Symptoms of muscular sclerosis (MS) are caused when the immune system attacks healthy nerve cells. This attack causes inflammation and damages the myelin sheath that covers and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. The loss of the myelin sheath affects how the brain sends signals to the body and can cause symptoms such as problems with balance, vision and muscle weakness. Several effective treatments exist to reduce relapses and slow the progression of the disease. Most people with MS are able to manage their symptoms and live full lives.
Scientists do not know what causes MS, but they believe that it is an autoimmune disease. They also believe that environmental factors, such as exposure to certain viruses and bacteria and possibly genetic factors, play a role in MS. The type of MS that a person develops is important because different types progress differently.
Relapsing remitting MS is the most common form of MS and is characterised by clearly defined attacks followed by periods when the disease is not active or when the symptoms do not appear to be getting worse (remission). It can take months to recover from a relapse.
Secondary symptoms may be caused by the myelin sheath being damaged and they include problems with memory, speech, and thinking, and may occur on one side or both sides of the body. Fatigue, which is a common and often the most bothersome symptom, can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks. In some cases, MS can cause tremors, seizures and depression.
Inflammation is the main cause of relapses and the symptoms of MS. When T lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system, enter the central nervous system, they attack the myelin sheath and damage the nerve fibers that carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The attack is made worse by a malfunction of the brain’s T regulatory cells, which normally dampen or turn off inflammation. This inflammation leads to the formation of scars, which are called lesions.
A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) can be performed to check the level of inflammation in the fluid in the spine. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show pictures of the brain and spinal cord and identify any areas of scarring. Blood tests can measure antibodies to the inflammatory agents that are produced by the immune system. These can be used to confirm a diagnosis of MS and to help predict how the condition will progress over time.
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but a variety of medications can improve your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The medicines your doctor prescribes will be based on the type of MS you have, its severity and the symptoms that are most troublesome to you. Your lifestyle can also help, and it is important to be physically active, avoid smoking and use a healthy diet that includes whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables. You should also find ways to reduce stress, as this can make your symptoms worse.
