Introduction to Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is known to affect more than 250,000 people worldwide and more than 400,000 people in the United States of America alone. This disease affects women more than men, and most people show the first signs of this degenerative disease between the ages of 20 and 40.
A chronic and potentially disabling disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system, or areas of the brain and spinal cord in your body. Thought to be an autoimmune disorder, MS is a condition in which the patient’s immune system produces antibodies against their own body.
These antibodies and WBCs (white blood cells) are then directed against proteins in the “myelin” sheath. The myelin sheath is made up of a fatty substance that protects nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain. This attack often leads to injury and inflammation of the myelin sheath and ultimately the surrounding nerves. The injury causes scarring or sclerosis in multiple areas of the central immune system, which damages nerve signals and controls muscle coordination, as well as vision and strength.
The nature of it is unpredictable and can vary in severity from person to person. While some people only experience mild illness, it can lead to permanent disability in many others. MS treatments can help modify the course of the disease while relieving symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis
The signs and symptoms are wide and varied. Most of the time, they depend on the area where the nerve fibers have been affected. Some of the common symptoms include:
– Sensation of weakness or numbness in one or both extremities. The sensation usually starts on one side of the body or starts in the lower half of the body.
– Total or partial loss of vision, usually starting with one eye at a time accompanied by some pain when making eye movements.
– Blurred vision or experiencing double vision
– A tingling sensation or pain in some parts of the body
– Experience tremor, inability to walk upright, or lack of proper coordination
– Dizziness
– Tired
– Muscle stiffness or spastic movement
– Slurred speech
– Total or partial paralysis
– Problems with bowel, bladder or sexual functions
– Forgetfulness/memory loss
– Lack of concentration
types of multiple sclerosis
There are 3 forms of multiple sclerosis:
Relapsing-remitting MS: Almost 80% of people are affected by this type of MS. There are visible relapses with some amount of recovery in between.
Secondary Progressive MS: Technically, Secondary Progressive MS is a form of progressive MS, but the chances of relapse are mostly in the early and middle stages. There is a slow and regular loss of cognitive and physical functions. 50% of people with relapsing-remitting MS develop this type of MS within 10 years of diagnosis.
Primary Progressive MS: There are no relapses in this type of multiple sclerosis. However, there is loss of cognitive and physical functions over a period of time. About 10% of people are affected by this type of it.
© CG Groth Inc 2007