Multiple Sclerosis: Double Vision And Other Warning Signs In The Eyes
Early diagnosis and treatment of Multiple sclerosis tend to boost the odds of a favourable long-term outcome.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system (CNS) disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Even in the absence of symptoms, the disease is continuously active (causing brain damage) from the early stages of MS.
In recent times, MS prevalence rates in India have been revised from 1 case in every lakh to3 cases/100,000 people compared to USA where MS occurs in 1 per 1000 people. MS is anautoimmune disease because the MS patient’s immune system (body’s defence against infection) attacks a part of its own body – the nerve cell’s myelin sheath. The nervous system comprises billions of neurons (nerve cells) that relay messages in the brain and between the brain and other body parts. In a normal nervous system, nerves (bundles of nerve cells) pass messages amongst themselves at a superfast speed. The axon (long arm of a nerve cell) is covered by the myelin sheath (multi-layered bands) with small gaps in between. The nerve impulses, i.e. chemical signalsjump from gap-to-gap and rapidly spread the messages to the surrounding nerve cells.
MS is neurodegenerative because the damaged myelin sheath and oligodendrocytes (cells that produce myelin) delay communication between nerve cells, thus resulting in the inefficient functioning of multiple body systems. Demyelinating (without myelin sheath) nerve cells occurs in multiple areas of the brain and nervous system. The damaged portions of the axon undergo sclerosis (develop hardened scars). A noteworthy feature of MS is the remissions (remyelination with improved symptoms) and relapses (further demyelination with worsened symptoms) cycle that occur over time.
Multiple sclerosis is divided into four types.
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): In this type, the patient experiences varied neurological symptoms lasting for a duration of 24 h, and not all cases of CIS progress to MS.
Relapsing MS: In this type, which is called relapsing-remitting MS, patients experience symptom exacerbation (relapses) which then disappear (remission). These symptoms may be new or similar prior symptoms with varying intensity. In this type, the symptoms may exacerbate and then decrease for months to years before relapsing again.
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): Usually, this type follows relapsing MS. It may occur after a prolonged duration of time after relapsing MS diagnosis. Usually, it is observed that individuals with relapsing MS will then progress to SPMS.
Primary progressive MS (PPMS): In this type, rather than exacerbations and recovery, patients experience deteriorating symptoms with disability from the onset.
MS symptoms are variable, unpredictable, and appear in different patterns. Most common patterns are relapsing/remitting (symptoms come and go) and chronic progressive (symptoms continuously worsens).
Depending on which part of the nervous system develops demyelination, the condition affects corresponding body systems. The first MS symptom, in ~50% patients, appears as double or blurred vision because of optic neuritis (demyelination of nerves connected to the eyes). The loss of coordination (30% patients) and speech difficulties occur frequently. Other common symptoms include -
Causes
MS does not result from any particular lifestyle choice and is not contagious. A link between MS and autoimmune diseases and smoking has been reported. Many other viral and bacterial infections, e.g., such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and childhood mumps, are considered as MS triggers. Because Vitamin D is important for proper immune function, low levels of this vitamin are considered as a potential cause of MS. Environmentally, strong associations exist between MS and geography (temperate and cold zones) and demographics (age, sex, and ethnicity). Genetics play an important role in MS, though not hereditary, as there is increased risk of MS incidence among siblings. Scientists are investigating which genes are common within families affected by MS or in populations with high MS incidence rates.
Risk Factors
MS may occur with or without the presence of risk factors; however, risk factors compound the susceptibility of an individual getting MS.
Adopting certain lifestyle modifications can help keep the symptoms of MS at bay.
High disease variability is a challenge for patients and neurologists
It is difficult to predict the development course of MS, which may be asymptomatic, mild or severe. In severe cases, the patients lose their ability to write, speak or walk, which drastically affects their daily lives.
The primary treatment of MS is to stop the flaring up and to reduce disease progression. Certain medications help in myelin sheath protection, which reduces disease progression. MS treatment options include disease-modifying drugs such as methylprednisolone, interferons (avonex, betaseron), copaxone and rebif, which provides symptomatic relief and slows down the disease progression to prevent relapses. Counselling, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy and swallowing therapy help to cope with movement, behavioural and intake-related symptoms. Experimental treatment options such as stem cell transplant are being examined to produce new cells with an intact myelin sheath. MS is not fatal but there are complications arising from a weak immune system such as pneumonia or lower life expectancy by 10 years in MS patients.
Certain lifestyle modifications can help reducing flaring up and reduction of symptoms of MS:
Prognosis
Because of advances in technology and medicine, individuals with MS will continue to live productive and active lives. Lifestyle changes and modifications can ensure that individuals with MS can have an improved and effective outcome.
Complications
MS-related complications may include difficulty in walking because of a requirement or assistive devices such as cane or walker or even a wheelchair. Loss of vision may occur. Moreover, bladder or bowel control loss, problems with memory, sexual problems and loss of balance may occur. Because MS is a chronic condition, depression is often seen in individuals with MS.
As MS is a chronic disease, most individuals turn to alternative treatment options.
Early diagnosis and treatment of Multiple sclerosis tend to boost the odds of a favourable long-term outcome.
The treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) aims to manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve the quality of life for patients.
Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (appearance of the neurological disorder before the age of sixteen) accounts for about 5% of total MS population.
Can Physiotherapy Play A Role In Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy?
Know everything about multiple sclerosis by Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher.
Researchers say that a protein in cow's milk can trigger inflammation that damages neurons in certain groups of Multiple Sclerosis sufferers.
Childhood trauma could affect the trajectory of multiple sclerosis development and response to treatment in adulthood. Read on to know more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe health condition that directly affects the brain and the spinal cord. A person between 15-60 years of age and women are more vulnerable to multiple sclerosis (MS).
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system. Today, on the occasion of World Multiple Sclerosis Day, here are some of the early warning signs of this disease.
Multiple sclerosis an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. Read to know its risk factors -
Scientists have identified a protein that may cause muscle weakness as you age. But this can happen also due to a sedentary lifestyle or certain health conditions. Read on to know more.
Our personality makes us who we are. But some health disorders can change this. Read on to know more.
Have you noticed a sudden change in personality of your loved one? It could be due to some underlying health condition. Read on to know more.
Sexual dysfunction is one of the worst outcomes of multiple sclerosis, a debilitating neurological disorder that affects millions across the world. On this World MS Day, we arm you up with suggestions to get back your sex life.
Currently there is no cure more multiple sclerosis. So doctors aim to control its symptoms through medicines and targeted therapies. On this World Multiple Sclerosis Day, we tell you what you can expect from your doctor if you're suffering this condition.
Are you the caregiver of a person with multiple sclerosis? On this World MS Day, here is all you need to know to help him cope with the condition better.
Like many other diseases, multiple sclerosis is tough to diagnose, as its symptoms are mostly invisible. On this World Multiple Sclerosis Day, we give you a low-down on the early symptoms of this neurological disorder.
As we celebrate World MS Day today, here we share some important information about the day. Read on to know why it is important to observe this day every year.
Early diagnosis and treatment of Multiple sclerosis tend to boost the odds of a favourable long-term outcome.
The treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) aims to manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve the quality of life for patients.
Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (appearance of the neurological disorder before the age of sixteen) accounts for about 5% of total MS population.
Can Physiotherapy Play A Role In Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy?
Know everything about multiple sclerosis by Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher.
Researchers say that a protein in cow's milk can trigger inflammation that damages neurons in certain groups of Multiple Sclerosis sufferers.
Childhood trauma could affect the trajectory of multiple sclerosis development and response to treatment in adulthood. Read on to know more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe health condition that directly affects the brain and the spinal cord. A person between 15-60 years of age and women are more vulnerable to multiple sclerosis (MS).
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system. Today, on the occasion of World Multiple Sclerosis Day, here are some of the early warning signs of this disease.
Multiple sclerosis an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. Read to know its risk factors -
Scientists have identified a protein that may cause muscle weakness as you age. But this can happen also due to a sedentary lifestyle or certain health conditions. Read on to know more.
Have you noticed a sudden change in personality of your loved one? It could be due to some underlying health condition. Read on to know more.
Sexual dysfunction is one of the worst outcomes of multiple sclerosis, a debilitating neurological disorder that affects millions across the world. On this World MS Day, we arm you up with suggestions to get back your sex life.
Currently there is no cure more multiple sclerosis. So doctors aim to control its symptoms through medicines and targeted therapies. On this World Multiple Sclerosis Day, we tell you what you can expect from your doctor if you're suffering this condition.
Are you the caregiver of a person with multiple sclerosis? On this World MS Day, here is all you need to know to help him cope with the condition better.
Like many other diseases, multiple sclerosis is tough to diagnose, as its symptoms are mostly invisible. On this World Multiple Sclerosis Day, we give you a low-down on the early symptoms of this neurological disorder.
As we celebrate World MS Day today, here we share some important information about the day. Read on to know why it is important to observe this day every year.
Tremour, especially in the hands, is a condition experienced mostly by the elderly population. Though not life-threatening, it could be the sign of some serious ailments.
Our personality makes us who we are. But some health disorders can change this. Read on to know more.
Did you know blurred vision or loss of vision could be a sign of MS?
Get inspired: The girl who doesn't stop running despite suffering from multiple sclerosis