Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis:

Spinal cord and brain are affected by Multiple Scelerosis. This disease can cause many symptoms such as muscle weakness, changes in sensation, depression and visual problems. In this disease, white blood cells and antibodies can be directed by the body against proteins in myelin sheath.

Injuries and inflammation can be occurred in the myelin sheath. Multiple areas of scarring can block the nerve signals. They may control strength, vision, muscle coordination and sensation. More than one million people can be affected by this disease. It is commonly found in women. Patients may feel the signs and symptoms between the ages of 20 to 40.

Causes:

In people with multiple sclerosis, cells which make the myelin sheath can be destroyed by the immune system mistakenly. The myelin sheath can appear as swollen, inflamed the detaches from the fibers. Some impulses may be blocked, when nerve impulses may enter into damaged area. This procedure may associate multiple sclerosis. This disease can be occurred in following patterns:

Relapsing remitting

Primary progressive

Secondary progressive

Progressive relapsing

Risk factors:

Environmental factors: Environmental factors may increase the risk of multiple sclerosis. Various bacteria and viruses may develop multiple sclerosis.

Heredity: Heredity is also risky factor of multiple sclerosis. It is often found in Northern European area. According to researchers, the tendency to associate multiple sclerosis is inherited.

Geographical factors: This disease is commonly found in southern Canada, New Zealand, Europe and southeastern Australia.

Signs and symptoms:

• Changes in vision
• Tingling in the affected areas.
• Lack of coordination
• Dizziness
• Weakness in limbs or numbness
• Excessive fatigue
• Blurring of vision and sometimes double vision
• Paralysis
• Difficulties in concentration
• Muscle stiffness

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis:

Neurological examination: This examination is recommended by the doctor to check the nervous system. It can be tested various parts of nervous system such as muscle tone, heat, reflexes, muscle tone, vibration and sensations of pain.

Spinal tap: A doctor can take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from spinal canal and send it to laboratory test. Abnormalities such as abnormal levels of proteins and white blood cells can be examined by this test.

Magnetic resonance imaging scan: A powerful magnetic field and radio waves may generate the data on the computer screen to produce tissue-slice images. These images can be viewed by the health care providers. Sometimes medical history is also preferred by the doctor to diagnose the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Treatment:

Beta interferons: Beta interferons such as beta-1b and beta-1a may be used to regulate immune system and fight against viral infection. Betaseron can be injected yourself daily. Avonex is used to reduce the flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. People with multiple sclerosis can generally use beta interferons.

Corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids will be prescribed by the doctor in short courses. It may help to short the flare-ups and reduce inflammation in nerve tissue. In long courses of medications, it may cause side effects such as hypertension and osteoporosis.

Physical and occupational therapy: This therapy is recommended by the doctor to treat multiple sclerosis. A occupational and physical therapist can be taught exercises which can help to reduce symptoms of the disease.

Medications to reduce fatigue: Antiviral drug amantadine, antidepressant medication and other medications will be prescribed by the doctor. They are very helpful to reduce excessive fatigue.

Prevention:

• You should do exercise such as walking, aerobic exercise.
• You should not bothered by heat.
• You should take more rest.
• You should eat balanced diet.