Multiple sclerosis

Alternative Names

Multiple sclerosis, MS

What is Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which your body's immune system eats away at the protective sheath that covers your nerves. It can interfere with the communication between your brain and the rest of your body. Unfortunately, it can lead to deterioration of the nerves themselves that is not reversible.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis depend on the location of affected nerve fibers. They may include:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs which typically appears on one side of your body at a time or the bottom half of your body
• Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement (optic neuritis)
• Double vision or blurring of vision
• Tingling or pain in parts of your body
• Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain head movements
• Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Possible complications

People with multiple sclerosis can develop the following conditions:

• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• Paralysis, most typically in the legs
• Problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function
• Mental changes, such as forgetfulness or difficulties concentrating
• Depression
• Epilepsy

What causes

Scientists do not know the exact cause of multiple sclerosis. They suggest that it is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. This process destroys myelin- the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

Myelin is similar to the insulation on electrical wires. When myelin is damaged, the messages that travel along that nerve may be slowed or blocked.

Most scientists consider that a combination of factors ranging from genetics to childhood infections play an important role in the development of this disease.

Prevention

People with relapsing-remitting MS are need treatment in order to reduce the frequency of relapses and delay disability. Interferon beta or glatiramer are used to delay the progression of the disease for some people with secondary progressive MS. About 4 out of 10 people with relapsing-remitting MS will progress to secondary progressive MS within 10 years.

Women with MS often have fewer relapses during pregnancy. In the first few months after delivery, though, they may temporarily have more relapses.

If you have MS, avoid overheating your body whenever possible, because it can temporarily make your symptoms worse by causing the nerves already affected by MS to function even more poorly. You should use an air conditioner, keep your home somewhat cool, and avoid hot swimming pools and hot tubs. During warm or hot weather, exercise in an air-conditioned area rather than outdoors.

Treatment

There is no effective treatment for multiple sclerosis, but there are some therapies that may slow the disease. The main aim of the treatment is to manage symptoms and maintain a normal quality of life.

There is a list of medicines that are used to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis:

• Interferons (Avonex, Betaseron or Rebif), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), mitoxantrone (Novantrone) and natalizumab (Tysabri)
• Fingolimod (Gilenya )
• Methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
• Medicines to reduce muscle spasms such as Lioresal (Baclofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex) or a benzodiazepine
• Cholinergic medications Antidepressants for mood or behavior symptoms
• Amantadine