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Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, is an autoimmune condition wherein
the immune system attacks the central nervous system of the body, leading to
demyelination. This nervous system disease affects the brain and the spinal
cord and damages the myelin sheath - insulating substance that surrounds and
protects nerve cells. The transfer of message between the brain and the body
slows down or is blocked due to the damage and the symptoms of multiple
sclerosis are visible.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, which are more common are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Bladder Dysfunction
- Bowel Dysfunction
- Vision Problems
- Dizziness and Vertigo
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble with coordination and balance
- Thinking and memory problems
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- Sensations such as numbness, prickling, or "pins and needles"
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Pain
- Cognitive Function
- Emotional Changes
- Depression
- Spasticity
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Causes
The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is still not known, but scientists believe
that a combination of several factors is involved. Ongoing studies in the
areas of immunology, epidemiology and genetics are an effort to identify
causes of Multiple Sclerosis. The major scientific theories that support
different causes of MS, highlight the following aspects as prime causes:
Immunologic: MS involves an autoimmune process - an
abnormal response of the body’s immune system that is directed against
the myelin in the central nervous system.
Environmental: MS is known to occur more frequently in
areas that are farther from the equator. Factors such as variations in
geography, demographics, migration patterns etc., are studies to understand
the cause.
Infectious: Exposure to several viruses, bacteria and
microbes occurs during childhood and as viruses are well proven to cause
demyelination & inflammation, it is possible that a particular virus or
other infectious agent is the triggering factor in MS.
Genetic: Though multiple sclerosis is not hereditary but
having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with MS increases one's
risk of developing the disease by several-fold.
What Happens
Multiple Sclerosis follows one of four courses:
- Relapsing-remitting: The symptoms may fade away and then
reoccur at random. It may continue for years.
- Secondary progressive: This initially follows a
relapsing-remitting course and becomes steadily progressive, later.
- Primary progressive: The disease is progressive from the very
beginning.
- Progressive relapsing: There is steady deterioration of nerve
function as the symptoms appear. Symptoms occur and disappear, but
damage of the nerves continues.
People with the disease do not follow one of these patterns exactly. So, it
is very hard to predict the course. It varies from person to person and the
pattern can change in an individual over time.
