(MUL-tih-pul skleh-ROH-sis) A disorder of the central nervous system marked by weakness, numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control. Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system destroys myelin.
What is multiple sclerosis and what does it do to you?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Common symptoms include fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, sexual problems, pain, cognitive and mood changes such as depression, muscular changes and visual changes.
What is multiple sclerosis caused by?
Multiple sclerosis is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking the brain and nerves. It’s not clear why this happens but it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What do you need to know about multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can cause problems with vision, balance, sensation, and muscle control. This disease affects everyone differently. Some people have mild symptoms while others have debilitating symptoms that prevent them from doing daily tasks.
What is a simple definition of multiple sclerosis Related Questions
What is the difference between multiple sclerosis and sclerosis?
Summary of the key differences. Although both MS and SS are autoimmune disorders, they are distinct conditions. Multiple sclerosis impacts only the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. In contrast, SS is a multisystem disease, meaning it can impact multiple areas of the body.
What is the diagnosis for multiple sclerosis?
There are no specific tests for MS . Instead, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis often relies on ruling out other conditions that might produce similar signs and symptoms, known as a differential diagnosis. Your doctor is likely to start with a thorough medical history and examination.
Is multiple sclerosis be cured?
There’s currently no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), but medicines and other treatments can help control the condition and ease some of the symptoms. Treatment for MS depends on the stage of the disease and the specific symptoms the person has. It may include: treating relapses of MS symptoms (with steroids)
How can you prevent multiple sclerosis?
Though MS cannot be totally prevented, quitting smoking (if applicable), maintaining moderate body weight, and getting enough vitamin D through diet or sun exposure could help reduce your risk. Staying active, minimizing stress levels, and following a healthy, well-rounded diet may also be beneficial.
When should you suspect multiple sclerosis?
People should consider the diagnosis of MS if they have one or more of these symptoms: vision loss in one or both eyes. acute paralysis in the legs or along one side of the body. acute numbness and tingling in a limb.
What is the best treatment for multiple sclerosis?
The monoclonal antibody ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Arzerra), approved by the FDA in 2020, targets cells that damage the nervous system. These cells are called B cells. Ofatumumab, which is given as an injection under the skin, decreases multiple sclerosis brain lesions and worsening symptoms.
What is multiple sclerosis also called as?
Other names. Multiple cerebral sclerosis, multiple cerebro-spinal sclerosis, disseminated sclerosis, encephalomyelitis disseminata.
Is multiple sclerosis a disease or virus?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. In people with MS, the body’s immune system attacks the insulating layer that surrounds nerve cells, often killing the cells. The underlying cause of MS remains unknown. One possibility is that it’s triggered by a viral infection.
Is multiple sclerosis a disease or disorder?
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do.
Is multiple sclerosis Hereditary or Genetic?
Is MS genetic or hereditary? MS is not an inherited disease — it is not passed down from generation to generation. But people can inherit genetic risk. This means that MS is not genetic in the simpler way that black hair or dimples are.
What are the symptoms of MS pain?
MS can damage the nerves that affect your muscles. This can cause acute or paroxysmal pain in the form of spasms. Your arms and legs might shoot out uncontrollably and might have pain like cramping or pulling. Nerve pain can also be chronic in the form of painful or unusual sensations on your skin.
What are the long term effects of multiple sclerosis?
The complications of MS range from mild to severe. They can range from fatigue to the inability to walk. Other problems include loss of vision, balance, and bowel or bladder control. Depression can result from the difficulty of living with a chronic condition.
How long does multiple sclerosis last?
Most symptoms develop abruptly, within hours or days. These attacks or relapses of MS typically reach their peak within a few days at most and then resolve slowly over the next several days or weeks so that a typical relapse will be symptomatic for about eight weeks from onset to recovery. Resolution is often complete.
What vitamins should I take for multiple sclerosis?
Vitamins that seem of particular interest to people with MS include vitamin D, the antioxidant vitamins, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Vitamin D Vitamin D is a hormone, or chemical messenger, in the body.
How long can you live with multiple sclerosis?
Average life span of 25 to 35 years after the diagnosis of MS is made are often stated. Some of the most common causes of death in MS patients are secondary complications resulting from immobility, chronic urinary tract infections, compromised swallowing and breathing.
What virus causes multiple sclerosis?
Current or previous smokers with the highest levels of EBV antibodies were 70 percent more likely to develop MS than those with neither risk factor. Study Provides Strongest Evidence Yet for the Role of Epstein-Barr Virus in Triggering Multiple Sclerosis. Ask an MS Expert: The Role of Epstein-Barr Virus in MS.