What is Multiple Sclerosis? It is a disease that doesn’t get rid off easily and affects your brain immediately later passing that to the spinal cord along with the optic nerves in the eyes. As it affects the brain, there can be a problem in many functions in the body. You may lose control in the muscles. The spinal cord takes care of the balance of the body and now that it is affected, you will face problem in balancing your body too. There will be problems in sight too. The symptoms and the way it affects people also vary from one person to another. The few lucky ones might have mild effects while some may have a problem in doing tasks and are in need of medication.
What actually causes this disease and what really happens?
- This is an immune mediated process where the immunity system of the body gives an abnormal response to the central nervous system of our body.
- We don’t know yet what is the exact target and antigen that are wanted to be attacked by the cells of the immune system.
- Myelin is a fatty substance which covers the fibers of the nervous system and acts as an insulator. The cells of the immunity system attack the myelin and damages it.
- Now this damaged myelin later gets converted into a scar tissue which is generally known as sclerosis. When a part of this covering sheath is destroyed along with the nerve fiber, the impulses that are generated and carried away from one nerve to another are lost midway and not transmitted properly.
- So the message that reaches the brain or the spinal cord are already distorted, so you find a number of varied symptoms.
- It is either genetic, or there are some environmental factors that trigger
- The white blood cells in our body have T cells which hold a certain kind of sensitivity to the proteins found the central nervous system. They become well activated as soon as they enter through the vessels to the CNS. This causes inflammation. Worst cases may also affect the axons directly.
- You will find people who are mildly affected and some who have severe problems.
- You should know smoking increases the risk of being affected by this disease.
- Epstein-Barr virus is a virus which if affects you once, you may run the risk of falling in this. This doesn’t allow the immune system to work properly.
What are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
Problems in vision.
It is the most common symptoms of MS because it affects the optic nerve. It causes inflammation there and completely destroys the central nervous system. Your vision can become blurred, or you may see two things i.e. double vision. Major cases can also be a total loss of eyesight. It is not a very immediate symptom and happens in a slow and steady manner. There can also be a pain when you’re trying to look from one side to another.
Numbness along with tingling.
Mostly one side of your body feels very weak and almost numb at times. You may feel your legs can’t pull your body anymore. Your face also feels lifeless. It is usually the very first symptoms that get noticed. There can also be a pain in some parts of your body.
Fatigue.
Usually, almost every other people get affected by this. You can’t work at home or office, and you feel very weak all the time. You feel your muscles can’t take it anymore, and you have spasms at times too usually in the legs. In the beginning, many people are affected by these muscular spasms. As the disease progresses the exact number of people can be noted having MS.
Difficulty in walking.
Due to weakness and no more balance in the body or spasticity, you can’t walk properly. There is a deficiency in senses and fatigue which needs help from some physical therapist. There is too much stiffness, and you feel your muscles have become involuntary. There is no coordination and tremors.
Weakness.
Your muscles along with the cells which kept them active are damaged now. So, you feel weak.
Vertigo with dizziness.
You don’t have much balance now, and you feel very lightheaded. You have no idea what is going around in your surroundings. You feel everything is spinning around you.
Bladder problems.
There is bladder dysfunction in most of the people suffering from it. You can’t hold urine too long, and you do it frequently, or you have the urge to do so.
Sexual problems.
As it affects the CNS directly, there can be disrupted sexual responses. There is dryness in the vagina and for men, there are problems regarding erection. You can’t reach to orgasm soon, and you don’t respond to sexual touch as well.
Mood Swings:
There will be changes in emotion. You may laugh too much or keep on crying. You will have mood swings. You won’t be able to learn or remember well. Focusing can be a major challenge.
At times, there can be problems in speaking, breathing and swallowing too. You can have a headache.
There are several home remedies that you can try at home for staying fit when you have multiple sclerosis. But if you feel that your problem is too serious and you are not getting cured following the home remedies, then go to the doctor and consult for a better life.
