Defined as a chronic condition, multiple sclerosis (MS) is an ailment where the immune system attacks the protective layer around the nerve fibers, the myelin sheath. Sclerosis causes inflammation, and the development of lesions causes neuronal scarring. MS does not have a fixed cure, but its symptoms can be effectively managed through proper treatment and rehabilitation.
Relapsing-remitting MS accounts for more than 85 percent of cases. It involves relapses (acute episodes) of the diseases followed by remissions.
It has been observed that 80 percent of relapsing-remitting sclerosis cases progress eventually to progressive MS. The relapses and remissions, which used to come and go, may progressively worsen after 15 to 20 years.
Why does RRMS progress to progressive MS?
Medical professionals have not yet understood the causes behind the progression of the ailment but believe that the deterioration occurs due to the injury caused to the nerve fibers at the early stages of the ailment.
Some of the key points observed by professionals are:
- The older the age of the person when the condition is observed, the shorter the time it takes for the disease to become secondary progressive
- Individuals who cannot recover from relapses move faster into secondary progressive MS
It is difficult to diagnose whether MS has progressed, but the following symptoms indicate a progression:
- Aggravating the symptoms
- Difficulty coordinating
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Fatigue, depression, and difficulty thinking and performing daily functions
Individuals affected with relapsing-remitting MS are advised to observe their symptoms as it progresses.
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
The optic nerve, nerve fibers, and spinal cord get damaged during multiple sclerosis, which is caused by the immune system. However, medical professionals believe there can be a potential virus or toxin that triggers the immune system and makes it dysfunctional. Demyelination causes chronic inflammation leading to scar tissue and lasting neurological impairment.
Multiple sclerosis produces a varied range of symptoms, and due to the nature of the ailment, it can produce mild to severe symptoms in people.
Some of the common symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis are:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty walking, including numbness in feet, difficulty balancing, muscle spasticity, and vision problems
- Problem with vision leads to optic neuritis, nystagmus, diplopia, and blindness
- Mild to severe speech problems
- Pain and tremors
- Problems with bladder control
Treatment of multiple sclerosis
Medications
Drugs used to treat progressive multiple sclerosis are called disease-modifying drugs (DMDs).
DMDs help limit the number of relapses and alleviate some of the symptoms.
The drugs include Mayzent (siponimod), Novantrone (mitoxantrone), and Mavenclad (cladribine). These medications may help produce desired results, but they tend to cause serious side effects. A drug called methotrexate can be used to aid the condition.
Management
Medications and tweaking certain lifestyle habits help manage the condition.
Medical professionals advise that diet and exercise play an important role to manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
- For an individual affected with multiple sclerosis, it gets difficult to physically move. Following a light exercise regime can boost the condition of the affected. Specific yoga classes are designed to aid patients with multiple sclerosis. Even light swimming or exercising underwater can help manage symptoms.
- Diet can aid overall health. Consuming a balanced diet that is low on unwanted calories and rich in fibers and nutrients is generally advised for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- It is recommended to consume fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, fats, legumes, and low-fat dairy products.
- Consume a lot of fluids, especially water and fresh juices. Avoid trans and saturated fats, red meats, foods and beverages rich in sugar and sodium, and highly processed foods.
- Supplements can be consumed, but medical advice should be sought first.
It is difficult to cure multiple sclerosis, but early diagnosis and proper treatment and care help manage health and alleviate symptoms effectively.
QUESTION
What kind of disease is multiple sclerosis? See AnswerOhlmeier C, Gothe H, Haas J, et al. Epidemiology, characteristics and treatment of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and incidence of high disease activity: Real world evidence based on German claims data. PLoS One. 2020 May 1;15(5):e0231846. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7194363/
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS/Relapsing-remitting-MS
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ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease) and MS (multiple sclerosis) are both diseases of the nervous system (neurodegenerative). ALS is a disease in which the nerve cells in the body are attacked by the immune system, although it's not considered an autoimmune disease by some scientists. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the insulated covering of the nerves (myelin sheath) in the CNS (central nervous system) degenerate, or deteriorate.
Scientists don't know the exact cause of either problem. However, they have discovered that mutations in the gene that produces the SOD1 enzyme were associated with some cases of familial ALS. Scientists also theorize that multiple sclerosis may be caused by infection or vitamin D deficiency. ALS occurs between 50-70 years of age (the average age of occurrence ALS is 55), and mostly affects men. While MS occurs between 20-60 years of age, and mostly affects women. About 30,000 people in the US have ALS, and an average of 5,000 new diagnoses per year (that's about 15 new cases per week). Worldwide, MS affects more than 2.3 million people, with about 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year (that's about 200 new diagnoses per week).
Some of the signs and symptoms of both diseases include muscle weakness, muscle spasms, problems walking, fatigue, slurred speech, and problems swallowing. ALS signs and symptoms that are different from MS include problems holding the head upright, clumsiness, muscle cramps and twitches, problems holding objects, and uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying. MS signs and symptoms that are different from ALS include vision problems, vertigo and balance problems, sexual problems, memory problems, depression, mood swings, and digestive problems.There is no cure for either disease, however the prognosis and life expectancy are different. Multiple sclerosis is not a fatal condition, while ALS progresses rapidly and leads to death.
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The term alternative therapy, in general, is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that has not been scientifically documented or identified as safe or effective for a specific condition. Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines that range from diet and exercise to mental conditioning to lifestyle changes.
Botox to Treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Botulinum toxin is a muscle-relaxing medication used to decrease spasticity related to multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Botulinum toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three types of botulinum toxin available for therapeutic use.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) results when your immune system attacks the cells of the brain and spinal cord. It is an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the body's immune system is misdirected and attacks its own cells. Stress can make it difficult for a person to manage MS symptoms. Regular exercise and mindful eating have been found to control the stress levels and overall health of people with MS.
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Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a degenerative disease of the covering around the nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Researchers and doctors don't know the exact cause, but many theorize that it may be due to environmental triggers, an autoimmune disease, and viruses (infections). Symptoms and signs of MS include vision changes, paralysis, vertigo, heat intolerance, slurred speech, sexual dysfunction, and urinary incontinence (the inability to urinate). There's no vaccine or cure for MS, but the progression and symptoms of the disease can be treated.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms and Treatments
Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms vary from person to person and can last for days to months without periods of remission. Symptoms of MS include sexual problems and problems with the bowel, bladder, eyes, muscles, speech, swallowing, brain, and nervous system. The early symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis usually start between ages 20-40. MS in children, teens, and those over age 40 is rare. Treatment options for multiple sclerosis vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to manage MS symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
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Multiple sclerosis or MS is a central nervous system disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath (the protective coating around nerves). Symptoms of MS include pain, sexual problems, fatigue, numbness and tingling, emotional changes, and depression.Women who are pregnant and have multiple sclerosis may have more difficulty carrying a pregnancy. Multiple sclerosis does not affect ability to conceive, and does not seem to affect fertility. MS symptoms during pregnancy may stay the same or get better; however, they may worsen after giving birth. Pregnancy decreases the number of relapses, but flares increase in the first 3-6 months after delivery. Pregnant women with MS may carrying a pregnancy more difficult to tell when labor starts, and there is an increased need to use forceps or vacuum to assist with delivery or b7 C-section (Cesarean birth) increases.
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Talk with your healthcare team about vitamins, supplements, and medications that you are taking if you are pregnant and have MS.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be thought of as an immune-mediated inflammatory process involving different areas of the central nervous system (CNS) at various points in time. Early warning signs and symptoms of MS in children, teens, and adults are similar; however, children and teens with pediatric also may have seizures and a complete lack of energy. Adults with MS do not have these signs and symptoms. Other signs and symptoms of MS include inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis), changes in vision, Wiping or having tissues around the eye and moving the eye may be painful, and double vision. There are four types of MS, relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and progressive relapsing MD (PRMS).
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