Multiple sclerosis information – Multiple sclerosis is a neurological
disease that involves an inflammatory process at the level of the
central nervous system. The disease causes dysfunctions of the body’s
nervous cells (neurons), due to destruction of myelin, a substance that
surrounds the neurons. Myelin is vital for the proper activity of the
nervous system, as it facilitates the transmission of information
between neurons. When the nervous cells’ myelin-containing membrane is
damaged, the innervated tissues of the entire body can be seriously
affected.
Due to destruction of myelin, multiple sclerosis can cause dysfunctions
of the musculoskeletal, sensorial and cognitive systems. Sometimes, the
disease can also affect the activity of the internal organs (kidneys,
gastrointestinal tract). People who suffer from multiple sclerosis can
in time develop neuropsychological conditions, such as depression,
mania or dementia.
Information on multiple sclerosis incidence – Research results reveal
that multiple sclerosis affects around 2 million people worldwide.
Statistics also indicate that there are more than 350.000 cases of
multiple sclerosis in the United States. An interesting aspect of the
disease is that it tends to affect young people. Although multiple
sclerosis can also be developed by the elderly, the disease has the
highest incidence in people with ages between 20 and 40. Another
interesting feature of multiple sclerosis is that it predominantly
affects women, rarely occurring in the opposite sex.
Information on multiple sclerosis causes and factors of risk – The
actual causes of multiple sclerosis aren’t clear. Medical scientists
believe that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the
development of multiple sclerosis. It is believed that multiple
sclerosis occurs on the background of genetic predispositions,
triggered by environmental factors. Although this fact hasn’t been
confirmed, viral infections are also considered to facilitate the
development of this type of neurological disease. Multiple sclerosis
has a hereditary character and the genetic predispositions to this type
of disease can be transmitted from one generation to another. Certain
environmental factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, warm climate, are
also considered to increase the risks of developing multiple sclerosis.
Information on multiple sclerosis symptomatic spectrum – Multiple
sclerosis can affect virtually any level of the body, generating a wide
range of symptoms. The most common physical signs of multiple sclerosis
are: muscle pain, inflammation, numbness, weakness; poor body mobility;
pronounced fatigue; loss of dexterity; poor balance; poorly coordinated
moves; decreased vision. Common neuropsychological signs of multiple
sclerosis are: lack of concentration; poor mental performance;
short-term memory loss; compromised judgment. In extreme cases,
multiple sclerosis can even lead to depression, mania and dementia.
Information on multiple sclerosis diagnosis – Multiple sclerosis is
diagnosed upon elaborate physical and neuropsychological examinations,
as well as specific medical procedures and laboratory tests. Common
means of diagnosing multiple sclerosis are MRI scans and lumbar
puncture, procedures which can reveal possible damage of myelin.
Information on multiple sclerosis treatment options – Multiple
sclerosis medical treatments are usually individualized according to
the patients’ experienced symptoms. Multiple sclerosis treatments
commonly involve the use of beta interferon, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. These medications can
alleviate most physical symptoms generated by multiple sclerosis, also
preventing their recurrence. When the disease affects the cognitive
functions of the body, commonly prescribed medications are Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Central Nervous System Stimulants.
Information on multiple sclerosis therapy – Medication-free therapy for
multiple sclerosis involves the physical recuperation of patients. As
most symptoms of multiple sclerosis are perceived at the level of the
musculoskeletal system, therapy through exercise is very effective in
alleviating muscle pain, weakness and numbness.
