What You Need To Know About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord. This neurological disease causes the body to attack and break down the myelin sheath around the nerves in the CNS. Without protection, the nerves cannot function properly, resulting in a variety of health issues.

This leads to slow impulse conduction along the nerve fibers. Subsequently, this interrupts the signals between the CNS and the body. Eventually, MS may cause a permanent damage and deterioration of the nerves, affecting a patient’s overall health and quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of MS depend on the nerve affected and vary widely among patients, though they do tend to start in early adulthood. Some patients have mild symptoms while others suffer significantly.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Debilitating fatigue
• Difficulty walking resulting from:
  • Numbness in the lower extremities due to the demyelinating effect of the disease
  • Difficulty in balancing because of cerebellum involvement
  • Muscle weakness and spasticity
• Visual disturbances or optic neuritis such as double vision, blurriness, complete vision loss, and pain behind the eye
• Tremors
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Tingling and pain in the extremities
• Bowel and bladder dysfunction

Cause and Risk Factors

The cause of MS is still unknown although it may have a genetic link. However, it is considered an autoimmune disease.

The following risk factors increase the likelihood of getting MS:

• Gender – Females are two to three times more likely to be affected by MS than males
• Age – Onset usually occurs between 20 and 40 years of age
• Family History – You are at higher risk if someone you’re related to has MS
• Infections – Some viral infections, such as those caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, may lead to MS
• Race – White people, especially from Northern European descent, are at higher risk than other races
• Climate – MS is more prevalent in temperate climates such as Europe, Canada, the northern USA, New Zealand, and southeastern Australia
• Vitamin D – Low levels of vitamin D and less exposure to sunlight may increase the risk of MS, as the disease more common in countries far from the equator
• Certain Autoimmune Diseases – Those with other autoimmune conditions, such as  type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, are slightly more likely to develop MS
• Smoking – People who smoke are two times more likely to develop the disease

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for MS. However, treatments help in aiding recovery from attacks or relapses. Some of the common medications used include:

• Muscle relaxants to help with pain and spasms
• Various Disease-Modifying Agents for MS (DMAMS)
• Corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation
• Plasma exchange, if your body hasn’t responded to steroids

Other aspects of managing the disease include:

• Stretching and exercise
• Physical therapy
• Eating a health, anti-inflammatory diet

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms without known cause or you have a family history of MS, make an appointment with your family doctor. Diagnosing the disease at an early stage can help reduce the severity and onset of symptoms.