Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, also known more simply as MS, is a chronic
disease that affects the central nervous system. It has been
found to affect more young adults during their most productive
years. Doctors have found many factors that contribute to the
onset of Multiple Sclerosis. These etiologies range from viral
and autoimmune etiologies as well as genetic factors that are
said to contribute to the disease. However, no specific cause of
MS has been found.
MS is characterized by the presence of areas of demyelination
and T-cell predominant perivascular inflammation in the brain
white matter. The disease usually begins wit the presence of
acute or sub acute neurological abnormalities. These
abnormalities vary in severity from person to person. In some
people they may take years to present themselves while in other
people they appear at a rapid rate. Most usually last for years.
There are many early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. These
symptoms include such things as numbness and/or paraesthesia and
double vision. People in the early stages of MS have also been
found to have bladder control problems. Other problems include
such things as vertigo, incoordination and other cerebral
problems. Some symptoms are not so obvious and are not linked
specifically to this disease. These symptoms include depression,
fatigue and pain that can be linked to any other type of
disorder or disease.
There are several tests that can be done to check for the
presence of Multiple Sclerosis. These include neurological
findings, clinical observation and results of a MRI. A spinal
fluid examination will also help to find if a person has MS or
not.
The diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis can fall into one of many
categories or classifications. It can either be benign,
relapsing-remitting (the most common form),
progressive-relapsing, primary progressive and secondary
progressive. Once a person has been diagnosed with this disease
other tests are taken to see where the person falls and in which
category.
Unfortunately there is no corrective treatment for Multiple
Sclerosis. There are however, a number of medications that are
taken to help control the disease and to make life easier for
those who suffer from it. The medications that are prescribed to
a patient will depend on what symptoms that they suffer from.