Learning All About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease that destabilizes the condition and ability of the nerves that are in the central nervous system . It causes degeneration of brain and spinal cord. It is a disease that can be devastating to endure or watch a loved one go through. It helps to have an understanding of the condition by learning all about multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis facts attacks the nerves that are in the spine and the brain progressively. The attacks may be seen in alteration of the motor and sensory functions of the body. What causes it is yet to be discovered. It is however known that the genes, environment and immunological factors play a role in this disease.
It is important that a therapy including treatment using drugs is done after a patient who has MS has been fully educated on the options available, the efficacy of the drugs, the use of drugs and other therapy as approved by the FDA and the risks of adverse reactions like side effects. Patients should also be informed on the methods that can enhance tolerance of the drugs and compliance of it.
Drugs and other forms of therapy that are used to counter MS are aimed at boosting the level and condition of Myelin. It covers and insulates nerves and enhances the condition of impulses that are sent via the nerves. It is also important for maintaining the nerves in good condition.
The inflammation that affects MS patients causes the Myelin to start wearing thin. When this happens, the electrical impulses that make their way along the nerves start to decline and the transmission becomes slower. Apart from this, there is damage to the nerves themselves. As more and more are affected, patients experience progressive limitations and interference with the functions that are controlled by the nervous system. This includes the memory, the ability to walk, talk, write and see.
The symptoms of MS may be single or multiple. The symptoms may also vary from mild to very intense and they may last for a short time or a long time. Some symptoms patients may experience are weak limbs, disturbed vision, muscle spasms and inability to feel sensations. Speech may also slurred and patients may have tremors and feel dizzy.
Some patients fall into depression over their condition with some getting manically depressed. Others become paranoid and others have an unusual urge to laugh and cry which they do uncontrollably. Movement is also hindered because of the weakness in the limbs. Some patients are left unable to move at all if the weakness is severe and if they also have the symptom of reduced sensation which can be complete numbness in the severe cases.
Approximately 350,000 people in the US are living with multiple sclerosis. It does not discriminate in the ages of those it afflicts but it is often seen in people aged between 20 and 50 years old. It is seen in Caucasians more than any other age group. It is likely to affect women more than men who are twice as likely and men to get it and women are more likely to get it earlier. Learning all about multiple sclerosis will make it easier to cope with it or to help a loved one to cope with it.
