Disease Overview
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is known to be a neurological disorder that occurs in the central nervous system. It is also thought to be an autoimmune-mediated disorder, the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, specifically the myelin areas which are protein and fatty acids protected by nerve fiber, and later causes sclerosis or scar tissue. The autoimmune attacks are also known to cause inflammatory demyelination. As a result, the nerves will be damaged and can no longer receive or send electrical impulses to the brain.
MS generally happens in young to middle-aged adults and tends to happen in women more than men. MS can affect people differently, some may experience serious symptoms such as losing the ability to walk while others may only experience a few symptoms depending on the damaged location and the severity of damage on the nerve fiber.
Possible Causes and Symptoms
There are many possible causes of MS but generally, they are not known. However, the risk may increase if the patient with MS has a family history or genetic factors of MS disease. Other possible causes include autoimmune disorders, viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and environmental factors such as cigarette smoke that produces nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). This happens because NO and CO have been shown to cause demyelination or loss of myelin which will result in multiple sclerosis (MS) disease.
Apart from that, MS symptoms are unpredictable and each patient may experience different symptoms. Symptoms tend to be mild and severe and can last longer or shorter. Generally, MS symptoms are put in three different groupings which are primary, secondary, and tertiary symptoms. Primary symptoms include weakness, vision loss, pain, paralysis, numbness, and others. Secondary symptoms usually are complications that happen because of the primary symptoms such as bedsores that happen because of paralysis. While tertiary symptoms are more related to social and psychological problems such as depression.
Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
MS diagnosing is commonly based on symptoms or medical history and neurological examination such as imaging tests, as well as lab tests. Usually, MS can be diagnosed through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI helps to show scar tissue or sclerosis in the brain and spinal cord. However, there are other potential ways to diagnose MS such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Lumbar Puncture (LP), visual evoked potentials, cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF), blood tests, and eye exams. Each test is useful in giving important information for the healthcare provider to examine the patient’s condition. For instance, evoked potential test results provide information regarding demyelination that happens in the patient and cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF) helps to check abnormalities with MS in fluid taken from the spinal column.
Healthcare history will also be asked by the healthcare provider as well as a neurological exam. Generally, this includes mental, emotional, the 5 senses, and language functions. The patient’s vision and balance ability will also be considered by the healthcare provider.
MS Treatments
Treatments are usually based on how severe the condition is, symptoms, and the patient’s age. There are some treatment categories such as disease-modifying treatments and treatments of acute relapses. Disease-modifying treatments help to slow deterioration and target inflammation directly in the central nervous system. Treatments of acute relapses use steroids and plasma exchange (PLEX) which is known to help speed up the patient's recovery. Rehabilitation activities may be suggested such as getting closer with family, becoming more independent, getting back motor skills, getting regular exercise that focuses on building muscle strength, and making the right choices in life. Moreover, Additional equipment like braces and canes may also be recommended depending on each patient’s condition.
MS is known to have no definite cure, but these treatments can help to manage symptoms. However, scientists are currently developing a new way to treat MS through stem cell-based therapy. Some experiments that have been conducted show that these cells have anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic features which are proven to be effective in treating multiple sclerosis. However, this treatment is still currently being studied and developed for further potential treatments in the future.
Suggestions for Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Patients with multiple sclerosis are highly suggested to take medicines suggested by the healthcare provider regularly to help prevent MS from getting worse. When patients experience some walking problems, using walkers or canes will help to keep moving around and get activities done. Doing rehabilitation regularly will also help patients to get back in life. Additionally, it is important to talk and stay connected with family and healthcare providers to discuss further treatments and useful advice.
References
Ghasemi, N., Razavi, S., Nikzad, E. 2016. Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Diagnoses and Cell-Based Therapy. Cell Journal 19(1): 1-10. DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4867.
John Hopkins Medicine. Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Retrieved on 14 April 2024 from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/multiple-sclerosis-ms.
World Health Organization. 2023. Multiple Sclerosis. Retrieved on 14 April 2024 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/multiple-sclerosis.
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