Summary. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Common symptoms include fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, sexual problems, pain, cognitive and mood changes such as depression, muscular changes and visual changes.
MS may cause chronic inflammation, which may cause pain, damage various body structures, or increase the risk of other diseases, such as stroke or heart disease. People do not have weakened immune systems from the disease itself. However, treatments often target the immune system to reverse the attack on neurons.
In MS, the immune system attacks the layer that surrounds and protects the nerves called the myelin sheath. This damages and scars the sheath, and potentially the underlying nerves, meaning that messages travelling along the nerves become slowed or disrupted.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
With multiple sclerosis (MS), the body's own system of defense, known as the immune system, malfunctions. It sends disease-fighting cells into the central nervous system (CNS) that may destroy the body's own myelin.
Current evidence shows that simply having MS does not make you more likely than the general population to develop COVID-19, become severely ill or die from the infection. However, certain factors have been shown to increase the risk of a severe case of COVID-19: Progressive MS. Older age.
Protect nerves from damage
These include clearing up debris left over from myelin attacks, making sure nerves have the energy they need, and improving transport of important molecules in the nerves. By finding treatments that prevent nerve loss, we could slow or stop the progression of MS.
Conclusions: Deaths attributed to MS were commonly caused by infection (especially respiratory and urinary tract-related); conditions associated with advanced disability and immobility, such as aspiration pneumonia; and chronic respiratory disease in men.
Infections occurred almost twice as often in people with MS than in the general population.
When the condition rapidly progresses, it is known as an acute form of the condition called fulminant multiple sclerosis. This condition is sometimes referred to as Marburg-type MS . This disorder causes destruction of the coating (myelin) that surrounds and protects nerve fibers (axons).
Average life span of 25 to 35 years after the diagnosis of MS is made are often stated. Some of the most common causes of death in MS patients are secondary complications resulting from immobility, chronic urinary tract infections, compromised swallowing and breathing.
Multiple sclerosis is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking the brain and nerves. It's not clear why this happens but it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Another study on progressive type of MS showed that the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of patients is significantly lower than healthy individuals. Although reduction in eGFR revealed disruption in kidney function, but unexpectedly, their serum creatinine was normal or lower than normal.
Liver dysfunction in MS can result from many factors, such as drug toxicity, fatty infiltration, viral infection, and sometimes as part of the autoimmune process.
Yes, MS can cause nausea in a number of different ways: MS dizziness and vertigo is likely to make you feel nauseous. Many people with MS experience symptoms related to digestion, including dyspepsia, which causes an uncomfortable feeling of fullness and bloating along with pain.
MS fatigue, steroid therapy, and depression can all lead to unwanted weight in people with MS. Though these factors are not your fault, you owe it to yourself to take control of your weight. Overeating can increase MS symptoms or health conditions, such as: fatigue.
Vision Problems
The first symptom of MS for many people. Optic neuritis, neuromyelitis optica, blurred vision, poor contrast or color vision, and pain on eye movement can be frightening — and should be evaluated promptly.
MS is not an inherited disease, meaning it is not a disease that is passed down from generation to generation. However, in MS there is genetic risk that may be inherited. In the general population, the risk of developing MS is about 1 in 750 - 1000.
Stage 4: End stage. This is the final stage of MS. Patients have lost physical mobility and independence. Severe and life-threatening complications can occur.
Sudden unexpected death in MS is rare. In an autopsy study it has been suggested that the presence of demyelinating lesions involving the brainstem regions that regulate cardio-respiratory activity may cause sudden death in MS.
About 15% of patients will never necessitate assistance with ambulation, while 5-10% will do so within 5 years, and another 10% will do so in 15 years. Average patient will take about 28 years from the point of diagnosis to necessitate assistance while walking, and will be about 60 years of age.
Exercise strengthens the muscles that help you walk. It also eases fatigue, boosts mood, and improves quality of life in people with MS. There's even some evidence that strength training might help slow MS damage in the brain. An exercise program for MS includes 150 minutes of "aerobics" each week.
MS involves relapse and remission
A remission can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years. But remission doesn't mean you no longer have MS. MS medications can help reduce the chances of developing new symptoms, but you still have MS. Symptoms will likely return at some point.