Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system. The current estimate is that there are 2.3 million people with this disease globally. It is sometimes called MS for short. With MS, the immune system attacks the myelin that covers nerve fibers and prevents the brain from communicating with other parts of the body. MS can cause some people to lose the ability to walk. Many people with MS have episodes or attacks where the symptoms of the disease become severe. There is no cure for MS, but there are treatments to help reduce the severity of symptoms and help reduce the number of attacks the patient experiences.
The cause of MS is unknown, but it is classified as an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the myelin in the body. The myelin protects the nerves and allows messages that travel along those nerves to do so smoothly. When MS causes the myelin to dissolve, the messages are slowed or get interrupted. Genetics and environmental factors are believed to affect who contracts the disease.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary from person to person. The disease can become worse over time, and some people have hardly any symptoms at all. Some of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
Diagnosing MS can be difficult because there are no tests that can show the disease. Doctors usually use the patient’s history and symptoms to determine a diagnosis. There are a few tests that doctors may use to confirm their diagnosis and to rule out other diseases and illnesses that could have the same symptoms. These tests include:
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are treatments that can help sufferers live normal lives. Treatments are focused on reducing the severity of the symptoms and helping patients recover faster in between attacks. Some common treatment options include:
People who have MS can live normal lives as long as they respond well to treatment. The disease can progress quickly or slowly, so it is important for each patient to find a treatment that works for them. Avoiding complications is the ultimate goal.
This post was last modified on January 20, 2023 11:47 am
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common yet frequently overlooked condition affecting a significant portion of adults. It ranges… Read More
Health is wealth, as the old saying goes. You probably have heard about the importance of regular OBYGN checkups. However,… Read More
In today's society, the prevalence of mental health challenges is on the rise, making assisted living and mental health support more vital.… Read More
In the complex landscape of modern healthcare, physical medicine plays a crucial role in promoting wellness, managing chronic conditions and… Read More
Introduction Testosterone is often thought of as just something that helps men with their muscle build and sex drive. But… Read More
In an era where the pace of life seems to be constantly accelerating, safeguarding our mental wellness has never been… Read More
When you are healthy, and your lungs are clear, it becomes easy to breathe. Occasionally, you feel like coughing, which… Read More
As Sweden continues to advance its public health initiatives, the debate around smoking cessation methods, including vaping, gains prominence. This… Read More
Starting a private practice is very exciting and quite terrifying all at once. It takes a lot of hard work… Read More
For the orthopedic practice to flourish in the highly competitive healthcare market of today, it is not enough to have… Read More