Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a medical condition in which the nerve fibres get attacked by the immune system. People may experience uncontrolled body movement, loss of vision, numbness and tremors in MS. Since there is still no cure, getting regular tests like CBC, MRI, etc., can help in monitoring the symptoms. Read this write-up to know more about this medical condition. 

The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for the proper functioning of all body organs. It consists of the brain and the spinal cord that manage every reflex, reaction and sensation experienced by an individual. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a medical condition that affects the central nervous system immensely. The nerve fibres are protected by a sheath known as myeline, which gets attacked by the immune system. When this occurs, the communication between the brain and other body organs gets disrupted. In this medical condition, permanent damage to the nerves is highly likely. Thus, people should get regular blood tests, like CBC, vitamin B12, etc., from a reputed pathology lab to rule out certain deficiencies. Read on to more about its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Symptoms 

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary from one person to another, depending upon the extent of nerve damage. Along with this, the location of the nerve fibres being affected by this disease plays a role in determining the signs as well. In most cases, movement-related issues, such as numbness in one or more limbs on either side are common. Electric shocks are sensations that they might experience while moving their necks, especially while bending forward. Tremors occur in one or multiple parts of the body leading to reduce coordination. Vision impairment occurs in some cases wherein a person may lose the partial or complete ability to see. Besides this, double or blurry vision can also affect individuals with this autoimmune disease. Other symptoms indicating multiple sclerosis are slurred speech, tingling in different body parts, dizziness, fatigue, irregular bowel movement and sexual inadequacies. 

Causes 

The cause of MS is still unknown. However, gene mutations play a big role in its development. Family history is another factor that can increase an individual’s chances of contracting MS if one or both parents have it. Caucasians residing in temperate parts of the world are known to be at the highest risk due to lack of sun exposure. Smoking is a lifestyle habit that can increase the risk of this disease as well. Those who have autoimmune diseases like thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, Type 1 diabetes, etc., may develop MS later in life. For this reason, it is recommended to get bi-annual or quarterly blood tests done from a diagnostic lab to monitor these diseases. 

Treatment 

The diagnosis of MS is initiated by conducting several blood tests like CBC, vitamin b12, etc., a lumbar puncture or spinal tap, an MRI and evoked potential tests. A neurologist would then evaluate the extent of the nerve damage and plan out treatment. Since there is no cure for this disease, the main goal is to control its progression. Corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and intravenous medications are prescribed to control recurrent MS attacks. Physical therapy is highly recommended for managing MS for improving body movements. Furthermore, some individuals may also be prescribed muscle relaxants, energy boosters and other medications to improve moods, sexual performance and the like. 

Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong autoimmune disorder that can be managed by consulting a reputed neurologist and physical therapist. It is highly recommended to get well-priced CBC test, MRI, and neurological examinations done at regular intervals so that its symptoms can be monitored properly.