WHAT CAUSES MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

In multiple sclerosis, damage to the myelin in the central nervous system, and to the nerve fibers themselves, interferes with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord and other parts of the body. While the cause of MS is still not known, scientists believe that the interaction of several different factors may be involved. To answer this question, studies are ongoing in the areas of immunology, epidemiology, and genetics. Scientists are also studying infectious agents that may play a role. Understanding what causes MS will speed the process of finding more effective ways to treat it and cure it, or even prevent it from occurring in the first place.

HOW DOES MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PROGRESS?

Multiple Sclerosis comes in four stages: Relapsing-Remitting, Secondary-Progressive, Primary-Progressive, and Progressive-Relapsing. When it begins with Relapsing-Remitting, patients will have flare-ups or relapses of Multiple Sclerosis. In between the relapses, patients will have periods of remission. In most cases, patients will start off with this form of Multiple Sclerosis. Over a few decades, the course of the disease is likely to change and become more complex. Once it becomes more complex, it can turn into Secondary-Progressive. In secondary-progressive MS, you may still experience relapses. These are then followed by partial recoveries or periods of remission, but the disease doesn’t disappear between cycles. Instead, it steadily worsens. Multiple Sclerosis can then worsen into the next stage, which is Primary-Progressive.This form is characterized by slow and steady disease progression with no remission periods. Some people with primary-progressive MS experience occasional plateaus in their symptoms as well as minor improvements in function that tend to be temporary. Lastly, Progressive-Relapsing comes into place. Only 5% of people are diagnosed with this form of Multiple Sclerosis. People with progressive-relapsing MS experience no remission periods and symptoms that steadily get worse. Although both have cycles of relapses and remissions, this form is different from relapsing-remitting MS. The disease continues to progress during the periods between each relapse.

WHAT IS THE IMMUNE RESPONSE?

The T-Cells attack myelin.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time, or the legs and trunk.

Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement.

Prolonged double vision.

Tingling or pain in parts of your body.

Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward.

Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait.

Slurred speech.

Fatigue.

Dizziness.

Problems with bowel and bladder function.

HOW IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS DIAGNOSED?

In order to make a diagnosis of MS, the physician must find evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The physician must also find evidence that the damage occurred at two different points in time.

TREATMENT FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

There is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, but some treatments may help.

-Steroids (Methylprednisolone)

-Other treatments: Azathioprine, Fingolimod, Interferon beta-1b by injection, Glatiramer by injection, Natalizumab by injection, Mitoxantrone by injection, Interferon beta-1a by injection

Also: Physical Exercise, Physical therapy, Support group, Acupuncture

CAN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BE PREVENTED?

In general, there is no way to prevent multiple sclerosis or its attacks. For people with relapsing-remitting MS and secondary progressive MS, treatment with medicine may reduce the frequency of relapses and delay disability.

SOURCES

-National MS Society

-Mayo Clinic

-Medicine Net