Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms, Causes and Treatment?

Answer 1

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the spinal cord and brain. The disease is more commonly seen in women and can affect all age groups, although it is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. This overview outlines multiple sclerosis symptoms, how the disease develops and how diagnosed individuals can effectively manage their symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary greatly and it is possible for individuals to experience symptoms for an extended period of time. It is also not uncommon for symptoms to disappear and enter remission. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis include loss of muscle control, muscle spasms, weak or numb limbs, dizziness, fatigue, coordination difficulties, tremors and a tingling sensation in some parts of the body. Vision is also affected, as a person with multiple sclerosis may experience full or partial vision loss, blurred vision, double vision and eye pain.

Causes

Although the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is not entirely known, it is thought that the immune system plays an integral role in the development of the disease. When an individual has multiple sclerosis, their immune system attacks and damages healthy body tissues. Myelin is mostly affected, which is the fatty covering that protects and insulates nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These nerves aid in the communication process between the brain and body and also control muscle movements.

Treatment

Multiple sclerosis does not have a cure and treatments are focused on controlling symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Oral or intravenous corticosteroids are common treatments for multiple sclerosis and work by reducing inflammation, which can trigger a symptom relapse. Plasma exchange, or plasmapheresis, can also manage symptom outbreaks. This treatment involves separating blood cells from plasma and is typically administered in severe cases of multiple sclerosis.

Other medications such as beta interferons and immunosuppressant medications slow the advancement of multiple sclerosis by altering or suppressing the immune response. Physical therapy is also beneficial and can help individuals with multiple sclerosis improve functioning with everyday tasks and aid in muscle strengthening and stretching exercises.