Multiple sclerosis: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition of multiple sclerosis

Maybe you are wondering what multiple sclerosis is. This condition is a disease that has the potential to cause paralysis of the central nervous system which consists of the brain and spinal cord.

When experiencing multiple sclerosis (MS), the body's immune system attacks the fat layer that protects nerve fibers, causing miscommunication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Over time, this disease can cause permanent damage or decrease in nerve function. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary widely and depend on the number of nerves that are damaged.

Not a few people with multiple sclerosis who are already at a severe level experience paralysis or difficulty walking, while others experience a variety of other symptoms.

Unfortunately, this condition cannot be treated. Treatment for multiple sclerosis usually aims to help with the recovery process from an onset of MS and reduce symptoms.

How common is this condition?

Globally, about 2.1 million people have MS. The chances of getting MS vary, depending on different ethnic groups. This disease can be overcome by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Types of multiple sclerosis

Each individual's multiple sclerosis can be very different. That means, each individual has different symptoms and conditions.

In fact, there are people who have multiple sclerosis but are not aware of their condition. However, there are also those who experience a fairly severe condition from multiple sclerosis.

MS itself is divided into four types, including:

1. Multiple sclerosis relapsing-remitting

Patients will feel the symptoms that appear and then disappear if they experience this type of MS. The attacks will appear suddenly for many times and then disappear by themselves.

2. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

This type of MS occurs after several years of the patient experiencing MS relapsing-remitting . The attack pattern of this type is the symptom that lasts longer. Even so, the number of attacks had become less than before.

3. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis of this type starts from the absence of attacks. However, the attacks will slowly get worse as time goes by.

4. Multiple sclerosis progressive-relapsing

Compared to other types of MS, this type is relatively rare. Usually, this type starts with a condition that appears slowly, but over time, the condition will worsen quickly.

Signs & multiple sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis tend to experience their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually the symptoms will get better, but then they happen again. Some of them come and go, while others stay.

Symptoms that are felt from one person to another will not be the same. You may experience only one symptom, and live life without other symptoms for years.

These symptoms can occur at one time, go away, and never come back. However, some people experience symptoms that get worse with time.

Keep track of what symptoms you have. These are steps that can help your doctor understand your multiple sclerosis.

Meanwhile, common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:

• Bladder problems.
• Depression.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Fatigue.
• Coordination disorders (ataxia).
• Sensory nerve disorders.
• Tense muscles.
• Sensitivity to temperature.
• Tremor.
• Impaired short-term memory and concentration.
• Vision problems.
• Weakness.

When to go to the doctor

If you have any of the above signs or symptoms or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Every body functions differently from one another. Talk to your doctor about the best solution for your situation.

Causes of multiple sclerosis

The main cause of MS remains unknown. This condition is considered an autoimmune disorder because the body's immune system attacks the tissues in the body itself.

In MS, the body's immune system destroys fatty substances that protect nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This fatty substance is called myelin.

When this myelin is damaged, the nerve fibers become unprotected. This can affect the information that passes through these nerve fibers, such as being slowed down or blocked.

Even so, it is still uncertain how MS occurs in certain individuals. This is thought to occur with a combination of genetic or hereditary factors and environmental factors.

Multiple sclerosis risk factors

According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for multiple sclerosis are:

1. Age

Although basically MS can happen to anyone, in general, this condition is experienced by people aged between 20-40 years. However, it does not rule out that people with an older or younger age experience this condition.

2. Gender

This condition is more prone to occur in women than in men. In fact, women's risk of developing MS can be three times greater.

3. Family medical history

If someone in your immediate family, either a parent or sibling, has had MS, your risk is greater than that of other people who don't have a family medical history for MS.

4. Certain infections

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that is often associated with various viruses, including Epstein-Barr, a virus that causes infection with mononucleosis.

5. Race

White people, especially those from Northern Europe, are particularly prone to experiencing this condition. Meanwhile, Asians, Africans and Native Americans are at lower risk.

6. Weather

Multiple Sclerosis is considered to be a condition that is more common in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and America. The reason is, these countries experience the change of seasons four times a year.

7. Vitamin D deficiency

Too low levels of vitamin D in the body, including lack of sun exposure can increase the risk of developing this condition.

8. Autoimmune disorders

If you have autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disorders, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease , the risk of having MS becomes slightly greater than other people.

9. Smoking

If you have a smoking habit, you should start quitting now. This is because smokers are more prone to experiencing MS than non-smokers.

Multiple sclerosis complications

Possible complications from MS include:

• Muscle rigidity.
• Paralysis, especially in the leg area.
• Urination and bowel problems.
• Impaired sexual function.
• Pretty drastic mood swings.
• Often forget.
• Depression.
• Epilepsy.

Medication & Treatment for multiple sclerosis

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to diagnose this condition?

There are no specific tests that prove the diagnosis. Your doctor will recommend that you see a neurologist (a specialist in nervous system diseases). Blood test, spinal tap, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a visual-evoked potential test (EPT) may be needed.

MRI shows areas where myelin is inflamed or damaged. In a spinal tap, the doctor takes a fluid sample from the spine for examination, while the EPT tries to look for any abnormalities in brain function by recording electrical signals.

How to treat multiple sclerosis?

MS cannot be cured, but many medications are available to control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Two aspects of MS treatment are immune modulation therapy for immune disorders and reliever therapy to control symptoms.

The treatment for multiple sclerosis attacks may be corticosteroid drugs, which are the main treatment for controlling symptoms and reducing nerve inflammation.

To modify progression, treatment options may be beta-interferon or drugs to slow and inhibit immune system reactions.

In addition, physical therapy and muscle relaxants are also considered. Other medicines depend on the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing, for example pain relief.

Home remedies for multiple sclerosis

Lifestyle and home remedies that may help treat this condition are:

1. Exercise

If you have MS, regular exercise can help improve strength, muscle tone, balance, and coordination. Swimming or other water sports are good options if you can't stand the heat.

Other types of mild to moderate exercise recommended for people with MS include walking, stretching, low-impact aerobics, stationary cycling, yoga, and tai chi.

2. Eat a balanced diet

A good food for MS sufferers is a diet low in saturated fat but high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as olive oil and fish, which may be beneficial.

Other foods that you can also consume are food sources of vitamin D, foods that contain probiotics, prebiotics, or fiber may be potentially beneficial for people with MS.

3. Manage stress

Stress may trigger or worsen signs and symptoms. Yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation or deep breathing may help.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.