Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), causing damage to the membrane surrounding neurons called myelin. This leads to stiffness in the cells and hence triggers slowed or interrupted functioning of mobile neurotransmitters between the brain and body organs.
The symptoms of MS, the onset of which is usually unanticipated neither by the patient nor by those around him or her, vary in severity depending on the affected area, and how acute the condition is.
Symptoms:
- Numbness in limbs
- Loss of balance
- Weakness or muscle cramps
- Blurred vision or vision duplication or inability to distinguish colors
- Weakness and fatigue after mild physical activity
- Difficulty speaking
- Impaired memory, and reduced ability to make decisions
Diagnosis:
- MS is diagnosed by examining the symptoms and linking them to when and how they occurred.
- Assessment of the patient’s health condition, and checking his or her medical history are also necessary for MS diagnosis.
- Clinical examinations
- Some lab tests (e.g. blood test)
- Taking a sample of spinal fluid to analyze it and detect any abnormal changes
- Brain MRI
- Neurotransmitters measurement test
Treatment:
The treatment aims to control the symptoms and stop their development.
Recommended medications:
- Corticosteroids: used to relieve inflammation symptoms.
- Interferons: used to slow the progress of the disease.
- Glatiramer acetate: used to reduce the attacks of the immune system against nerves.
- Fingolimod: it confines the immune cells inside lymph nodes, thus helping reduce the attacks of the immune system against nerves.
- Natalizumab: used to reduce the attacks of the immune system against nerves.
- Mitoxantrone: used to treat acute and advanced MS conditions; it suppresses the immune system.
- Teriflunomide: used to reduce the attacks of the immune system against nerves.
Complications:
- Muscle stiffness and cramps
- Leg muscle paralysis
- Problems in the bladder and intestines
- Forgetfulness and loss of concentration
- Depression
- Epilepsy
Living with multiple sclerosis:
- Take a rest.
- Exercise.
- Sclerosis symptoms and episodes are sometimes triggered by exposure to heat (e.g. unprotected exposure to the sun, bathing with hot water, exposure to hot air, etc.). The MS patient is, therefore, recommended to avoid exposure to heat where applicable.
- Adopt a healthy, balanced diet that would help you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your immunity, and maintain your bone health.
- Avoid stress.