Multiple Sclerosis: A Multifaceted Disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system and affects the bone marrow, brain stem and also the brain. The disease is more common in women than in men and most people who suffer from it are between the ages of 20 and 40.
It affects the myelin in the white matter of the brain, as well as nerve endings in the bone marrow, which are damaged by the sclerosis plaque and can no longer function normally. As a result, the nerves will no longer be able to send impulses.
Causes and consequences
The disease is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, which covers and protects the nerves. MS can affect any part of the brain and will alter or even completely stop nerve impulses.
The damage occurs as a result of inflammation in which the person’s immune cells attack the nervous system.
However, some studies seem to indicate that multiple sclerosis is the result of hereditary problems or some type of virus, combined with environmental factors. Yet the exact reason why this process occurs is unknown.
It is a fact that you are more likely to develop MS if there is a family history of the disease or if you live in a place where MS is common.
For example, some of the consequences include:
- unable to think and reason
- depression
- urinary infections
- pressure ulcers (pressure necrosis or bed soreness)
- complications of medication
- difficulty swallowing or eating
- difficulties with self-care
- osteoporosis
- weakening or narrowing of the bones
Find out if you suffer from multiple sclerosis
Depending on the stage of the disease, different symptoms will appear and their duration will also vary. Some people have symptoms for days or weeks, while others may have flare-ups for several months.
Multiple sclerosis can therefore suddenly recur after a period without symptoms. The symptoms also get worse over time.
The following factors can trigger a flare-up or make symptoms worse when you’re in a flare-up:
- sun exposure
- hot baths
- fever
- stress
In addition, because the disease is linked to the nervous system, symptoms can occur in any part of the body. They mainly occur in the following areas:
- guts
- bladder
- muscles
- eyes
All of these areas may show symptoms. We will discuss the symptoms further below, as well as symptoms that can occur in other areas of the body.
Symptoms of the eyes
- loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time
- double vision
- burning sensation in the eyes
- altered and uncontrolled movements of the eyes
Symptoms of the intestines and bladder
- frequent urination or sudden urgent need
- urinary incontinence
- difficulty urinating on the start
- stool leakage
- constipation
Problems with the muscles
- difficulty walking
- coordination problems and also difficulty with small movements
- muscle spasms
- balance disorders
- weakness in arms, legs, or both
- difficulty moving arms and legs
- numbness anywhere in the body
- pain in the face
- burning, tingling, or stinging sensation in arms and legs
Neurological and brain disorders
- dizziness
- balance disorders
- difficulty with reasoning and thinking
- depression and frequently sad
- hearing impairment
- difficulty with concentration
- amnesia
- difficulty understanding
Other Symptoms
These symptoms are more general and may indicate other conditions. So you should always consult your doctor if you notice these in combination with the aforementioned symptoms.
- difficulty with vaginal fluid development
- erectile dysfunction
- fatigue that gets worse in the afternoon
- making inappropriate gestures
- problems with eating and chewing
Therapy
There is no treatment yet for multiple sclerosis, although much research is being done. However, there are therapies that slow down the disease and thereby help the patient lead as normal a life as possible.
Some examples of medication are for example:
- Fingolimod (Gilenya)
- Amantadine for fatigue
- Cholinergic medication reduces urinary problems
- Benzodiazepine, Lioresal (Baclofen), and Tizanidine (Zanaflex) Reduce Muscle Spasms
- Azathioprine (Imuran), Methotrexate, Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and Intravenous Immunoglobulin
- Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), Natalizumab (Tysabri), Mitoxantrone (Novantrone), and interferon (Betsaerone, Avonex, or Rebif).
You can also take antidepressants to improve your behavior and mood.
On the other hand, you can also observe the following tips. These will not cure the multiple sclerosis, but can also help make life as normal as possible.
- sport
- occupational therapy, physiotherapy and also speech therapy
- support groups
- the use of assistive devices, such as walking frames, wheelchairs and bed lifts
- pursuing a healthy diet and also a healthy lifestyle
- avoiding stress, illness and also extreme temperatures
- eat foods that are easy to chew
- adjust your home to avoid a possible fall as much as possible
Although there is no treatment, there are measures you can take to make your life as pleasant as possible after diagnosis of the disease. Do not hesitate to immediately consult a doctor if you suspect so that you can start with this.
