Multiple Sclerosis – Signs, Types, Causes, and Management Options

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive central nervous system disease most commonly seen in young adults. As per a recent study, it reportedly affected a million people in the country alone. Most are unaware of its onset due to its mild symptoms that coincide with many other illnesses. But if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause one to lose their ability to walk independently. Learn more about the disease below. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic illness that affects one's brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves in one's eyes. MS develops when one's immune system destroys myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance that covers and protects nerve fibers. Without this cover, the nerves can get easily damaged. Damaged nerves cannot send signals to the brain, thus affecting one's muscular control, balance, and other essential bodily functions. What are usually the first signs of MS? Every person with MS experiences its symptoms differently. Some people don't need treatment because they have minor symptoms. Others may have difficulty moving around and performing daily activities. If one suffers from any of the following symptoms, one might want to get checked for early signs of Multiple Sclerosis: Eye pain, double or jumpy vision Stiff muscles and trouble moving your body Being worn out Muscle weakness or spasms Numbness and tingling Lack of bowel or bladder control Pain that runs down the spine or shows up in different parts of the body Problems in sexual functions, like trouble getting aroused Depression Slurred speech Inability to coordinate or concentrate, forgetfulness Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteadiness, mood swings Sensitivity to heat These signs usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. The majority of MS patients experience relapses when their disease worsens. Usually, MS attacks are followed by healing periods during which the symptoms get better, while others experience a progressive worsening of the illness with age. What are the types of MS? Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Most people experience attacks of the above-mentioned symptoms called relapses after the initial signs. Relapses can take weeks or months to recover. The severity of symptoms depends on the area that the disease has damaged. MS patients eventually transition to a second, more severe stage of the disease. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: This stage doesn't show any dramatic changes in symptoms than the earlier stage, but it records a slow progression of the disease. Here, patients experience relapses frequently but don't fully recover. There is also less inflammation and a gradual loss in the nerves' ability to function. Older age individuals tend to progress to the secondary stage much faster. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis: MS affects every individual differently. Not all patients will oscillate between symptoms and recovery. Primary Progressive MS records steady worsening symptoms in a patient from the start but without periodic relapses and remissions. The average age of a person diagnosed with primary progressive MS is 40. It is likely to lead to disability earlier than other types of MS. What causes multiple sclerosis? Although several factors seem to increase the risk of developing it, doctors remain unsure of its exact cause. However, some factors have increased one's risk of developing MS. Gender: Women are more than two to three times as likely as men are to have relapsing-remitting MS. Family history: People with a familial history of the disease are at higher risk of developing the disease. Infections: Viral infections that adversely affect one's immune system may trigger MS, such as the Epstein-Barr virus or human herpesvirus 6. Colder regions: MS is far more common in countries with temperate climates. This is because people in colder regions are not as exposed to the sun and Vitamin D, which is an important factor in maintaining one's immune system. Certain autoimmune diseases: One with a history of thyroid, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease is at a higher risk of developing MS. What's the life expectancy of a person with multiple sclerosis? According to research published in the Neurology journal in 2015, people with MS typically live to be 75.9 years old, but people without MS live to be 83.4 years old on average. This 7.5-year disparity is consistent with recent findings from other researchers as well. How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed? MS doesn't have any one standardized test. Instead, one's doctor may use several methods for the diagnosis. They may run a series of tests that eliminate the possibility of other illnesses and deficiencies with similar signs and symptoms. This process is known as a differential diagnosis. Here are some tests that help diagnose MS: Medical history Medical professionals first identify common factors like a patient's previous ailments, family history, environmental exposure, etc., to determine the signs and symptoms of MS. Neurologic exam The next step is a thorough neurologic examination. It includes cranial nerve testing (vision, hearing, face sensation, strength, swallowing), sensation tests, reflex tests, coordination tests, walking tests, and balancing tests. A neurologic examination and medical history are often sufficient to support a diagnosis. Blood tests A blood test helps a professional rule out other disorders, such as lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, certain infections, and uncommon hereditary diseases. What is the treatment of multiple sclerosis? There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease, and manage symptoms. According to some studies, vitamin D, which you may acquire from sunlight, may boost your immune system and guard against MS. Treatment for MS can be a combination of injectable, oral, infusion treatments, and physical therapies to build muscles. How to prevent multiple sclerosis? Take precautions to avoid its development, especially if someone has a family history of MS. Similarly, if one has mild symptoms of MS, one can make certain lifestyle changes to avoid its progression. Get regular exposure to the sun, eat low-saturated fatty foods, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole foods, and less animal products and processed foods. While these changes may seem too generic, they can make or break one's health in the long term.