Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis is and autoimmune of the nervous
system that affects the brain and spinal cord by attacking
the myelin sheath (the protective covering of the
nerves). Because of the damage to the myelin, your
body is unable to receive and accurately respond to
nerve signals the brain sends. It is a debilitating,
progressive disease and symptoms vary widely depending
on the amount of damage.
Initial symptoms might include visual disturbances,
muscle weakness, fatigue, trouble with coordination
and balance, "pins and needles" sensations
and memory problems.
MS can relapse with periods of remission in between
or can be a continuous progressive disease worsening
over time. The exact cause of MS is unknown, though
there are certain risk factors being studied. MS has
also been associated with other conditions and autoimmune
diseases such as Thyroid Disease, Type I Diabetes
and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome.
Untreated, MS can cause complications such as muscle
stiffness, spasms, paralysis, problems with bladder,
bowel and sexual function, cognitive disabilities,
depression and seizures.
Symptoms:
Bladder incontinence
Blurry vision
Bowel incontinence
Changes in mood
Colors appear faded in one or both eyes
Constipation
Depression
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty putting words in order
Difficulty reaching orgasm
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty walking
Dimmed vision
Disturbances in the central vision
Dizziness
Double vision
Fatigue
Feeling hot
Forgetfulness
Frequent urinating
General body pain
General joint pain and stiffness
Ghost image or flash of light when moving eyes
Impotence
Increased reflexes
Itchy skin
Jerking eyes
Muscle spasms
Muscle weakness
Pain when moving eyes
Paralysis
Partial blindness
Problems with visual depth perception
Reduced or lack of sensation in vagina
Tremors
Trouble urinating
Unsteady balance and clumsiness
Vertigo Weakness in arm
Weakness in hand
Weakness in legs or thighs
Diagnosis:
Ultimately, diagnosis MS is through a process of
eliminating other causes of the signs and symptoms,
but there are tests physicians can perform to help
confirm a diagnosis of MS.
A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may show inflammation,
abnormal white blood cells and proteins in the spinal
fluid.
MRI's may also show lesions and demyelination of
the myelin sheaths.
Treatment:
There is no cure for MS. The goal of treatment is
to focus on controlling the immune response, manage
symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Common medications used to treat MS are Corticosteroids
to reduce inflammation during relapses.
Interferons such as betaseram, avonex and rebif may
help slow the progression, but there is a high risk
of liver damage when these medications are used.
Immunosuppressant therapy may also be used orally,
by injection or through infusions to lower the immune
response causing the damage to the myelin.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy are important
treatments with MS as they help patients to maintain
mobility and cognitive ability they have, and may
help maintain it longer.
For sever MS patients, plasma exchanged may be considered
in order to remove the antibodies and combat severe
complications of MS symptoms.
Prognosis:
Prognosis varies from patient to patient depending
on the risk factors, lifestyle, treatment and severity
of the disease. Most people can live normal or near-normal
lives between relapses while others have no periods
of remission at all. As the MS progresses, there is
a greater loss of function. Therapy and support are
important and can help give a better outlook to cope
with the depression, daily struggles and lifestyle
changes.
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