Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of possible symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.
It is a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause severe disability, although it can sometimes be mild.
In many cases, the symptoms are treatable. The average life expectancy for people with MS is slightly reduced.
It is usually diagnosed in people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, although it can develop at any age. It is almost 2 to 3 times more common in ladies than in men.
MS is one of the most common causes of disability in young adults.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
MS symptoms vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of the body.
Important symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty walking
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision
- Difficulty controlling the bladder
- Numbness or tingling in different parts of the body
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Problems with thinking, learning and planning
Depending on the type of MS you have, your symptoms may come and go in stages or get steadily worse over time (progression).
Diagnosis multiple sclerosis
There are no specific tests for MS. Instead, the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis often relies on ruling out other conditions that can cause similar signs and symptoms, known as the differential diagnosis.
- Your doctor will start with a thorough medical history and examination.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
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- Multiple sclerosis lesions on the brain
- MRI Multiple Sclerosis Lesions
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Prescription of doctor
Blood tests to assist run the show out other illnesses with indications comparable to MS. Tests to examine specific biomarkers associated with MS are currently in development and may also help diagnose the disease.
A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) in which a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid is removed from your spine for laboratory analysis. This pattern can show abnormalities in antibodies that are associated with MS. A spinal tap can also help rule out infection and other conditions with MS-like symptoms. An unused counteracting agent test (for kappa-free light chains) may be speedier and less costly than past spinal liquid tests for numerous sclerosis.
MRI can show areas of MS (lesion) in your brain, cervical and thoracic spine. You may receive an intravenous injection of a contrast material to highlight lesions that indicate your disease is in an active stage.
Potential tests may be performed that record the electrical signals produced by your nervous system in response to stimulation. A potential test may use visual stimuli or electrical stimuli. In these tests, you see a moving visual pattern, as short electrical impulses are sent to nerves in your legs or arms. Cathodes determine how quick data voyages along your nerve pathways.
In most people with relapsing-remitting MS, the diagnosis is straightforward and based on a pattern of symptoms consistent with the disease and confirmed by brain imaging scans, such as an MRI.
MS can be more difficult to diagnose in people with unusual symptoms or progressive disease. In these cases, further testing with analysis of spinal fluid, evoked potentials, and additional imaging may be needed.
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment usually focuses on rapid recovery from attacks, reducing new radiographic and clinical relapses, ill.
- Treatments for MS attacks
Corticosteroids, such as verbal prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone, are endorsed to diminish nerve irritation.
Side effects may include insomnia, increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose levels, mood changes, and fluid retention.
- Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis)
The liquid part of your blood (plasma) is removed and separated from your blood cells. The blood cells are then mixed with a protein solution (albumin) and put back into your body. Plasma trade may be utilized on the off chance that your indications are modern, serious and have not reacted to steroids.
- Treatments to reverse the growth
There are several disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for relapsing MS. Some of these DMTs may be beneficial for secondary progressive MS, and one is available for primary progressive MS.
Most of the immune response associated with MS occurs in the early stages of the disease. Aggressive treatment with these drugs as early as possible can reduce the relapse rate, slow the formation of new lesions, and potentially reduce the risk of accumulating brain atrophy and disability.
Numerous of the disease-modifying treatments utilized to treat MS carry noteworthy well-being dangers. Choosing the right treatment for you will depend on careful consideration of many factors, including disease duration and severity, effectiveness of previous MS treatments, other health problems, cost, and fertility status.
Treatment alternatives for relapsing-remitting MS incorporate injectable, verbal, and implantation medicines.
- Injectable treatments include:
Interferon beta drugs These drugs are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of MS. They work by interfering with diseases that attack the body and can reduce inflammation and promote nerve growth. They are injected under the skin or into a muscle and can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses.
Side effects of interferon can include flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions. You will need blood tests to monitor your liver enzymes because liver damage is a possible side effect of interferon use. People taking interferon may develop neutralizing antibodies that reduce the drug’s effectiveness.
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Glatopa) This medicine can help prevent your immune system from attacking myelin and must be injected under the skin. Side impacts may incorporate skin aggravation at the infusion location.
Monoclonal antibodies Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Arzerra) target cells that harm the apprehensive framework. These cells are called B cells. Ofatumumab is given as an injection under the skin and can reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) brain lesions and worsening symptoms. Possible side effects are infections, local injection reactions and headaches.
Oral treatments of Multiple sclerosis
Teriflunomide (Aubagio). This is a once-daily oral medication.
Physical therapy for multiple sclerosis
Physical therapy can build muscle strength and reduce some symptoms of MS.
Therapy A physical or occupational therapist can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises and show you how to use equipment to make daily tasks easier.
Physical therapy, as well as the use of mobility aids, when necessary, can help manage leg weakness and other movement problems associated with MS.
Muscle relaxants. You may experience painful or uncontrollable muscle stiffness or spasms, especially in your legs. Muscle relaxants such as baclofen (Laurecil, Gablofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex), and cyclobenzaprine may help. OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment is another option for people who suffer from spasticity.
Medicines to reduce fatigue Amantadine (Gokuvari, Osmolex), modafinil (Provegil), and methylphenidate (Ritalin) have been used to reduce MS-related fatigue. However, a recent study found amantadine, modafinil, or methylphenidate no better than placebo in improving MS-related fatigue and caused more frequent adverse events. Certain medications used to treat depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, may be prescribed.
Medicine to increase walking speed Dalfampridine (Ampyra) may help to slightly increase walking speed in some people. Possible side effects are urinary tract infections, dizziness, insomnia and headaches. People with a history of seizures or kidney failure should not take this medicine.
Other medicines; Medications may also be prescribed for depression, pain, impotence, insomnia, and bladder or bowel control problems that are associated with MS.