Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, more commonly known as MS, is a chronic, unpredictable, progressive autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. MS is caused when the body’s own immune system begins attacking the nervous system, which begins to break down the myelin, the protective material that surrounds nerve cells that protects nerves and helps transmit signals throughout the body. More than 400,000 Americans live with MS with countless others who don't even know they have it.

MS usually is diagnosed in people aged 20 to 50 with women being affected two to three times more often as men. Individuals with a family history of MS or are Caucasian are more likely to develop MS. The direct cause of MS is unknown, but researchers believe that the environment plays a role, citing that people who live in colder climates tend to develop MS more frequently.

Symptoms

The cause of MS is unknown. However, there are several symptoms.

• Blurred or double vision
• Pain behind the eye
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of muscle strength in arms and legs
• Numbness or tingling
• Dizziness
• Difficulty speaking
• Pain
• Loss of bladder and sometimes bowel control
• Sexual dysfunction
• Balance and coordination problems
• Fatigue
• Changes in cognitive function, including memory and speed of thinking
• Changes in mood
• Paralysis of one of more extremities

Some things that may trigger symptoms include fever, hot baths, sun exposure and stress.

Many of these symptoms mimic other neurologic disorders. Therefore, the only way a diagnosis can be made is by ruling out other conditions. You may need to undergo a complete medical history, nervous system function tests and diagnostic tests such as MRI.

Treatment

There is no known cure for MS, but research shows that treatment can help slow the progression of MS, especially if it is started early on. The goal of MS treatments is to control the symptoms and maintain a better quality of life. Treatment may include various medications, immune modulators, steroids and various therapies such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and support groups.

The majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled, reports the National MS Society. There is no cure for MS, but there are several treatments to help modify the disease course and manage symptoms, therefore improving the quality of life for the patient.

• Medication—You can reduce the disease’s activity by taking various medications.
• Rehabilitation—Rehabilitation is especially important after an attack (exacerbation) or, rather, the appearance of new symptoms. A high quality rehabilitation program will help restore or maintain the patient’s functions necessary for daily life. Therapies such as physical, cognitive, speech and occupational can help maintain functions that may otherwise be lost.
• Hormones—Hormones called Corticosteroids are known to help after exacerbations.
• Other—Alternative treatments also are available, including such things as various drugs or food supplements, change in diet, mental exercises and other lifestyle changes.