Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system by disrupting the flow of information within it. It is a potentially disabling disease that affects nearly one million people in the US according to a 2017 study funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The cause of MS is largely unknown and scientists believe it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People develop MS at different ages, but most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.
How does MS affect the human body?
The immune system of a person with MS causes inflammation in the central nervous system. This inflammation damages the nerve fibers, the myelin, the fatty substance that insulates the nerve fibers, and the cells that make myelin. Because of the damaged nerve fibers, messages between the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves are altered or stopped altogether. This causes a variety of neurological symptoms. The scarring caused by this process is where the name multiple sclerosis originated.
What are the four types of MS?
The four types of MS are classified based on the progression or course of the disease. These types have been defined by the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials of MS in 2013 as clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive.
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
CIS is usually the first episode of neurological symptoms. It typically lasts 24 hours. People who experience CIS may not develop MS at all. When lesions are seen on the brain using an MRI, there is a good chance of developing MS and a subsequent second episode.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
RRMS is the most common course for MS. People who go through RRMS experience new or increasing neurological symptoms. These attacks are followed by remissions. During remissions all the symptoms may disappear. Around 85 percent of people with MS are diagnosed with RRMS initially.
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
SPMS usually follows RRMS at first. This will transition to a secondary progressive course where the person experiences worse neurological symptoms like the accumulation of disability. This course can further be classified as active, not active, with progression, or without progression. Each person with SPMS will have different and unique experiences.
Primary progressive MS (PPMS)
PPMS is characterized by worsening of the neurological symptoms and accumulation of disability from the onset of the symptoms, without relapses or remissions. Symptoms usually occur to people aged between 35 and 39. Like SPMS, this course can further be classified as action, not active, with progression, or without progression. Around 15 percent of patients with MS are diagnosed with PPMS.
What are the symptoms of MS?
People who have MS have a unique combination of the following symptoms.
- Blurred, double vision, or total loss of vision
- auditory impairment
- numbness, tingling, or burning feeling in the limbs
- diminished sense of taste and smell
- short-term memory loss
- depression and other personality changes
- headaches
- facial pain
- muscle spasms
- Bell’s palsy
- dizziness, loss of balance, vertigo
- tremors, seizures
- difficulty swallowing
- incontinence or constipation
- weakness, fatigue
- erectile dysfunction, lack of sexual desire
- speech changes
There are several other neurological symptoms that affect the mind, body, and the senses.
How is MS treated?
Although there is no developed or discovered cure for the disease yet, several treatment courses can be taken.
Some disease-modifying medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These treatments limit the new areas of damage in the central nervous system and reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. However, these medications are not approved for pregnant women.
Medical marijuana in Tulsa is also used by people who have MS. They help ease muscle spasms and stiffness. They can also help with sleeping issues. There are a few cases where medical marijuana helped ease depression, as well.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing similar symptoms, please consult your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in treating or regulating the course of MS.