What is Multiple sclerosis (MS)? Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS). It is considered to be a chronic and often times disabling disease. The CNS includes the brain, spinal cords and optic nerves. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary and can include numbness in the limbs, or it may become more severe and develop into paralysis or loss of vision. The severity and progress of this disease are unpredictable and will vary actually from person to person.
MS, an Autoimmune Disease What does this mean? - An autoimmune disease is when the body's own defenses attack the nervous system. In other words, the body's defenses will attack the myelin, which are the fatty substances that surround and protect nerve fibers of the CNS. When these nerve fibers get damaged, the myelin then forms scar tissue (otherwise known as sclerosis). As a result of damaged or destroyed nerve fibers, nerve impulses that travel to and from the brain and spinal cord can be disturbed. Meaning that transmission of these impulses can be interrupted; this can produce a variety of symptoms.
The Cause of Multiple Sclerosis While the exact cause of this disease is not known, scientists currently believe that there are a combination of several factors that lead to MS. These factors include:
* hypoesthesia (changes in sensation) * muscle weakness * abnormal muscle spasms causing difficulty with coordination, balance and movement * dysarthria (problems with speech) * dysphagia (problems with swallowing) * visual problems * fatigue * acute or chronic pain syndromes * bladder and bowel difficulties * cognitive impairment or depression. What are the treatments available to MS sufferers?
Genetic While multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, it has been shown that individuals with a first-degree relative, parent or sibling with MS, does increase the risk of developing the disease.
The stages of MS may affect any area of the central nervous system pathways and therefore every patient's case is somewhat unique. Signs can include abnormal walking of movement and there are also sensory symptoms such as numbness in an area of the body, pins and needles and fatigue. Sometimes it can be frustrating because these MS symptoms cannot be seen!
However, it is vital that you tell these symptoms to your doctor and the sooner the better, as sometimes we have a tendency to overlook these things if they come and go and we do not want the stages of MS to advance. It cannot be stressed enough to keep track and monitor your MS symptoms and discuss any concerns with your doctor and neurologist.
MS, an Autoimmune Disease What does this mean? - An autoimmune disease is when the body's own defenses attack the nervous system. In other words, the body's defenses will attack the myelin, which are the fatty substances that surround and protect nerve fibers of the CNS. When these nerve fibers get damaged, the myelin then forms scar tissue (otherwise known as sclerosis). As a result of damaged or destroyed nerve fibers, nerve impulses that travel to and from the brain and spinal cord can be disturbed. Meaning that transmission of these impulses can be interrupted; this can produce a variety of symptoms.
The Cause of Multiple Sclerosis While the exact cause of this disease is not known, scientists currently believe that there are a combination of several factors that lead to MS. These factors include:
* hypoesthesia (changes in sensation) * muscle weakness * abnormal muscle spasms causing difficulty with coordination, balance and movement * dysarthria (problems with speech) * dysphagia (problems with swallowing) * visual problems * fatigue * acute or chronic pain syndromes * bladder and bowel difficulties * cognitive impairment or depression. What are the treatments available to MS sufferers?
Genetic While multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, it has been shown that individuals with a first-degree relative, parent or sibling with MS, does increase the risk of developing the disease.
The stages of MS may affect any area of the central nervous system pathways and therefore every patient's case is somewhat unique. Signs can include abnormal walking of movement and there are also sensory symptoms such as numbness in an area of the body, pins and needles and fatigue. Sometimes it can be frustrating because these MS symptoms cannot be seen!
However, it is vital that you tell these symptoms to your doctor and the sooner the better, as sometimes we have a tendency to overlook these things if they come and go and we do not want the stages of MS to advance. It cannot be stressed enough to keep track and monitor your MS symptoms and discuss any concerns with your doctor and neurologist.
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