First recognized in 1868 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893), Multiple sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to the degeneration of the myelin sheath which protects the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.
Characterized by irregular improvements and worsening of symptoms, MS with an average age of onset of 34 years is a major cause of chronic disability in young adults.
The disease affects more women than men and is twice as likely to occur in Caucasians as in any other group.
Cause of Multiple Sclerosis The exact cause of the condition is unknown but MS is believed to be the result of a complex combination of environmental, genetic, and autoimmune factors.
Emotional stress, fatigue, overwork, pregnancy and acute respiratory infections have been known to precede the onset of MS.
A new epidemiological study from Denmark demonstrates that people with Diabetes Type 1 are more then 3 times more likely to also develop the disease than people without diabetes.
A family history of Ms and living in an area with a higher incidence of the disease (northern Europe, northern USA, southern Australia and New Zealand) increases the risk.
Diagnosis Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose since its signs and symptoms may be similar to many other medical problems and can often come and go, sometimes disappearing for months and in fact a misdiagnosis of psychiatric problems is common.
An MS diagnosis is made by the history of symptoms and a neurological exam, often with the help of tests such as an MRI or a spinal tap.
Tests to diagnose multiple sites include: Cerebrospinal fluid tests, including CSF, oligoclonal banding, head MRI scan, Lumbar puncture, nerve function study and a Spine MRI.
Abnormal EEG findings occur in a third of patients and the white blood cell count may be elevated.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis There are four main types of the disease: relapsing or remitting, primary progressive, secondary progressive and progressive relapsing.
Signs and symptoms Signs may be transient or they may last for hours or weeks.
They may wax or wane with no predictable pattern, vary from day to day and be difficult for the patient to describe.
Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body.
MS can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, sensation, and mental functions.
Early symptoms of the condition include weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision.
Incontinence, emotional swings, poorly articulated speech and sometimes quite bizarre symptoms are common.
People with severe cases of may lose the ability to walk or speak and usually.
Most patients have severe skeletal abnormalities and excessive muscle tensions.
Treatment There is no cure for but treatment can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the number of relapses.
Medications used to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis may include: Immune modulators to help control the immune system, including interferons, monoclonal antibodies, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and natalizumab.
Steroids may be used to decrease the severity of attacks.
Researchers are now also testing a vaccine that seems to halt the progression of the disease.
Taking vitamin D supplements helps prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression and may help slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of a new technology known as powerstrip patches can be very helpful.
Physical therapy, speech therapy occupational therapy and support groups are also useful while planned exercise programs help maintain muscle tone.