ABOUT THE DISEASE
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease (a disease in which the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues of the body) affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The Central Nervous System, which includes the brain and spinal cord, is made up of nerves that act as the body's messenger system. Each nerve has a fatty covering of myelin that serves as insulation, which helps in the transmission of nerve impulses (messages) between the brain and other parts of the body. In MS the normal body cells start attacking the Myelin. Once myelin in a certain area has been damaged, normal nerve function is disturbed leading to a number of problems.
It often comes on in episodes or attacks. These attacks may last weeks to months. There may be long periods of nearly no problems between attacks.
Some of the problems caused due to the damaged myelin affecting nerve transmission include:
- • Weakness.
- • Paralysis in extremities.
- • Visual problems, eye pain.
- • Balance problems.
- • Tremors.
- • Numbness.
- • Bowel/bladder problems
Patients may also have a symptom called Lhermitte’s phenomenon, in which they feel electrical tingling or shocks down their back, arms or legs when they bend their neck forwards.
There are no known causes identified for this disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women more than men. The disorder is most commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age. There may be a genetic component as the chances of getting affected with MS increase if there is a family history of MS.
Since the symptoms do not follow a set pattern and are similar to various other diseases, the process of diagnosis follows a process of elimination.
- Neurological exam :- may show:
• Abnormal nerve reflexes
• Decreased ability to move a part of the body
• Decreased or abnormal sensation
• Other loss of nervous system function
- Lumbar Puncture
- Eye examination :- may show:
• Abnormal pupil responses
• Decreased visual activity
• Problems with the inside parts of the eye
• Rapid eye movements triggered when the eye moves
- Nerve function study
There is no known cure for it. Treatment is given to alleviate symptoms and control the progression of the disease. These include:
- Steroids to decrease the severity of attacks
- Interferons, Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Intravenous Immunoglobulin, etc
- Medicines to reduce muscle spasms like Tizanidine, Benzodiazepine, etc
- Cholinergic medication for urinary problems
You may also like to learn about:
Spinal Muscular Atrophy