Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

The symptoms vary considerably from person to person and depending on the severity of the disease and location of the affected nerves.

• Muscle weakness due to nerve damage
• Changes in sensation, resembling electrical shocks that accompany neck movements. This is also termed as Lhermitte sign.
• Chronic pain and fatigue
• Visual problems, such as partial or complete loss of sight, double and blurry vision
• Lack of coordination
• Painful spasms, especially in the legs
• Slurred speech
• Tingling and/or tremors in different parts of the body
• Bladder and bowel problems such as incontinence, loss of bladder control, constipation etc.
• Dizziness
• Loss of interest in sex and sexual dysfunction

Causes and Risk Factors

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, i.e. the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the fatty substance, or the myelin that protects the brain and the spinal cord. While the exact causes are unknown, environmental and genetic factors are thought to be some of the major risk factors. Other factors that increase the risk of developing MS are:

• Age: It most likely occurs between the ages 16 to 55
• Gender: Females are twice as likely to get MS as males
• Genetics: A family history of this disease, either parents or siblings, puts the person at a greater risk.
• Vitamin D deficiency: Lack of sufficient exposure to sunlight usually results in lower levels of Vitamin D, which has an effect on the immune system of the body.
• Infections: Viruses like the Epstein-Barr, human herpes virus type 6 (HHV6) etc are also a risk factor.
• Smoking: Smokers tend to have more lesions and brain shrinkage, and are more likely to develop MS.
• Climate and Race: It appears to be more common in temperate regions, such as northern United States, Europe, New Zealand etc and white people are at a greater risk of getting MS as compared to those of Asian or African races.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

MS is diagnosed through several tests, such as MRI scans, spinal fluid analysis and an evoked potential test. The treatment measures are:

• Medications: Corticosteroids such as prednisone and methyl prednisone reduce inflammation, but may have certain side-effects such as fluid retention, increased blood pressure, sleeplessness and mood swings.
• Plasmapheresis: The plasma component of the blood is removed and the blood cells are infused with albumin, which is a protein, and put back into the body.
• Therapy and counselling: Physical therapy, walking devices and counselling can address some of the symptoms such as fatigue and insomnia.

Diseases affecting the nervous system are inherently vireos serious in nature, therefore, prompt medical care is required. Columbia Asia is one of the top neurology hospitals in Bangalore with state-of-the-art infrastructure, robust mechanisms and techniques and necessary skill in terms of manpower to tackle this disease.