Getting To Know Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, or MS as it is more commonly known, is a disease that affects the auto immune system that involves the brain and the spinal cord. It is caused when the protective covering around the nerve cells become damaged. Unknown as to whether a virus or a genetic defect is responsible, MS is considered to be incurable at this time. With treatment, people who have MS can go on to lead full, productive lives that are almost normal. Symptoms of varying degrees accompany this disease, but many medications are available to control, or lessen, a good portion of them.
Remission is typical of MS. People can go for long periods of time without any symptoms, and their life is normal during these times. Study has shown that things like fevers, or temperature changes may provoke the disease, and cause the person to begin experiencing symptoms again. Stress seems to play a large part in whether or not someone with MS will be able to be symptom free. Although remission is common, each person may experience something different, and they may never be free from attacks.
There are many symptoms that are directly related to Multiple Sclerosis. Uncontrolled muscle spasms seem to be the first and foremost, usually noticed first in the arms or legs. A loss of coordination often follows, and a person may have difficulty walking, or controlling movements. They may also experience tremors, or weakness in the limbs. Problems with bowel and bladder control happen quite often. Constipation, frequent strong urges to urinate, and incontinence can occur. The eyes are affected by MS, also. Double vision is common, as well as possible vision loss, and pain in the eye area.
As the disease progresses, several other symptoms may occur. Some people may become confused, or have difficulty thinking or reasoning, or have a continuous feeling of dizziness. They are often unable to perform sexually. They may have great difficulty chewing and/or swallowing, and they may develop slurred speech that is hard to understand. The goal in treating Multiple Sclerosis is to improve the quality of life so that one may continue to function with a degree of normalcy, and go about their daily activities.
Medications have been proven very effective in controlling some, if not all, of the symptoms related to MS. Several types of drugs referred to as Interferons have been used with great success. Steroids are often used in the medical aspect of the treatment. How well a person will react will depend on the severity of the disease and it’s accompanying symptoms. Most people find that they are able to function quite well after beginning treatments.
Different types of therapies are employed to treat the various MS related problems. Speech therapy, as well as physical and occupational workouts, are extremely effective. There are numerous “assisting devices” available designed to help with everyday tasks. Some people find that they will only need them temporarily. A healthy diet combined with en exercise program has been shown to be very helpful when dealing with MS. If one is able to avoid stress, get a lot of rest, and stay healthy and illness free, the chances are high that the symptoms may recede.
Brent McNutt enjoys networking with healthcare professionals online. He also likes talking about Landau Scrubs and Landau Shoes and also likes writing articles about various topics.
