A potentially debilitating condition affecting the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) is multiple sclerosis (MS).
Myelin, the covering that protects nerve fibres, is attacked by the immune system in multiple sclerosis (MS), which impairs brain-to-body communication. The illness may eventually result in irreversible harm or degeneration of the nerve fibres.
The location and extent of nerve fibre damage in the central nervous system determine the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which differ greatly amongst patients. Severe Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients may eventually lose their ability to walk or move at all. Depending on the type of MS they have, some people may go for extended periods of time without experiencing any new symptoms.
Symptoms
Depending on where the damaged nerve fibres are located, multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and throughout the course of the disease.
Typical signs and symptoms consist of:
- usually affecting one side of the body at a time, numbness or weakness in one or more limbs
- tingling
- sensations of electric shock brought on by specific neck movements, particularly bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
- Insufficient synchronisation
- shaky walking or unsteadiness in gait
- partial or total blindness, usually in one eye at a time, and discomfort when moving the eyes
- extended periods of double vision
- blurry vision
- dizziness
- issues relating to bladder, bowel, and sexual function
- weary
- slurred words
- cognitive issues
- mood swings
Causes
It is unknown what causes multiple sclerosis. It is regarded as an immune-mediated illness, meaning that the body’s defence mechanism targets its own tissues. Myelin, the fatty substance that covers and shields nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, is destroyed in multiple sclerosis cases due to immune system malfunctions.
Myelin is comparable to the insulating layer that covers electrical cables. Messages that travel along a nerve fibre may be slowed or blocked when the protective myelin covering it is damaged.
Why some people develop MS while others do not is unknown. It seems that a mix of environmental and genetic factors are at play.
Treatment
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has no known cure, although medications and other therapies can help manage the illness and lessen some of its symptoms.
The course of treatment for multiple sclerosis is contingent upon the individual’s symptoms and the disease’s stage.
It might consist of:
- managing MS symptom relapses (with steroids)
- addressing particular MS symptoms
- therapy to lower the frequency of relapses (disease-modifying medications)
- a group of diverse healthcare professionals will collaborate to provide you with support.
A neurologist, who specialises in treating disorders of the nervous system, a physiotherapist, a speech-language pathologist, and several other medical specialists might be among them.
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