Multiple sclerosis – Causes, Signs, Treatment and more

Multiple sclerosis can be a disabling disease of the spinal cord (nervous system) and brain. In Multiple Sclerosis, the system of immune triggers the myelin sheath (a protective layer) that lines the nerve fibers that cause communication error between the brain and spinal cord.

Eventually, this disease will irreversibly damage neurons. People with multiple sclerosis usually experience one of four courses of varying severity.

Clinically isolated syndrome

This is the first symptom caused by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath covering the nerves of the spinal cord and brain.

Remission Relapse MS

Usually follows a predictable pattern, at the stage when a symptom gets worse and then improve. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis will develop over time.

Relapsing-remitting MS

It will progress into an aggressive style of the disease. A number of patients with the relapsing-remitting form of the condition can continue to develop secondary-progressive MS. This typically happens at intervals of ten years of the primary diagnosis.

Primarily developing MS

This form is characterized by a slow and steady progression of the disease, with no remission phase. Some people who mainly suffer from progressive MS sometimes experience a plateau of symptoms and a slight improvement in function, which is usually temporary. The rate of progress changes over time.

The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis

They vary widely, depending on the degree of nerve damage and the nerves affected. People with extreme multiple sclerosis may also lose the potential to walk alone or at all, but some others also may experience long-term relief. There are no new signs.

There is no cure for paired sclerosis, but treatment can help restore the rhythm of seizures, regulate the course of the disease, and control symptoms.

The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may also vary significantly depending on the personality of the male or female and the course of the disease, depending on the location of the affected nerve fibers. Symptoms are usually related to exercise and include:

Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, usually in a part of the body or legs and torso at the same time
Feeling of electric shock due to active movement of the neck
Shaking, Poor coordination or unstable gait
Visual disturbances are also common, as well as:
Partial or complete loss of imagination and vision, usually one eye at a time, often accompanied by eye movement pain
Persistent double vision
Blurred vision
Speech issues
Fatigue
Dizziness
Tingling or pain in body parts
Sexual, intestinal and urinary tract problems (1)

Causes of MS

The cause of MS is still unknown. It is considered as an autoimmune disease in which the healthy immune system attacks your healthy body tissues. In multiple sclerosis, this malfunction of the immune system destroys the fatty material that covers and protects the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord (myelin sheath).

Myelin can be compared to the insulating sheath of a cable. When the protective myelin sheath is damaged and the nerve fiber is exposed, the information passing through the nerve fiber may be slowed or blocked.

It is not clear why some people get multiple sclerosis and some people don’t. Obviously, many genetic and environmental factors are responsible for this situation. (2)

Risk factors of MS

These factors also increase your risk of multiple sclerosis:

Age. It can occur at any age, but it usually occurs between 20 and 40 years old, but it can also affect young and old people.

Sex. Women are more than three times likely to develop relapsing-remitting MS than men.

Family records. If any of parents or siblings does have MS, then a risk of developing the disease is higher.

Certain infections. One virus is associated with MS, including Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis.

Race. White people, especially those from Northern Europe, are most likely to spread multiple sclerosis. People of Asian, African, or Native American descent are at least at risk.

Climate. MS is more common in temperate countries such as Canada, the northern United States, New Zealand, southeastern Australia, and Europe.

Vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels and low sun exposure are associated with additional risks of multiple sclerosis.

Certain autoimmune diseases. If you have other autoimmune problems, including thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, your risk of multiple sclerosis is slightly higher.

Smoking. Smokers who have an initial chance of showing signs that may indicate MS are more likely than non-smokers to confirm the second chance of recurring MS.

Treatment of MS

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment usually focuses on rapid recovery from seizures, slowing the progression of the disease, and controlling the signs of multiple sclerosis. In some people, the symptoms are so mild that no treatment is required.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids including oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone, are used to reduce nerve stimulation. Secondary effects may also include insomnia, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, mood swings, and fluid retention.

Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis)

Part of the liquid part of the blood (plasma) is removed and separated from the blood cells. The blood cells react with protein (albumin) to bind and restore their structure. You can use it if your symptoms are new and severe and you are not using steroids.

Medication to slow progression

Injectable medications

Interferon β 1a (Rebif and Avonex)
Interferon β 1b (Extavia and Betaseron)
Glatiramer acetate: (Glatopa and Copa one)
PEGylated interferon β 1a (Plegridy)

Oral dugs:

8 Teriflunomide) 7 Fagiflunomide fumarate (Tekfidera)

Mavenkoat (Cladribine)
Mayzent (Ciponimod)

Infused drugs:

Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)

Antuzumab (Tekfiderauts)

Antuzumab Fizumab

Muscle relaxants

You may also experience uncontrollable muscle pain, cramps, or stiffness, especially in the legs. Muscle relaxants may also help, including baclofen (Gablofen, Lioresal), tizanidine (Zana flex), and cyclobenzaprine. For patients a remedy is some other option in those with spasticity.

Medication to reduce fatigue

Amantadine (Osmolex and Gocovri), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and Modafinil (Provigil) can help reduce fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis. A variety of capsules can be recommended for the treatment of depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Medication that can increase walking speed

Dafampridin (Imperia) can also slightly increase the walking speed of some people. People with a history of epilepsy or kidney disease should not take this medicine at this time.

Other preparations

In addition, medications may be prescribed for depression, pain, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, and bladder or bowel control problems that may be related to multiple sclerosis.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy and the use of walking aids when needed can also help control leg weakness and other gait problems commonly associated with multiple sclerosis. (1,2)