(MS—Adult)
Definition
Definition
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. It is a chronic condition that can be disabling.
There are several types of MS:
- Relapsing-remitting MS—Symptoms suddenly reappear periodically. They last for a few weeks or months, then go back into remission (a period with no symptoms). Symptoms may get worse with each occurrence.
- Primary progressive MS—Symptoms gradually worsen after symptoms first appear. Relapses and remissions usually do not occur.
- Secondary progressive MS—After years of relapses and remissions, symptoms suddenly begin to progressively worsen.
- Progressive relapsing MS—Symptoms gradually worsen after symptoms first appear. One or more relapses may also occur.
Causes
Causes
The immune system normally attacks viruses or bacteria that should not be in the body. With MS, a problem with the immune system causes it to attack healthy nerves. In particular, MS attacks the nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves of the eye. The exact cause of these immune problems is unknown.
The following may contribute to the development of MS:
- Viral or other infection
- Genetic factors (heredity)
- Environmental factors
- Breaking down of parts of the nervous system
Abnormal Immune Responses Cause Nerve DamageCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
MS is more common in women and in people aged 15-50 years old. Other factors that may increase your chance of MS include:
- Exposure to certain viruses
- Family members who have MS or other autoimmune disorders
- Being of Northern European descent
- Growing up in a colder climate, as opposed to a tropical climate
- Having certain immune system genes
- Having inflammation of the optic nerve
- Having low vitamin D levels
- Smoking
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may range from mild to severe and may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the face or limbs
-
Impaired vision in one or both eyes, including:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Incoordination or falling
- Trouble walking or maintaining balance
- Weakness in one or more limbs
-
Bladder problems including:
- Urgency
- Hesitancy
- Incomplete emptying
- Incontinence
- Bowel problems, including constipation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Forgetfulness, memory loss, and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating or solving problems
- Depression
Symptoms may worsen with:
-
Heat, including:
- Hot weather
- Hot baths or showers
- Fever
- Overexertion—intense physical activity
- Infection
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests—to rule out other diseases that may mimic MS
- MRI scan
- Lumbar puncture—to check the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, which may rule out other diseases
- Sensory evoked potentials—to record the electrical responses evoked after a sensory stimulus
- Visual evoked potential test—to look for problems in the brain that affect vision
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)—to look at the retina and the optic nerve
Treatment
Treatment
There is no cure for MS, you can manage the disease with medication, lifestyle changes, and counseling. Treatment will help relieve symptoms, prevent relapses, delay disability, and slow disease progression. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
Medications
Medications can help slow progress, prevent new lesions, and manage symptoms.
Types of medications that can slow the progression of MS or prevent new lesions from developing include:
- Interferon betas
- Immunomodulators/immunosuppressives
Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation during active phases. This may lessen the effects of the immune system on the nerve fibers and shorten the length of relapses.
Types of medications to help manage symptoms can include:
- Muscle relaxants—to reduce muscle spasms
- Potassium channel blockers—to help improve vision, motor skills, and relieve fatigue
- Botox injections —to reduce tremor and muscle tone
- Pain relievers
- Antidepressants
- Medications to help with bladder or bowel problems
Supportive Therapies
Other therapies may help relieve some physical and emotional symptoms of MS. Each therapy has unique benefits and potential side effects which may interfere with other therapies you are using. Work with your health care team to help find therapies that work best for you. Supportive therapies include:
- Regular moderate exercise with your doctor’s permission—swimming may be especially beneficial
- Physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength and tone, dexterity, and walking ability
- Occupational therapy to help with assisted devices and daily living activities
- Speech and/or swallowing therapy
- Cognitive therapy to address specific neuropsychiatric problems
- Stress reduction techniques
Some alternative therapies that have shown some benefits for some include:
Talk to your doctor before you try any alternative therapies.
Psychological Therapies
Individual or group therapy will help you learn coping strategies for physical symptoms and emotional stress.
Avoiding Periods of Relapse
Some forms of MS have periods remissions that alternate with relapses. Take these steps to help you avoid relapses and worsening of symptoms:
- Adhere to the treatment plan you worked out with your doctor
- Get adequate rest
- Avoid hot weather
- Stay in air-conditioned places during periods of hot weather
- Avoid hot showers or baths
- Avoid overexertion and stress
-
Avoid infection by:
- Using proper hygiene, especially when washing your hands
- Staying away from people who are sick
- Thoroughly cooking food
- Practicing safe sex
- Quitting smoking —smoking may worsen MS, causing the condition to progress to a more severe form
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent MS.
RESOURCES:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society http://www.nationalmssociety.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
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Updated July 17, 2015. Accessed August 28, 2015.
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Accessed August 28, 2015.
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http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS
Accessed August 28, 2015.
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Last Updated: 8/28/2015