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Multiple sclerosis refers to the disease which disables the central
nervous system (spinal cord & brain). The immune system attacks the myelin
sheath which covers and protects the fibers. Also, this sheet causes issues
related to communication between the body and brain. In case of prolonged or
severe condition, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can damage the overall nerves on a
permanent basis.
Symptoms and signs of the disease may vary on the basis of
different factors. They may include the nerves that are damaged and also the
amount of damage in the nerves. In some cases, MS patients can lose their
capability to walk alone. Some other patients experience prolong remission
without any observable signs. You should know the fact that no cure is
available for the treatment but the condition of the patient can be managed by
using medicines. Latest treatment options can be helpful in speedy recovery
from the fits and also in the management of symptoms.
Further, this article discusses what Multiple Sclerosis is,
signs & symptoms, causes, treatment options, etc. in detail!
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis refers to the disease which affects your
central nervous system includes optic nerves, spinal cord, and brain. It
damages your vision, the capability to maintain balance, muscle control, and
other related body functioning.
However, it affects every individual differently. Its
effects depend on which stage of the disease you are at the moment. This
chronic disease may affect your daily activities badly.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of the disease may differ for every
individual. Different factors play their part in the onset of the disease.
Also, the signs depend on the area of your body which got damaged because of
this disease. Usually, the disease affects movement and balance. Also, it may
damage patient’s vision.
Following are the symptoms if it affects your movement.
Lack of coordination in body muscles and joints
The sensation of having electric shocks in the
neck whenever you want to move it
Weakness or numbness in your limbs which usually
happens at one side of the body at a time
Following symptoms may reveal if MS affects your vision.
Blurry vision
Double vision for a long time period
Complete or partial loss of vision. Usually, it
happens in one eye at a time. You may also experience pain while moving your
eye.
Some other symptoms of the disease may include;
Dizziness
Slurred speech
Issues in bladder or bowel function
Difficult in sexual activities
Fatigue
Pain or tingling in different body parts
When Should You Visit A Doctor?
It is highly recommended to visit your doctor when you usually
experience one or more above-mentioned symptoms.
Disease Course
It is important to know that most patients with Multiple
Sclerosis have a disease course of relapsing-remitting. Such patients
experience new symptoms of relapses of old symptoms over days or weeks.
Usually, they seem to improve completely or at least partially. The relapse
time period may remain for months or years.
The patients may suffer from a slight increase in the body temperature but it can worsen the symptoms and signs of the disease. Hence, such issues aren’t considered as something which can affect the relapses of disease. According to experts, almost 60-70 percent of the individuals with such kind of MS become successful in developing the steady progression of the symptoms. It is recognized as the secondary-progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Primary-Progressive MS
The person suffering from primary-progressive MS may
experience the gradual and study onset and progression of the symptoms &
signs of the disease.
Secondary-Progressive MS
Usually, the patient may experience gait and mobility as a
result of the worsening of the condition. Still, the rate of increase of the
disease depends on different factors.
Causes
Effects on the Body
The exact cause of the ailment is still not known. This
disease comes under the category of autoimmune disease in which the body’s own
immune system attacks its tissues. In case of this specific disease, the malfunction
in the immune system destroys the substance which works for the protection of
nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain. If you are in search of the exact
causes of this disease, unfortunately, they are not known until now. A
combination of the environment and genetic factors can be responsible for the
onset of this ailment.
Risk Factors
Following is the list of the risk factors which may increase
the onset of the disease. Have a look!
Age
Race
Climate
Family history
Sex
Specific infections
Smoking
Specific autoimmune diseases
Insufficient Vitamin D
Complications
Some complications that come with the ailment may include;
Epilepsy
Depression
Differences in mental health, for example, mood
swings and forgetfulness
Issues with sexual functioning, bowel, and
bladder functioning
Paralysis
Spasms or muscle stiffness
Diagnosis
Different tests are utilized for making the diagnosis of the
disease. No specific tests are available to diagnose the ailment. When you
visit your doctor and tell him about your condition, he may start taking your
medical history and doing your overall examination. In such cases, your doctor
may recommend a blood test, MRI, or any other test. Following are the most recommended
tests to diagnose the problem.
Blood Tests
Spinal Tap
MRI
Evoked Potential Tests
In some people, it is quite easy to diagnose the disease on
the basis of the symptoms, while in some other cases, it is difficult and the
above-mentioned tests help in the diagnosis. People having progressive disease
and unusual symptoms make it more difficult to diagnose the disease. In some
case, doctors need to test the imaging and spinal fluid analysis to get a
conclusion.
Treatments
The disease doesn’t come with a cure, but management is
possible with the help of treatment methods. A number of latest treatment
methods are available which work by focusing on the attacks a person gets,
which area is affecting, and other related aspects. On the other hand, some
individuals don’t really need treatment as they have mild symptoms. Don’t
forget, early treatment is better!
Following are the treatment options on the basis of the
disease.
Treatment Options For MS Attacks
Plasma Exchange – Your blood contains an
amount of plasma in it which is the liquid portion. It is separated from your
blood cells. After that, the blood cells are mixed with the albumin – which is
a protein solution – and put back into the body. This procedure is recommended
if your body doesn’t respond to the steroid and you have severe symptoms.
Corticosteroids – This method is also
known as intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisone. This method helps
in eliminating inflammation of the nerves. This treatment also comes with a few
side-effects include high blood pressure, fluid retention, mood swings, and
insomnia.
Treatment Options For Relapsing-Remitting MS
Injectable medicines are usually used to treat
relapsing-remitting MS. These options include;
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Glatopa) –
As you know, MS may occur because of the attack of your body’s own immune
system. This treatment option works by blocking the attack of your immune
system on the myelin sheath. This medicine is injected under the skin to get
better results. Skin irritation in the targeted area is the most common
side-effect.
Beta Interferons – It is one of the most
common medicines that are prescribed by the doctors to treat this ailment. This
medicine is injected under the muscle or the skin to reduce the severity and
frequency of the attacks. Infections and flu are the most common side-effects
of this treatment option.
Oral Treatment Options
These treatment options include;
Fingolimod
(Gilenya)
Dimethyl
fumarate (Tecfidera)
Teriflunomide
(Aubagio)
Siponimod
(Mayzent)
The above-mentioned oral medicines are used for managing
different body issues that occur as a result of the ailment. Also, they come
with various side-effects. So, only take medicines according to the
prescription of your doctor.
Infusion Treatments
Following methods are used in infusion treatments.
Ocrelizumab
(Ocrevus)
Natalizumab
(Tysabri)
Alemtuzumab
(Campath, Lemtrada)
Mitoxantrone
All of these methods are approved by the FDA. Different
side-effects are linked to each method. You should only get the treatment from
an expert doctor and don’t take any treatment on your own.
Treatments For MS Symptoms And Signs
Physical Therapy – You should get the
services of an occupational or physical therapist for this treatment. He will
teach you how to perform strengthening exercises. Also, he will assist you in
learning the use of different devices to complete your daily tasks
successfully. This therapy – while taking by an expert – can be helpful in
managing leg weakness and other issues related to gait because of Multiple
Sclerosis.
Muscle Relaxants – Spasms or muscle
stiffness is one of the most common signs of the disease. You may experience
muscle stiffness in different body parts specifically legs. Your doctor will
suggest you some muscle relaxants which may help you.
Medicines to Reduce Fatigue – Fatigue is
another common sign of the disease. So, taking related medicines can help in
reducing fatigue which happens because of the attack of Multiple Sclerosis. Your
doctor will prescribe you the medicine on the basis of your condition.
Medicines to Increase Walking Speed – A
number of medicines are available which help you in speeding up your walk. However,
these medicines are not recommended for individuals having a history of kidney
dysfunction or seizures.
Other Medicines – Some other medicines
can be related to pain, insomnia, depression, and to control bowel problems. In
fact, whatever issues you are facing in your body because of this disease, your
doctor will prescribe you related medicines accordingly.
Clinical Trials
A number of new studies and clinical trials are made
throughout the world so that more effective treatments can be found to cure
Multiple Sclerosis.
Lifestyle And Home Remedies
Using effective home remedies and making inspiring changes
in your lifestyle can also help you in the management of this disease. You
should try the following changes in your life to reduce symptoms.
Take Rest – Don’t forget taking proper
rest. Doing a lot of work can cause fatigue and further it may lead to an
attack of MS. Monitor your sleeping habits and make the habit of taking at least
7-8 complete hours of sleep. If you can’t sleep properly, let your doctor know
about it.
Exercise – Doing exercise is highly
recommended as it surely helps in reducing signs and symptoms. It strengthens
your body, improves breathing pattern, and improves muscle coordination, muscle
balance, and muscle tone. You may go for swimming, low-impact aerobics, Tai
Chi, yoga, stationary bicycling, stretching, or walking. If you can’t decide,
simply ask your doctor.
Eat A Balanced Diet – Eating balanced and
healthy diet is necessary to keep yourself healthy and active. Less amount of
vitamin D in the body is a reason to suffer from this disease. So, you should
increase the intake of vitamin D in your diet. Further, your doctor can help
you in making a good diet plan for you.
Cool Down – Keep your mental level and
body image cool as the increase in body temperature can worsen the symptoms of
Multiple Sclerosis. Avoid the exposure of heat.
Relieve Stress – Stress is known as one
of the most common causes of diseases. It triggers various symptoms and signs
and may worsen them. You can do meditation or other exercises to reduce the
level of stress.
Alternate Medicines
Most of the MS patients are using a combination of the
treatments to manage their problem. Such type of treatment helps in managing
the symptoms. Activities including eating a healthy diet, massage, yoga,
performing relaxation techniques, acupuncture, meditation, and regular exercise
are helpful in boosting the overall quality of life. Such activities lead the
patient towards a healthy lifestyle that helps him to maintain his symptoms and
live a happy and healthy life.
Coping And Support
Living with a chronic disease is not an easy task. You can
get the help of your loved ones, friends, or an expert to manage your life with
Multiple Sclerosis. Following are some helpful suggestions!
Make a connection with your family and friends.
Contact a support group, consisting of people
suffering from same disease.
Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns and
feelings with your doctor or counselor.
Make hobbies and adopt them in your life.
Indulge in daily activities and try to make them
as normal as possible.
