Multiple sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that attacks your nervous system. There are 4 patterns of MS:

• Relapsing remitting: This type is the most common and has clearly defined flare-ups that appear suddenly and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. These are followed by remissions. This type can develop into secondary progressive MS.
• Primary progressive: This type usually strikes people over the age of 40 years and results in a gradual steady decline, without periods of remission.
• Secondary progressive:  This develops from relapsing remitting MS that stops going into remission.
• Progressive relapsing: This uncommon type of MS is a type of primary progressive MS with sudden episodes of new symptoms or worsening existing ones. 

Researchers don’t yet know what causes MS but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease. Interestingly, research has shown that there is a higher prevalence of MS in more northern countries, such as Canada and the Scandinavian countries. The disease usually strikes people between the ages of 20 and 40 years; women are more often diagnosed with MS than are men.

It is a fatal disease but many patients live for a long time with the disease, many able to continue functioning with every day activities.

What are the symptoms?

·         Blurry or double vision

·         Muscle weakness

·         Difficulty with coordination, balance

·         Numbness in arms or legs

·         Slurring speech

·         Tremors

·         Dizziness

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Fatigue

·         Pain

 

Why does it cause pain?

Although there may be many reasons for pain, the most common pain is from muscle spasticity, tightness of the muscles.

What can be done?

There is no cure for MS yet, although research has found some treatments that may help some patients.

A group of drugs called beta-interferons, as well as a few other drugs, have been approved in the United States for use of relapse-remitting MS. These medications may ward off more attacks of MS, keeping periods of remission longer.

People who have progressive MS may be given corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, or other medications that may help treat the symptoms and effects of the disease.

Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are often recommended to help people maintain their muscle strength and independence as long as possible.

For more in-depth information, here are some sites that have reliable and up-to-date information:

MayoClinic.com

National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke

National Multiple Sclerosis Society (United States)

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Clinical Trials for MS