What is MS or Multiple Sclerosis?
Posted by Healthfitline
On
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune progressive disorder that destroy or demyelinate the myelin sheath of the central nervous system. Myelin Sheath is an insulating layer made of protein and fatty substance that sorrounds the nerves. The main purpose of the Myelin Sheath is to help in transmitting nerve impulses quickly and efficiently along the nerves. In Multiple Sclerosis, the Myelin Sheath is damaged, resulting in impaired or slow nerve impulse transmission.
Risk Factors For MS- Younger Adults - More common in ages between 20- 40 years.
- Gender - Affects more women than men.
- It may be triggered by a viral infection - Later body reaction to the viral infection.
- History of an infection
- Trauma and emotional stress
- Environmental factors
- Genetic predisposition
Types of MS
Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS)
Characterized by an acute attacks with full recovery. In some cases the attack may results to residual deficit (neurological problems), followed by a period of remission.
- No disease progression during the period in between the relapses.
- Symptoms can be mild to severe.
- Relapse period is usually followed by a remission period during which a patient may partially or fully recover.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
- There is evidenced progression of the disability from the time of the disease onset.
- No remission period and symptoms may increases in intensity.
- In between the disease progression, a patient may experience a temporary minor improvement of the condition.
- Approximately 15% of patients suffering from MS have PPMS.
Secondary Progression MS (SPMS)
In Secondary Progression, the disease is characterized by a period of relapse and remittance. However, even if the person experiences a remission period, the diseases or disability does not goes away and instead it progresses and becomes worse.
Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS)
In Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS) the disease is characterized by progression from onset with symptoms and attacks that increases in intensity during the remission period.
Signs and Symptoms of MS
In some patients, the symptoms are very mild and they do not require medical intervention. However, between 80% to 85% of MS patients may experience a relapse. Most patients do recover fully from a relapse but despite that, there is always the possibility a residual deficit (a lasting complication) may developed with continous relapse, which may eventually lead to other serious deficit.
Signs and symptoms of MS varies depending on the location of the lesion. The most commonly symptoms experiences by majority of MS patients are:
- Fatigue (common sign experienced by around 87% of all patients).
- Muscle weakness and pain
- Abnormal reflexes
- Intentional tremors
- Diplopia (double vision) - This is the earliest sign of MS.
- Urinary and bowel incontinence
- Numbness
- Decreases pain, touch and temperature perception.
- Depression or emotional changes.
- Loss of co-ordination and impaired movement - Ataxia.
MS Diagnosis
- MRI - shows presence of multiple plagues in the central nervous system.
- Electrophoresis of CSF - to identify an immune system abnormality.
- Evoked potential studies - to define the extent of the disease progress.
- Urodynamic studes for bladder dsyfuntional problems.
How to Treat MS
There is no cure for MS and treatment is geared towards providing comfort and support to the patients. The main goal of any treatment is to delay the disease progression, manage relapses and other related symptoms.
Medicines prescribed to MS Patients include;
- Pain relievers and other medicine to relief numbness.
- Immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory (steroids).
- Medicine to relieve muscle spasms.
- Eye patch for double vision
- Other therapies to improve motor and sensory symptoms. Patients is also advised to take rest during the exacerbation periods.
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