Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) vary from person to person. Some people experience fatigue, weakness, pain, numbness, and difficulty with walking or swallowing. Others have problems with vision, hearing, speech, or balance. They also may have emotional changes. These symptoms may occur after the onset of MS or may be related to other conditions. Symptoms can begin slowly or worsen quickly. Some symptoms respond well to medications. Others, such as tingling and numbness, may not respond to medications.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and nerve fibers. These tissues include the myelin sheath, which protects nerve fibres. When the immune system attacks, it strips off the myelin and leaves scars, known as lesions. It also disrupts the messages that travel along the nerve fibres. The damaged myelin and lesions can lead to nerve damage and disability.
Multiple sclerosis can also cause changes in the way the brain communicates with the rest of the body. These changes can result in learning problems, emotional changes, and memory problems. These symptoms can occur in adults or children, depending on the type of MS. In children, MS tends to progress more slowly than in adults.
Multiple sclerosis can be diagnosed through an MRI scan. An MRI can help to determine if you have MS, and it can also help to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. An MRI scan should be done at least once a year. If you do not have an MRI, a spinal tap can detect abnormal spinal fluid, and optical coherence tomography can detect thinning around the optic nerve. If MS is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a neurologist, who can perform a physical examination and other tests.
MS is a chronic condition that can impact your ability to work, live independently, and care for yourself. There is no known cure for MS, but research is finding ways to treat it and slow its progression. Studies have found that exercise, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy can help people with MS. Occupational therapy can also be beneficial. These treatments can help people with MS to perform daily tasks such as walking, swallowing, and thinking.
MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). The immune system attacks the myelin sheath, leaving scars that disrupt the messages traveling along the nerve fibres. The disease may be caused by a virus or other outside factors. There are also many genetic factors that can increase your risk of developing MS. Some researchers believe the virus causes MS, while others think that the disease is an autoimmune disorder.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be severe, but most people with MS have a normal life expectancy. Symptoms of MS can appear at any age, but they usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. MS is more common in women than men, but it can affect anyone.
