Multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis—Adult (MS—Adult)

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (RS) It is a disease of the central nervous system. It is a chronic disease, that may lead to disability.

There are several types of MS:

• Remittiruûŝij RS – Symptoms appear suddenly and periodically. They last for a few weeks or months, and then comes the stage of remission (period without symptoms);
• Primary progressive multiple sclerosis – after the first signs of multiple sclerosis symptoms gradually worsen. Relapses and remissions, usually, not happening;
• Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis – After several years of relapses and remissions, MS symptoms gradually begin to deteriorate;
• Progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis – after the first signs of multiple sclerosis symptoms gradually worsen. Gradually, may also occur one or more relapses of the disease.

Multiple sclerosis – causes

The immune system usually attacks the viruses or bacteria, which can harm the body. With the development of MS the immune system begins to attack healthy nerves. In particular shock exposed nerve fibers in the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves of the eye. The exact cause of immune system problems is unknown.

The development of multiple sclerosis may affect:

• Viral or other infection;
• Genetic factors (heredity);
• Environmental factors;
• The destruction of the nervous system.

Risk factors for multiple sclerosis

MS is more common in women and in people 15-50 years. Other factors, that may increase the risk of multiple sclerosis include:

• Exposure to certain viruses;
• The presence of family members, suffering from multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune diseases;
• Living in a cold climate;
• The presence of certain genes in the immune system;
• Inflammation of the optic nerve;
• Low levels of vitamin D;
• Smoking.

Multiple sclerosis – symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

• Numbness or tingling in the face or limbs;
• Impaired vision in one or both eyes, including:
  • Blurred vision;
  • Double vision;
  • Loss of sight;
• Sore eyes;
• Fatigue;
• Dizziness;
• Muscle stiffness;
• Muscle spasms;
• Muscular weakness;
• Poor coordination or frequent falls;
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance;
• Weakness in one or more limbs;
• Problems with the bladder, including:
  • Frequent urination;
  • Incomplete emptying of the bladder;
  • Urinary incontinence;
• Bowel problems, including constipation;
• Sexual dysfunction;
• Gibberish;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Forgetfulness, memory loss and confusion;
• Difficulty concentrating or solving problems;
• Depression.

Symptoms may worsen:

• When exposed to heat, including influenced:
  • Hot weather;
  • Hot baths or showers;
  • Fever;
• Overvoltage – intense physical activity;
• In the presence of infection.

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Tests may include:

• MRT – to take pictures of the brain and spinal cord;
• Sensory evoked potentials – for recording electrical responses after sensory stimulus;
• Visual evoked potentials – to find problems in the brain, that affect vision;
• Poyasnichnaya puncture – for studies of the cerebrospinal fluid, to rule out other diseases;
• Blood tests – to rule out other diseases, which may be similar to RS.

Multiple sclerosis – treatment

Multiple sclerosis can not be cured, however, you can reduce the symptoms of disease with medication, lifestyle changes and counseling. Treatment can help relieve symptoms, prevent relapses, slow the progression of disease and disability. Methods of treatment include multiple sclerosis:

Sclerosis drug from rasseyannogo

Medicines for multiple sclerosis include:

• Interferon beta;
• Immunomodulators;
• Preparations, suppress the immune system;
• Muscle relaxants;
• Corticosteroids;
• Potassium channel blockers;
• Injection of botox.

For the treatment of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis may also be used other drugs, allow to deal with such problems as:

• Fatigue;
• Depression;
• Pain;
• Urinary bladder or intestine.

Physical therapy and lifestyle changes in multiple sclerosis

Therapy and lifestyle changes may include:

• Regular moderate exercise with a doctor's permission – particularly useful swimming pool;
• Physiotherapy, to help maintain muscle strength and tone, agility and the ability to walk;
• Massage;
• Consumption of foods high in fiber, to prevent constipation;
• Reduced stress;
• We need to quit smoking – Smoking may worsen MS, whereby the disease goes into a more severe form.

Psychological therapy for multiple sclerosis

Individual or group therapy will help find a strategy to get rid of physical symptoms and emotional stress.

If you are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Follow your doctor's instructions.

How to avoid relapses of multiple sclerosis

Some forms of multiple sclerosis have periods of remissions, alternating with relapses. To avoid relapses and worsening of symptoms:

• Stick to the treatment plan and work with your doctor;
• Fully relax;
• Avoid hot weather;
• During periods of hot weather Stay in a cool place;
• Avoid hot showers and baths;
• Avoid overload and stress;
• Avoid Infections:
  • Observe the rules of hygiene;
  • Try to stay away from sick people;
  • Thoroughly boiled or deep fried foods when cooking;
  • Practice Safe Sex.