What is multiple sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis and how is it diagnosed?

MS is a chronic disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the central nervous system (the brain, the spinal cord and optic nerves). Nerves carry messages (impulses) from throughout our bodies , through our spinal cords and finally to our brains where these “ messages” are processed. Our nerves are covered and protected by a fatty substance called myelin. Myelin helps these impulses travel smoothly along the nerves. With MS, the myelin sheath and sometimes the nerves themselves are damaged or sclerosed. The impulses that try to travel along these paths are interrupted. This interruption results in symptoms of MS which can be mild, such as numbness, or severe, such as paralysis or blindness. MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease.

Symptoms of MS include numbness, visual disturbances, walking problems/ gait disturbances, fatigue, spasticity, pain, tremors, speech disorders, and headache.

There is no direct test or specific symptom that it used to diagnose MS. Instead, a physician must do a thorough physical exam, a neurological exam, MRI, EP studies, spinal fluid analysis and other blood tests. Utilizing the information gathered by these tests, the physician will then rule out any other cause for symptoms and finally diagnose MS when all other causes are ruled out. The national MS society lists the following criteria for diagnosing MS- 1. The physician must find evidence of damage in two separate areas of the central nervous system, 2. The physician must find evidence that the damage occurred at least one month apart, and finally 3. The physician must rule out any other possible diagnosis.

There is no cure for MS. Treatments are aimed at slowing down the disease progression, treating flare ups or exacerbations, and managing symptoms. Treatments include medications and rehab therapy.

People diagnosed with MS can live normal, healthy lives. Most have a normal life expectancy and most are not severely disabled.

Neurology

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