What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an invasive disease that renders your body defenseless. It is an autoimmune disorder. Multiple sclerosis, in an understandable term, simply means “scar tissue in multiple areas.” Literally, your immune system attacks the myelin, which is a covering to the nerve fibers. Sclerosis affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve: mainly the central nervous system. It interferes with the interaction between your nerves and your central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis has two ways of disrupting the central nervous system: its destruction is caused by the immune system and the failure of the myelin-producing cells. It is a demyelinating disease- the destruction of the myelin.
The deterioration of the nerves affects tissues like the cerebellum, brain stem, spinal cord, optic nerves, and regions with the white matter in the brain. It is very common in women within the age range of 20 to 50 years of age, while men within the age range of 30 to 40 years of age are likely to develop it. Women are more responsive to it than men do, and its damages are always severe. So I need you to spare me few minutes as this article gives you some details on what multiple sclerosis is all about.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis has four different types based on their development.
Clinically Isolated Syndrome CIS
This is the first episode of multiple sclerosis, which doesn’t stay for long. It only lasts for 24 hours, approximately a day. CIS develops from the inflammation and demyelination that occurs in your central nervous system. Diagnosis doesn’t seem to meet the criteria in this episode because CIS can possibly cease from developing in the long run, but only if it’s diagnosed as active, there’s the likelihood of developing into the second episode- Relapse Remitting Multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis RRMS
RRMS is the commonest type of multiple sclerosis diagnosed in 85 of 100 people. It introduces a new form of symptoms. It’s a period of remission that brings intervention of new attacks. These attacks are relapses of new symptoms. Some symptoms might disappear, continue or become permanent. An active form of RRMS tends to increase the severity of disabilities. An active form develops into the next episode- Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis SPMS.
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis PPMS
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis start to worsen in this episode. It denotes no early exacerbation. The symptoms develop into a constant fixed state, which gradually wades off or stays permanently. From various diagnosed individuals, PPMS takes over the remaining percentile for multiple sclerosis, which is 15%.
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis SPMS
This is the transition from Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. It is an initial relapsing course. It gets worse in this episode resulting in a more critical condition of neurologic dysfunction. It is the final episode.
Causes of Multiple Sclerosis Disease
The principal cause of the immune system tackling your nerve fibers is yet to be known. The cause still remains unknown, but there are several factors that can increase your chance of developing MS.
Infections: MS is usually accompanied by some infections. Research has shown that some varieties of the virus are linked to Multiple Sclerosis. Examples are Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV6), mycoplasma pneumonia.
Climate: living in a temperate climate increases your chance of developing MS. Places like Canada, South Eastern, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and the Northern United States.
Vitamin D: vitamin D plays a significant role in your immune system. Therefore, lack of vitamin D increases MS. Also, low exposure to sunlight (which helps in the production of Vitamin D) is a risk factor.
Age: MS is capable of developing in both old and young, but it has an onset age range which is around 20 to 40 years of age.
Gender: it develops in both males and females, but women are more likely to develop it than men.
Race: Some descendants have a higher chance of having MS, for instance, the northern European descendants, while the Asian, African, Native American has a lessened chance.
Family History: If any of your parents happened to be a patient of multiple sclerosis, you’re at a higher risk of developing MS. It is also passed down through gene, which renders you susceptible to it.
Smoking: smokers develop initial symptoms of MS before developing it. Smoking calls for the Intervention of Multiple Sclerosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Signs and symptoms vary in individuals, and it also depends on the affected location on your nerve fibers.
Its symptoms on movement include:
- Numbness- a pin or needle sensation in one or both limbs and neck
- Electric shock sensation within your neck anytime you attempt moving it, especially when bending forward.
- Lack of coordination.
Its symptoms on your vision include:
- Development of a blurry vision
- Having an impaired double vision
- Partial or complete loss of vision.
- Accompanied pain during eye movements.
Other forms of symptoms of multiple sclerosis:
- Blurred speech as a result of coordination impairment
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness and spasm
- Tremor
- Pain in parts of the body
- Problems in performing sexual functions
- Bowel dysfunction- constipation leading to fecal impaction
- Bladder malfunctioning- difficulty in emptying your bladder or sudden discharge from your bladder.
- Multiple sclerosis can also cause emotional changes
Most of these signs and symptoms are life-threatening. So treatment must be embraced earlier. Early diagnosis necessitates an effective treatment before the disabilities get accumulated.
Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a complicated disease to diagnose because it has some specific resemblance with another type of medical condition. A single test cannot affirm its activeness. It requires varieties of tests before it can be confirmed. It takes a long period of time to achieve each criterion for its diagnosis. Doctors ensure they check and mark out every other neurological condition before concluding. There are varieties of diagnostic methods, which include:
Blood Test
The doctors collect the patient’s blood to check out for any impairment regarding the body’s immunity.
Spinal Tap
This is an advanced diagnosing system. It requires a smooth lumbar puncture to locate whatsoever infection is in your spinal cord. However, it analyzes your antibodies. The spinal cord takes part in the body’s coordination.
Visual Evoked Potentials VEP Test
This test requires all measures to be noted. It stimulates your nerve pathways. This stimulation resolves the electrical activities in your brain into their optimal state.
MRI Scan
A contrasting dye is made use of with MRI. This can assist the doctor in detecting lesions developing both in your brain and spinal cord. It does exclusive work.
Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
No cure has been discovered for MS. Many methods have helped to treat multiple sclerosis. Over time, MS has been effectively managed by treating the symptoms: it’s the slow progression of the disease which reduces the number of relapses and relieves symptoms.
Medications
Medications have been used to lessen the symptoms and slow down the progression of MS. These medications tend to change the way your immune system carries out its systemic function. Also, it has three means of administration, which include:
- Oral
- Injection
- Infusion
Oral Medication
- Teriflunoride (Aubagro)
- Fingolimod (Gilenya)
- Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
- Mavenclad (Cladribine)
- Mayzent (Siponimod)
Injection
- Interferon Beta 1-a (Avonex and Rebif)
- Interferon Beta 1-b (Betaseron and extavia)
- Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone and Glatopa)
- Peginterferon Beta 1-a (Plegridy)
Infusion
- Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
- Mitoxantrone (Novantrone)
- Ocrelizumas (Ocrerus)
- Natalizumab (Tysabri)
Other medications include:
- Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- Arthur Gel (ACTH)
- Corticosteroid
Some of these medications have its own side effects. An example is a corticosteroid. Its side effects are psychosis, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, adrenal insufficiency, immunosuppression, weight gain, emotional change, stomach disorder, reduction of potassium level, fluid retention, insomnia, hypertension, menstrual irregularities, acne, skin atrophy, abnormal appearance of the face (cushingoid face), cataracts and high blood sugar.
Physical Rehabilitation
Maintaining good fitness also helps to manage multiple sclerosis. From researches and studies, staying physically fit and strong helps build the immune system. Exercise hence normal immune system function.
Mental Health Counselling
Living with multiple sclerosis can be emotionally challenging. It is advisable to seek help either from a mental health counselor or support group. Good mental health helps your immune system.
Treatments target symptoms and help to manage them.
Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis
MS can also be prevented before you develop it. The choice you make determines your health status.
Eating a Healthy Diet
A healthy body system requires a healthy meal. Taking fruits and vegetables keeps your body system intact. Grain and lean protein can also help in the journey of a good diet. Avoid unnecessary snacking.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Drinking
Smoking and alcoholism signal multiple sclerosis from the foreseen symptoms of smoking. Quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol.
Exercising
Stay fit and keep your muscle active. An active individual has a lesser chance of developing any medical conditions. Engaging your muscles to kick them off from getting weak.
Stress Management
Stress cannot be bypassed, but it can be managed, and it is capable of depriving your sleep. There are many stress management processes like yoga and meditation. Keep your emotional state positive. You live your world from your mind.
In Conclusion
Multiple sclerosis is caused by an attack from your immune system on your nerve fibers. However, prevention is better than cure/treatment. Your health is your choice. Stay healthy, stay alive.
