Multiple sclerosis or also known as disseminated sclerosis is a persistent autoimmune inflammatory illness affecting the central nervous system which consists of the brain and the spinal cord.  It has an effect on the capability to correspond between the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord efficiently.  In multiple sclerosis, there is a destruction of myelin, an insulating substance responsible in transferring the electrical signals rapidly and easily between the brain and the different parts of the body.  Once the myelin are damaged caused by the attack of the body immune system there will have no proper communication.  The nerve messages will be sent more gradually and less effectively.  The symptoms of multiple sclerosis arise once the brain and the nerves of the spinal cord could no longer perform an efficient communication with the parts of the body.  Multiple sclerosis can lead to a wide different form of symptoms that can affect strength, vision, senses, balance, coordination and other function of the parts of the body.  It commonly affects people in the ages between 40 and 60 but it can occur at any age.  Women are the one more affected than men particularly in the early age.

 

What are the causes of multiple sclerosis?

It is sad to know that the reason causing multiple sclerosis is still not known.  Though there are research revealed that the unusual reaction of the immune system can lead to a damaged myelin sheath.  Usually, the immune system protects and keeps the body from any foreign bodies but with autoimmune disorder the body attack or hit its own tissue.

 

Are there types of multiple sclerosis? What are they?

There are four types of multiple sclerosis and they are the following.

• The first type is the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis which is the most ordinary type of multiple sclerosis which affects 85% of the people.  This type is related with the outburst of the symptoms that can get worse for weeks or even in months and with the subsidence wherein the symptoms are improve partially or completely.
• The second is the primary-progressive multiple sclerosis which affects 10% of the people.  This type is associated with gradual but frequently a continuous type and there is an aggravation from the time it started.
• The third one is the secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis which is related with the primary stage of relapsing-remitting type followed by stable aggravation and slight subsidence.  About 50% of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis will have this type within the period of 10 years.
• The last one is the progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis which is associated with a stable worsening of the disorder with irregular outburst.  This is a rare type and occurs with only 5% of people with multiple sclerosis.

 

What are the early symptoms of sclerosis?

The symptoms of sclerosis may be differing due to the severity of every attack.  The occurrence can continue for days, weeks, or even months.  People with multiple sclerosis may have symptoms in several parts of the body because the nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged and they are the following.

 

1.     The first symptom may occur in muscle.

There is a muscle spasm and feeling of numbness.  There is a feeling of tremble in one or both arms or legs.  There is a difficulty in walking and in moving arms or legs.  Difficult in coordination and even in making slight movements are also present.  There is a loss of balance and feeling of weakness in one or both arms or legs.

 

 

 

2.     The second one may appear in the bladder.

The person with multiple sclerosis finds it difficult in beginning to urinate.  There is a recurrent need and a strong urge to urinate.  There is also incontinence and constipation.

 

 

 

 

3.     Another symptom can affect the eyes.

There is a feeling of discomfort or pain in the eye.  There are unmanageable quick movements of the eye.  There is a loss in vision which normally has an effect in one eye at a time.

 

 

 

 

4.     It affects the sexual activities.

In the case of men, the problem with erections occurs while in women, there is difficulty with the vaginal lubrication.

 

 

 

 

5.     It affects the speech and swallowing capability.

People with multiple sclerosis find hard to speech and find difficulty in chewing and swallowing food.

 

 

 

 

6.     It can also affect the use of the ear.

There is a loss of hearing and imbalance.

 

 

 

 

 

7.     The last symptom is depression.

There is a feeling of depression or deep sadness.  They find hard time to solve problems and have trouble in giving analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

If you suspect of having multiple sclerosis, do not hesitate to consult a medical expert for further and proper evaluation.  There is no still identified cure for multiple sclerosis but there are available therapies that can slow down and control the symptoms of this disorder to have a normal worth of life.