HOL Doctors, HOL MAG

What is multiple sclerosis and how it can effects us

MS is basically a chronic inflammatory disease which results in damage of our spinal cord, it is a disease of central nervous system that disrupts the flow of inflammation within the brain.

MS patients go through quite a tough life. It is one of the most common neurological diseases which can lead to disability.

MS is caused by the insulating covers of the nerve cells in the brain spinal cord being damaged, this damage results in the disruption between different parts of the nervous system. The patient may experience a range of symptoms which can be physical but most common they are mental and psychiatric.

TYPES:

Four common types of MS have been determined,

  • CLINICALLY ISOLATED SYDROME

CIS is indicative of MS. CIS is an episode of neurological symptom caused by inflammation and damaged myelin in the central nervous system and it may last for at least 24 hours.

  • RELAPSING-REMITTING MS

85% of people with MS receive this as their first diagnosis. RRMS is defined by definite attacks of new neurological symptoms. Over the period of time, RRMS can be turned into active, non active, worsening or non worsening condition depending on the number of relapses.

  • PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE MS

This type of MS is not so common; occurring in about 10% of people with MS. PPMS is characterized by slowly worsening symptoms from the beginning with no relapse.

  • PROGRESSIVE RELAPSING MS

It is a rare form of MS, occurring in about 5% of people with MS. PRMS characterized by a steadily worsening disease state from the beginning, with acute relapses but no remissions that might be with or without recovery.

CAUSES:

The following are the causes of MS flare ups.

  • Stress and anxiety

Stress is one of the most common triggers of MS flare ups and can impact the course of the disease.

  • Infection

There is a possibility that a virus or other infectious disease can trigger. Other viruses that may play a role include human herpes virus type 6 and mycoplasma pneumonia.

  • Immunological factors

We know that the myelin coating around the nerve fibers in the central nervous system is damaged by MS.

  • Heat exposure

Heat worsens symptoms in MS patients. For this reason, having fever is especially troublesome for MS patient.

  • Fatigue

Lack of proper rest, fatigue and over exertion all worsen your symptoms. Without a proper sleeping habit, you can risk getting a relapse.

  • Smoking

People who smoke appear to be more likely to develop MS. They tend to have more lesions and brain shrinkage than non-smokers.

  • Vitamin D deficiency

MS is more common among people who have less exposure to bright sunlight, which is necessary for the body to create vitamin D. Some experts think that low levels of Vitamin D may affect the way the immune system works.

  • Vitamin b 12 Deficiency

The body uses vitamin B when it produces myelin. A lack of this specific vitamin may increase the risk of neurological disease, such as MS.

  • Other triggers

You are more likely to get relapse if you miss your medicine. These are some of the common causes of an MS relapse. There may be other triggering factors, such as cold intolerance, changes in your diet and so on. Make sure you identify your triggering factors so you can avoid them.

DIAGNOSIS:

  • Blood tests
  • Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
  • MRI
  • Evoked potential tests

TREATMENT:

  • CORTICOSTEROIDS:

Such as oral prednisolone and intravenous methylprednisolone. Are prescribed to reduce nerve inflammation. Side effects may include insomnia, increased blood pressure, mood swings and fluid retention.

  • PLASMA EXCHANGE:

The liquid portion of part of your blood is removed and separated from your blood cells. The blood cells are then mixed with a protein solution and put back into your body. Plasma exchange may be used if your symptoms are new, severe and haven’t responded to steroids.