Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. Multiple sclerosis causes the immune system to attack the myelin of nerve fibers in your brain and spinal cord. The nervous system then has difficulty to send out the appropriate messages to the rest of your body. Multiple sclerosis may affect people differently- with some people experiencing less symptoms and less damage, and others may have stronger symptoms that creates more physical damage.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary between people with the disease. Some people will have severe flare-ups and symptoms, and others may have moderate symptoms that do not affect them that greatly.
Many people who have multiple sclerosis have their first signs and symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. The first symptoms may initially clear, but then return. Some symptoms may stay and others may be intermittent.
Common first symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Blurred vision
- Loss of vision
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Tremors
- Lack of coordinating
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Slurred speech
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty focusing
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
If you are having symptoms you should keep track of them. Write down your symptoms including how severe they are and how long that they last. Multiple sclerosis is often a relapse-remit illness. This means that the person who has multiple sclerosis will experience periods of symptoms, then of no symptoms, and then will experience a relapse of new or previous symptoms will come back. Multiple sclerosis affects each sufferer differently, with some being able to tend to their daily activities with very little issues and others struggling with mobility. Creating an open relationship with your doctor can allow you to develop a treatment plan that can help control your symptoms.
Risk Factors
The cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown, although researchers are working to find out not only the cause but the cure as well.
The following have been identified as possible risk factors:
- Sex
- Women are twice as likely than men to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- Age
- Multiple sclerosis can develop at any age, it is most likely to occur between the age of 15 through 60.
- Race
- Caucasians are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than other races.
- Family history
- Having a direct family relative with multiple sclerosis can put you at an increased risk of developing it.
- Climate
- Multiple sclerosis is more common in temperate regions including Europe and Canada
- Infections
- Some viruses have been linked to the development of multiple sclerosis.
Other potential risk factors include smoking and other illnesses.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are treatments available that can greatly improve quality of life and daily functioning. The right treatment plan varies from patient to patient, and doctors may have to try a few treatments before they determine which one will help the most. A few of the most common treatments used for people with multiple sclerosis include:
- Medications
- Medications are commonly prescribed to help reduce inflammation. Beta interferons are also often prescribed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of flare ups. Pain relievers are also used to help reduce pain and muscle aches. Medications may also be prescribed to target specific symptoms including antidepressants and muscle relaxants.
- Plasma exchange
- This treatment uses removes plasma form the blood, mixes it with the protein solution albumin and then is returned to the body. This is often used if some prescription treatments are unsuccessful.
- Physical therapy
- Physical therapy can help patients with multiple sclerosis regain and keep mobility, that can make daily tasks easier and more manageable.
- Alternative therapy
- There are many types of alternative medicine and treatments that can help manage their symptoms. A few of the most common types of alternative therapy includes massage, dietary changes, meditation, exercise, acupuncture and more.
If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it is important to develop a positive relationship with your doctor to manage the illness and its symptoms effectively. Track symptoms, go in for routine checkups, and be willing to try new treatments to manage your symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Make sure to take note of any changes- good or bad- that you may notice when you try out new treatments so that you can find out what works the best for you.