Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease of the nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. It damages the material that surrounds and protects the nerve cells, which in turn slows down or blocks messages between the brain and the body. Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States and probably more than 1 million people around the world — including twice as many women as men. Most people experience their first signs or symptoms between ages 20 and 40.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis vary widely, depending on the location of affected nerve fibers and may include symptoms like:
- Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs
- Partial or complete loss of vision
- Double vision or blurring of vision
- Tingling or pain in parts of your body
- Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain head movements
- Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
In some cases, people may experience muscle stiffness, slurred speech, paralysis, or problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function. Changes in mental ability such as forgetfulness or difficulties with concentration also may occur. Usually, the disease is mild, but some people lose the ability to write, speak or walk.
Multiple Sclerosis occurs in four main patterns:
- Relapsing remitting. This type of multiple sclerosis is characterized by clearly defined flare-ups, followed by periods of remission.
- Primary progressive. People with this less common form of multiple sclerosis experience a gradual decline, without periods of remission.
- Secondary progressive. More than half the people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis eventually enter a stage of continuous deterioration known as to as secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Sudden relapses may occur, superimposed upon the continuous deterioration that characterizes this type of multiple sclerosis.
- Progressive relapsing. This is primary progressive multiple sclerosis with the addition of sudden episodes of new symptoms or worsened existing ones. This form is relatively uncommon.
Doctors are still not sure about the exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis. However, the probable causes are thought to be a combination of heredity, an environmental trigger like a virus and some defect in the immune system.
Women are affected more than men by multiple sclerosis. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but medicines may slow it down and help control symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy may also help.
