appearing suddenly within a few days or hours. However, some people lose the ability to write, speak, or
walk. Yet, MS is very unpredictable, perhaps as many as 1/3 of all patients with MS go through life without
any persistent disability.
MS primarily affects the Central nervous system (CNS), with the immune system targeting the protective
myelin covering nerve fibres. This immune response leads to inflammation, demyelination, and damage to
the nerve fibres, disrupting the transmission of electrical impulses within the CNS. The presence of lesions
on the brain and spinal cord detected by the MRI scans confirms the involvement of the nervous system. In
addition to the CNS, MS can also have secondary effects on other body systems, such as the musculoskeletal
system, resulting in muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, and mobility problems. The immune system
itself is also affected, it attacks the myelin in the central nervous system, causing inflammation and
disrupting nerve signal transmission, leading to chronic inflammation and damage in MS.
Specific evidence from the patient case notes supporting the diagnosis of MS includes the presence of small
lesions on the brain and spinal cord, consistent with characteristic findings in MS. The reported symptoms of
fatigue, numbness, headaches, muscular spasms/tremors, and problems with vision are very common in
patients with MS.

The nervous system, particularly the CNS, plays an important role in regulating and coordinating various
bodily functions. It enables communication between different parts of the body through electrical impulses.
The myelin sheath acts as insulation for nerve fibres, facilitating efficient transmission of these impulses. In
the case of MS, the immune system mistakenly targets and damages the myelin, disrupting the normal
functioning of the CNS.
In the case of patient L, the symptoms of fatigue, numbness, headaches, muscular spasms/tremors, and
vision problems are consequences of the impact of MS on the nervous system. MS disrupts homeostatic
mechanisms by affecting the CNS, leading to fatigue due to impaired energy regulation, numbness from
damaged sensory pathways, headaches as secondary symptoms, muscular spasms/tremors due to
disrupted muscle control, and vision problems resulting from damage to the optic nerves and visual
pathways.
The damage to myelin in MS results in the formation of sclerosis, which slows down the transmission of
nerve signals. This disruption can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, depending on the location and
extent of the damage. The patient's symptoms of numbness, muscular spasms/tremors, and vision
problems directly resulted from the demyelination.

While there is currently no cure for MS, there are various treatment options available to manage the
condition and relieve symptoms, and slow down disease progression.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are commonly used to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses,
and decrease inflammation in the CNS. Examples of DMTs include interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, and
oral medications such as dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod. These treatments regulate the immune system
and reduce the autoimmune response, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own
tissues.
In addition to DMTs, symptomatic treatments can be employed to manage specific symptoms experienced
by the patient. For example, corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms like
muscular spasms.
These treatment options target the immune response and inflammation within the CNS, aiming to reduce
the autoimmune attack on myelin and slow down disease progression. Symptomatic treatments assist in
managing individual symptoms, such as reducing inflammation to address muscular spasms, improving
mobility and muscle strength through physical therapy.

When searching for information I am specifically focusing on Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I could learn material
that was directly relevant to the patient's condition by concentrating on sites that were designed for MS.
Credibility and reliability of the information were assessed easily, such as Government websites ending with
.gov and organisation websites ending with .org were considered reliable, as they are backed by scientific
research, reviewed by experts, and dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and conducting
research on MS.
Some of the resources are not up to date, which is a drawback for their credibility. As it is important to be
up to date, because medical research develops. However, foundational information on MS can still be
relevant, even if published several years ago.

Reference:
1. Better Health Channel. “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Common Symptoms - Better Health Channel.” Www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, 16 June 2021,

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/multiple-sclerosis-ms-common-symptoms.

2. Better Health Channel. “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Better Health Channel.” Www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, 15 June 2021,

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/multiple-sclerosis-ms#how-is-ms-diagnosed.

3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Multiple Sclerosis | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.”

Www.ninds.nih.gov, 23 Jan. 2023, www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-sclerosis.

4. Gebhardt, Marcel, et al. “Headache in the First Manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis - Prospective, Multicenter Study.” Brain and Behavior, vol. 7, no. 12,

16 Nov. 2017, p. e00852, https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.852.

5. Myhr, K. M., and S. I. Mellgren. “Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.” Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. Supplementum, vol. 120, no.

189, 2009, pp. 73–80, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19566504, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.2009.01213.x.

6. Medlineplus. “Multiple Sclerosis.” Medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine, 2019, www.medlineplus.gov/multiplesclerosis.html

7. Rolak, Loren A. “Multiple Sclerosis: It’s Not the Disease You Thought It Was.” Clinical Medicine and Research, vol. 1, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2003, pp. 57–60,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1069023/.

8. Health Direct. “Multiple Sclerosis (MS).” Healthdirect.gov.au, Healthdirect Australia, 18 Sept. 2018, www.healthdirect.gov.au/multiple-sclerosis-ms.

9. Venken, Koen, et al. “Disturbed Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis in Multiple Sclerosis.” Trends in Molecular Medicine, vol. 16, no. 2, 1 Feb. 2010, pp.

58–68, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20159585.

10. Multiple Sclerosis Australia. “What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS).” MS Australia, 2023, www.msaustralia.org.au/what-is-multiple-sclerosis-ms/.

11. nationalmssociety. “What Is MS?” National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2015, www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS.

12. The editors of Encyclopaedia britannica. “Multiple Sclerosis | Diagnosis, Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2019,

www.britannica.com/science/multiple-sclerosis.
 Rubric Increasing level of progress (moving left to right)
Each criterion – (1 mark) 

Understanding Condition has been Prognosis has been

correctly identified explained

Explanation of Explanation of the Explanation of the Explanation of the

condition has been diagnosis with diagnosis with diagnosis with
provided relation to specific relation to specific relation to specific
symptoms have symptoms links to symptoms links to
been provided specific specific
information about information about
the nervous and/or the nervous and/or
endocrine system. endocrine system
and all other
relevant systems

Different Different Different

conditions were conditions were conditions were
compared and explained and evaluated and ruled
ruled out to ruled out to out to correctly
diagnose the diagnose the diagnose the
patient patient patient

Explanation of how Explanation of how Explanation of how Explanation of how

the body system the body system the condition the condition
functions have functions to impacts the body impacts specific
been provided regulate systems ability to areas of the body
homeostasis has perform system to impede
Critical Thinking 
been provided homeostatic homeostatic
processes have mechanisms are
been provided provided. Clear
links are drawn to
the symptoms.

A treatment option An explanation of An explanation of

has been identified how the treatment how the treatment
based on the option functions option affects the
diagnosis.  has been provided. nervous and/or
endocrine system
has been provided. 

Research Skills Credible resources A justification of Evaluation of

have been selected the resources reliability or
as sources used/information credibility of
selected has been sources of
provided.   information have
been provided.
 Referencing  A list of relevant Reference list is
resources has been compiled according
provided.  to the Harvard
Referencing Style
for all sources. 

Communicatio The report is

n concise and within
800 words.

Word count is
provided on the
report

Communicatio The report has The report uses

n correct spelling, relevant scientific
grammar, language relating to
punctuation and specific body
the layout is clear systems
and easy to follow
Total = 24 marks