MS in simple language - Dr. Hamidreza Torabi Neurologist
MS in plain language
MS in plain language
masoud77771401-1-19 03:57:41 +00:00What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially debilitating disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent nerve damage or degeneration. The range of symptoms and signs of MS is very wide and different and depends on the degree of nerve damage as well as the nerves affected by the disease. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently, while others may experience long periods of recovery without new symptoms and lead normal lives. There is no cure for MS. However, treatments and medications can help speed recovery after attacks, modify disease courses, and manage symptoms.
Symptoms of SMS in plain language
Symptoms and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary greatly from person to person and during the course of the disease depending on the location of the damaged nerve fibers. Symptoms often affect movement, such as: • Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that usually occurs on one side of the body at a time or in the trunk and legs. • Sensation of electric shock that occurs with certain movements of the neck, especially bending the neck forward (Lhermitte's sign). • Trembling, uncoordinated movements or unsteady walking Vision problems are also common, including: • Complete or partial loss of vision, usually in one eye, often with pain during eye movement. • Double vision and long-term diplopia • Blurred vision Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may also include: • Indistinct speech • Fatigue • Dizziness • Tingling or pain in parts of the body • Sexual, bowel and bladder problems
When should you see a doctor?
If you see any of the above symptoms without a specific reason, see a doctor.
Illness period Most people with MS have periods of relapse and recovery. They experience periods of new symptoms or relapses that develop over days or weeks and usually resolve partially or completely. These relapses lead to slow periods of remission that can last months or even years. A slight increase in body temperature can temporarily worsen the signs and symptoms of MS, but these cases are not considered true relapses. At least 50% of relapsing-remitting MS sufferers, eventually, within 10 to 20 years after the onset of the disease, suffer from a steady progression of symptoms, with or without a recovery period. This is known as secondary progressive MS. Worsening symptoms usually include movement and walking problems. The rate of disease progression varies widely among people with secondary progressive MS. Some people with MS experience a gradual onset and steady progression of signs and symptoms without any relapses, known as primary progressive MS.
What is the cause of MSS in simple language?
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. MS is considered an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the body's own tissues. In the case of MS, this disorder in the function of the immune system causes the loss of the fatty substance that covers and protects the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord (myelin). Myelin can be compared to the insulating coating on electrical wires. When the protective myelin is damaged and the nerve fiber is exposed, messages traveling along that nerve fiber may be slowed or blocked. It is not known why MS develops in some people and not in others. It seems that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are responsible for this.Disease risk factors
The following factors may increase the risk of multiple sclerosis: Age: MS can occur at any age, but its onset usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. However, younger and older people can also be affected by this disease. Gender: Women are two to three times more likely to develop relapsing-remitting MS than men. Family history: If one of your parents or siblings has MS, you are more at risk of developing this disease. Certain infections: Various viruses have been linked to MS, including Epstein-Barr, the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. Race: White people, especially those of Northern European descent, have the highest risk of developing MS. Asian, African, or Native American people have the lowest risk. Climate: MS is more common in countries with temperate climates, including Canada, the northern United States, New Zealand, southeastern Australia, and Europe. Vitamin D: Having low levels of vitamin D and low exposure to sunlight are associated with a higher risk of developing MS. Some autoimmune diseases: If you have other autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, you are slightly more at risk of developing MS. Smoking: Smokers who experience an initial attack of symptoms that may be a sign of MS are more likely than non-smokers to have a second attack, which confirms relapsing and remitting MS.
