Medically Verified By: Dr. Sandeep Borse
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.
Multiple sclerosis, a neurological disorder with no cure yet can be tactfully checked with lifestyle modification and healthy eating habit.
A new positron emission tomography (PET) reporter gene/probe system makes it possible, for the first time, to non-invasively monitor the level and location of gene expression in all areas of the brain.
World Multiple Sclerosis Day: Adopting healthy eating habits can strengthen your immune system.
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS).
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which body's immune system starts damaging the protective layer of the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Neurological health depends as much on signals sent by the body's large, leg muscles to the brain as it does on directives from the brain to the muscles.
An expert dispels misplaced notions and educates people on neurological disorders.
Our expert explains in detail about Stem cell therapy and MS.
According to a study, the stigma of Multiple Sclerosis can increase the risk of depression in the patients.
In ten percent of the MS patients, the disease is progressive from the outset, without any relapses along the way.
The blood test detects deficiency of sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine, two compounds that are usually low in multiple sclerosis patients.
Fruits and veggies can help reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Living with autoimmunity is never easy.
The bacteria, which cause infections such as pneumonia, frequently develop multi-resistance towards classic antibiotics.
It may contribute to the onset and further progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease.
Did you know Parkinson's disease could be a reason for constipation?
Can being too hygiene conscious increase your autoimmune risk?
Having MRI findings of MS without any symptoms of the disease has been termed radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS)
"Our study suggests that correcting vitamin D deficiency in young and middle-age women may reduce their future risk of MS."
Apart from reducing risk of breast cancer, breastfeeding has has many many advantages for both mom and baby
Genetically and immune-mediated disease, Multiple Sclerosis symptoms and progression are unpredictable at the time of diagnosis.
PhotosDid you know blurred vision or loss of vision could be a sign of MS?
Stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients can walk significantly better with the neural stimulation.
Read to know why Ms Sheela Chitnis is the face of #Beboldforchange this International Women's day!
A new positron emission tomography (PET) reporter gene/probe system makes it possible, for the first time, to non-invasively monitor the level and location of gene expression in all areas of the brain.
World Multiple Sclerosis Day: Adopting healthy eating habits can strengthen your immune system.
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS).
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which body's immune system starts damaging the protective layer of the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Neurological health depends as much on signals sent by the body's large, leg muscles to the brain as it does on directives from the brain to the muscles.
An expert dispels misplaced notions and educates people on neurological disorders.
Our expert explains in detail about Stem cell therapy and MS.
According to a study, the stigma of Multiple Sclerosis can increase the risk of depression in the patients.
In ten percent of the MS patients, the disease is progressive from the outset, without any relapses along the way.
The blood test detects deficiency of sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine, two compounds that are usually low in multiple sclerosis patients.
Fruits and veggies can help reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Living with autoimmunity is never easy.
The bacteria, which cause infections such as pneumonia, frequently develop multi-resistance towards classic antibiotics.
It may contribute to the onset and further progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease.
Did you know Parkinson's disease could be a reason for constipation?
Can being too hygiene conscious increase your autoimmune risk?
Having MRI findings of MS without any symptoms of the disease has been termed radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS)
"Our study suggests that correcting vitamin D deficiency in young and middle-age women may reduce their future risk of MS."
Apart from reducing risk of breast cancer, breastfeeding has has many many advantages for both mom and baby
Genetically and immune-mediated disease, Multiple Sclerosis symptoms and progression are unpredictable at the time of diagnosis.
Stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients can walk significantly better with the neural stimulation.
Read to know why Ms Sheela Chitnis is the face of #Beboldforchange this International Women's day!
Holidays are not just for relaxing but can also help in improving your health.
Exercise may not reduce a woman's risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).
