Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that causes scarring on the nervous tissue and the brain. It is a degenerative disease that hampers all the physiological functions of the body.
1. What Is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a prolonged disease that affects the nervous system of the human body. This disease can affect the spinal cord, brain, and the optic nerves connecting the eyes with the brain. Thus, it can cause dysfunction in balance, vision, muscle control, and other fundamental body functions. The effects of this disease vary significantly in individuals. Some who have mild symptoms don’t require any treatments, but others with severe signs need treatments for multiple sclerosis.
2. What causes multiple sclerosis?
In this condition, the myelin tissue gets damaged, which leaves the nerves wholly damaged. Research is ongoing to find out the actual cause of multiple sclerosis. However, studies show that people with a genetic history are likely to develop this disease. The condition may also occur due to excessive intake of drugs and nicotine. Many believe that a specific viral infection can induce this condition in the body.
3. What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
By not allowing the brain to send signals accurately to different parts of the body, the condition causes harmful effects on the nervous system of the patients. As a result, the following symptoms are visible:
- Trouble moving the limbs
- Prolonged feeling of tiredness
- Muscular spasms or weakness
- Blurred vision
- Tingling and numbness in the limbs
- Problems in having sex
- Poor bowel control
- Pain and depression
- Difficulty in focusing or remembering anything
- Unable to control the bladder
4. What are the treatments for multiple sclerosis?
There are no permanent treatments for multiple sclerosis, but proper medications and lifestyle changes can benefit patients a lot. One can improve the internal health of their nervous system by following the essential treatments for multiple sclerosis, which are:
- Medications
Doctors prescribe medicines such as Natalizumab, Teriflunomide, Copolymer-1, Dalfampridine, etc. that may help in slowing down the effects of multiple sclerosis.
- Use of relaxants
One can try tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, or Botox to ease muscle spasms and treat a few of the other symptoms.
- Physiotherapy
A physical therapist can guide patients with exercises that can help them to maintain balance. Exercises can also help the nerves and muscles to relax, thereby curing fatigue. One can try yoga to cure the immense pain in the body.
- Steroids
Many take prescribed steroids like Prednisone, ACTH, etc. to fight the symptoms of the disease and the pain.
- Vitamins and supplements
Vitamins necessary for controlling this condition are Vitamin A, D, B1, B12, C and E. Many people avail of supplements to fulfill the vitamin and mineral deficiency in the body due to this disease.
- Support groups
There are support groups that help patients with much-needed mental support and care.
- Lifestyle changes
Proper rest and management of stress are useful in inhibiting the effects of this deadly disease.
