What is multiple sclerosis? Its cause, symptoms and treatment methods
What is multiple sclerosis? It is a disorder in the myelin of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. The myelin sheath is a protective outer layer that surrounds nerve cells and allows impulses to be transmitted. In this article from the section diseasesHello, Dr. Salam, we are investigating multiple sclerosis.
What is multiple sclerosis?
It is an immune and long-term disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve and leads to serious defects. In this disease, a disorder in the myelin sheath occurs when the immune system inappropriately attacks and damages the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells. Because of this, the communication between neurons is lost and leads to sensory and movement problems.
types of Multiple sclerosis
Depending on the severity of the disease, we examine 4 types of them:
Improved multiple sclerosis:
This type is very common and 8 out of 10 patients are diagnosed with this type. People who usually have symptoms respond without warning. The severity of the attack and the degree of recovery are different in different patients.
Progressive multiple sclerosis:
This is the type of condition where the symptoms worsen over time. This type is without return or improvement of symptoms and usually 10% of crimes are diagnosed of this type.
Type II progressive multiple sclerosis:
This type affects people and its treatment and management is very difficult.
Progressive and relapsing multiple sclerosis:
This type of condition is rare and occurs when the patient experiences symptoms quickly during a relapse.
What causes this disease to happen?
This is an autoimmune disease and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. in this Immune system disease destroyed and also destroys the myelin sheath. Because of this damage, communication between neurons is lost and leads to nerve damage. The main reason for the improper functioning of the immune system is still unknown, but definite evidence has shown that environmental and genetic factors play a role in this disease.
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
The symptoms of this disease are based on the affected area and vary from person to person. Symptoms of this disease include:
- Visual impairment such as blindness
- Numbness or weakness in arms and legs
- Difficulty walking and muscle stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Lethargy
- shaking
- dizziness
- talk in pieces
- Gallbladder disorder
risk factors
Factors that increase the risk include the following:
Age: It can occur at any age, but the risk is higher between 15 and 60 years.
Gender: Women are at greater risk due to the presence of estrogen.
Infection: Infections caused by Epstein Barr virus and increase its risk.
Race: Northern European whites have a higher risk compared to Asians, Africans, and Americans.
Geography: Risk of infection in people who live in countries far from the equator and do not get sunlight and have vitamin D deficiency.
Immune system disorder: People with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of infection.
Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor that has an important impact on the disease process.
Complications of multiple sclerosis
This disease causes nerve injuries that lead to fashion complications such as:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Malfunction of the gallbladder and intestines
- Enuresis
- Lung problems
- Osteoporosis
- depression
- Cognitive issues such as problem solving
diagnosis
The doctor makes a diagnosis by reviewing the family history and signs and symptoms of the patient and it basically depends on the condition. The doctor suggests special tests such as the following:
Neurological examination:
It evaluates the function of the brain, spinal cord and other nerves. These changes include vision, eye movement, speech, reflexes, and balance.
Evoked potential test:
This test is done to record the electrical signals produced by the nervous system. This test uses an electrical or visual stimulus and determines the time the brain spends to receive the message.
waist hole:
This piercing is done under anesthesia. In this process, a sample of the spinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord is taken from the spinal cord and examined. This sample revealed abnormalities that could be related to multiple sclerosis.
blood test:
It is done with suitable conditions such as visual neuromyelin.
M.R.I:
It is a non-invasive procedure that creates highly detailed images of the brain. In this disease, the damaged myelin sheath is formed in the brain and spinal cord.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis
There is no complete cure for this disease. Treatment primarily focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing the disease. Treatments include:
Beta interferon such as interferon beta 1a and interferon beta 1b are recommended common drugs used to treat the disease. These drugs are prescribed to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms
- Glatiramer Acetate is an immune substance that prevents myelin from attacking the immune system and protects nerves
- Ocrelizumlab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat progressive forms of type 1 multiple sclerosis.
- Glatiramer Acetate is an immunosuppressant that blocks the immune system’s attack on the myelin sheath
- Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that prevents damaged immune cells from entering the brain and spinal cord by blocking the movement of damaged immune cells in the blood.
- Corticosteroids, which are prescribed to reduce nerve swelling and prevent multiple sclerosis attacks
- Other drugs such as fingolimod dimethyl fumarate, triflunomide, etc. are prescribed to reduce the risk of disease recurrence.