Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the sheath that coats the nerves of the central nervous system, causing chronic inflammation and damage. Symptoms of MS vary in different people and may change over time. The condition can be mild or severe and may come and go, with periods of remission or attacks called relapses. Generally, men develop more serious symptoms of the disease and are more likely to have a form of MS that doesn’t remit, called primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
Male and female MS symptoms may differ, but the majority of symptoms are the same. Some of the differences include symptoms of the nervous system and muscles, such as fatigue and spasticity. Other symptoms may affect the senses, such as vision loss. In addition, some people with MS have sexual problems, which are sometimes related to the disease itself and other times due to lifestyle factors or medication side effects.
The cause of MS isn’t known, but it is believed to be an inflammatory disorder that can lead to long-term disability. There are several risk factors that increase a person’s chances of developing the disease, including infections, obesity, and family history. Some genes, particularly those that are involved in the immune response, have also been linked to MS.
Symptoms of MS typically begin between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are about two to three times more likely than men to develop the disease. This difference is believed to be related to a number of factors, including sex hormones and genetics. Symptoms of the disease may also worsen during menopause. This is thought to be caused by a drop in estrogen levels, which can accelerate the progression of the disease.
While relapsing-remitting forms of the disease occur more often in women, they can happen to anyone with MS. This is when the immune system attacks the sheath covering the nerves, causing it to become inflamed in small patches (plaques or lesions) that can be seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These attacks disrupt the messages sent between the brain and the rest of the body, causing the symptoms of MS.
It’s important for people with MS to seek early treatment because it can slow the rate of disease progression and help avoid or delay disability. In a study published in 2020, researchers found that people with relapsing MS who were diagnosed early had less severe disability than those who weren’t.
Some of the early symptoms of the disease can be confused with other conditions, so it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment can also reduce the chance of permanent damage to the nervous system. It is also very important for people with MS to get regular medical checkups.
