Family Health – About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord and can lead to damage of the central nervous system. MS can impact anyone at any age, but is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40. One of the myths about multiple sclerosis is that it will end your life. Thanks to decades of intense MS research, people with multiple sclerosis can now expect a better quality of life. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms and treatments available for this disease.
The disease multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord by attacking the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system. This causes inflammation and often destroys the myelin in patches. MS has well defined attacks followed by complete or partial recovery. The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis. Multiple sclerosis can occur at any age, and is three times more likely to occur in women than in men, and is seen most commonly in people of northern European background. There is also some evidence to suggest that MS is triggered by a common virus, and that genetics makes some people more susceptible to the disease.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary greatly from person to person and can include vision disturbances, extreme fatigue, loss of balance, problems with coordination, stiffness of muscles, speech problems, bladder and bowel problems, short-term memory problems, and even partial or complete paralysis. One thing that’s important to remember about multiple sclerosis is that patients will not necessarily experience all the symptoms, and the symptoms improve during periods of remission. The main clinical measure of disability progression and severity of the symptoms is the Expanded Disability Status Scale or EDSS.
If there is an upside about multiple sclerosis, then it’s that the disease is not fatal. As the search for a cure continues across the globe, researchers have been able to develop medications that can help to control the disease’s symptoms. Thanks to these treatments, many patients have been able to live a normal life.
There are four medications that have been shown in clinical trials to modify the course of the disease, and the frequency and severity of MS attacks, to reduce the number of MS lesions in the brain, and several have been shown to slow the progression of disability. It’s advisable to treat multiple sclerosis early to minimize damage to the nerves. It’s also important to undergo multiple sclerosis therapy to learn how to live with the symptoms. Work closely with your doctor, learn as much as possible about multiple sclerosis and be active in managing your disease. The best treatment is a positive attitude.