Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective layer surrounding nerve fibres. MS is not just a condition; it’s a life-altering reality. It causes inflammation and temporary lesions, resulting in lasting scars due to tissue damage. These scars hinder the brain’s ability to send signals to the rest of the body, profoundly affecting daily life. MS is the most prevalent neurological condition, leading to disabilities among young adults worldwide. There’s no cure for MS, but it is possible to manage symptoms.
What are the risk factors for MS?
The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These risk factors include:
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Certain infections
- Smoking
- Certain autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
What are the symptoms of MS?
People with MS experience a wide range of symptoms that can vary significantly from person to person. The severity and nature of these symptoms can also fluctuate over time, changing from year to year, month to month, or even day to day. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with MS:
Fatigue
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), around 80 per cent of people with MS report experiencing fatigue. This fatigue can significantly impact daily activities, making it more challenging to perform everyday tasks.
Difficulty walking
Difficulty walking can occur with MS due to:
- Numbness in the legs or feet
- Balance issues
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasticity
- Vision problems
- Difficulty walking can also increase the risk of injuries from falls
Vision problems
Vision problems are often among the first symptoms for many people with MS. These issues can affect one or both eyes, may come and go, worsen over time, or resolve entirely. Common vision problems associated with MS include:
- Optic neuritis, causing pain or blurry vision in one eye
- Diplopia, or double vision
- Nystagmus, or involuntary eye movement
- Blindness
Speech issues
MS causes lesions in the brain that can affect speech, a condition known as dysarthria. The severity of dysarthria can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
- Slurred speech
- “Scanning” speech, characterised by long pauses between words or syllables
- Changes in speech volume
Other symptoms
Other pretty common symptoms of MS include:
- Acute or chronic pain
- Tremors
- Cognitive issues involving concentration, memory, and word-finding
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Sleep issues
- Problems with bladder control.
How is MS diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is crucial in managing MS effectively. A healthcare professional, often a neurologist, must perform a neurological exam. They will also discuss your clinical history and order other tests to determine if you have MS. The sooner MS is diagnosed, the sooner you can start managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Diagnostic testing may include the following:
- MRI scan: This scan uses a contrast dye to help your doctor detect active and inactive lesions in your brain and spinal cord.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This test takes a picture of the nerve layers in the back of your eye to check for thinning around the optic nerve.
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): This procedure involves examining spinal fluid for abnormalities, ruling out infectious diseases, and detecting oligoclonal bands (OCBs), which can aid in diagnosing MS.
- Blood tests: These tests help doctors eliminate other conditions with similar symptoms.
How is MS treated?
There is currently no cure for MS, but treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are a vital part of managing MS. They are designed to slow the progression of the disease and lower your relapse rate. By understanding the purpose of these therapies, you can better understand their role in your treatment plan and how they can help you manage your condition.
