What is Multiple Sclerosis?

It seems that there is a general misconception about Multiple Sclerosis. When people hear the words Multiple Sclerosis they imagine a person who is handicapped or physically disabled in some way. A wide range of symptoms from physical disabilities to emotional imbalances characterizes Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. More specifically, it affects the neurons of the central nervous system. These are the cells of the brain and spinal cord that create thoughts and perception, carry information, and control the body. Neurons are protected by a fatty layer called the myelin sheath. In a patient who has MS there is continual damage to the myelin sheath causing a scarring or sclerosis. This scarring results in a wide variety of symptoms. MS generally affects adults between the ages of twenty and forty. It is also more frequent among women than it is among men. MS is categorized as an autoimmune disease because it is thought that MS is the result of an individual's immune system attacking it's own central nervous system.

What Are the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

The most common primary symptoms reported are partial or complete vision loss, weakness , changes or loss of sensation in the arms, legs, or face, unsteadiness when walking, and balance problems. Other physical symptoms of MS may include muscle weakness, severe fatigue, difficulty with coordination and speech, visual problems, bladder and bowel difficulties, clumsiness of the hands, abnormal muscle spasms, tremors, and a wide range of chronic and acute pain syndromes.

Cognitive and emotional symptoms are also common. Cognitive symptoms may include difficulty performing more than one task at a time or multi-tasking, loss of short-term memory, and difficulty following detailed instructions. Emotional symptoms are recurrent and may be a normal response to finding out that one has a debilitating disease that there is no cure for or it may be the result of damage to the nerves that generate and control emotions. There is an extensive range of emotional symptoms, the most common being clinical depression. Other emotional symptoms include anger, frustration, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Suicide threats made by MS patients are very real and should be taken seriously.

The Prognosis For Multiple Sclerosis.

The prognosis for people with MS depends on the individual's age, sex and race, initial symptoms, and the level of disability they experience. Because there are methods available that will limit disability, through physical therapy MS patients now have the same life expectancy as those that are unaffected.

At this time there is no known cure for Multiple Sclerosis. There are, however, several types of therapy that are significantly beneficial to MS patients. The goal of treatment and therapy is to return an individual to normal functioning after experiencing an attack, preventing new attacks, and preventing disability.

Most patients suffering from MS lead normal, fulfilling lives. There are severe cases in which MS can cause disability and impaired mobility to the point where a patient may need help with regular daily activities.

It is important for any patient with any condition to keep a positive attitude and get as involved as possible with their illness. The more a patient learns about their illness and the more involved they get with their illness the better their prognosis.