Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the brain and spinal cord. With MS, a covering that protects nerves (myelin) and the nerves are damaged or destroyed. Over time, scar tissue forms along the damaged myelin. Nerves can’t send signals like they should. As a result, movement, sensation, etc. are impaired or lost.

Signs & Symptoms

• Fatigue.
• Feelings of pins and needles. Numbness. Leg stiffness.
• Poor coordination. Unsteady gait. Impaired movement.
• Bladder problems.
• Blurred vision. Double vision. Loss of vision in one eye.
• Depression. Mild problems with memory, learning, etc.
• Swallowing problems.

Early signs and symptoms may be mild and present for years before MS is diagnosed.

Symptoms vary from person to person. They may last for hours or weeks. They can vary from day to day and can come and go with no set pattern.

Some persons have only a few symptoms over the course of the disease. For others, symptoms continue and/or worsen with time. Most persons with MS get symptom flare-ups (relapses) that are followed by partial or complete recoveries (remissions).

Causes

The exact cause of MS is not known. It may be due to a number of factors. These include: A virus, genetics, and an immune system problem. Toxins, trauma, poor nutrition, and other factors may also play a role. Multiple sclerosis is more common in:

• Women than in men
• People who are of Northern European descent rather than in Hispanics or African Americans. It is rare among Asians and certain other ethnic groups.
• Adults between the ages of 20 and 50. Young children, teens, and older adults can also have MS.

Treatment

There is no cure yet for MS, but most people with it live a normal life span. Treatment for MS includes:

• Prescribed medication to lessen the number and severity of flare-ups and to slow the progression of the disease. Research favors early treatment with this type of medicine.
• Short-term courses of IV or oral corticosteroids. These reduce inflammation during MS flare-ups.
• Medications to control and treat MS symptoms. Treating infections, when present.
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Counseling. Support groups.