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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). The immune system attacks the myelin, which is the protective layer around the nerve fibers and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Finally, the disease can cause permanent nerve damage.

The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary widely and depend on the degree of nerve damage and the type of nerves affected. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help recover quickly from attacks, change the course of the disease, and manage symptoms. The average life expectancy is slightly reduced for people who have this condition.

It is common in people between the ages of 20 and 30, although it can develop at any age.

TYPES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Types of multiple sclerosis include:

1. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a condition that involves an episode of neurological symptoms that lasts at least 24 hours and is caused by inflammation of the central nervous system.

The CIS can be of two types:

  • Monofocal episode: The person has a single neurological symptom caused by a single injury.
  • Multifocal episode: The person has more than one neurological symptom caused by injuries in several places.

Although this episode is characteristic of multiple sclerosis, it is not enough to make a diagnosis. An MRI can provide more details. If there is brain damage, the chances of developing multiple sclerosis in the coming years are higher. If there are no brain damages, the risk is low.

2. Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)

The person suffering from RRMS will have episodes with new symptoms or worsening of existing ones, known as relapses. They usually get worse within a few days, last from a few days, weeks, even months, and then gradually improve over a similar period. The symptoms of a relapse can disappear completely, with or without treatment, although some symptoms persist, with repeated attacks that occur over several years. The periods between attacks are known as ″remission periods″. These can last for years.

RRMS is the most common form of multiple sclerosis and accounts for approximately 85% of all cases.

3. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)

In the case of PPMS, the symptoms gradually worsen and accumulate over several years and there are no periods of remission, although people often have periods in which their condition seems to stabilize.

4. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)

Most people with RRMS, about 80%, eventually end up with SPMS. Relapses and remissions that appeared and disappeared turn into symptoms that are constantly getting worse. There is a progressive worsening of neurological function over time.

CAUSES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, in this case, the myelin. A combination of genetics and environmental factors seems to be responsible.

Some of the factors include:

  • Genetics: Multiple sclerosis is not directly inherited, but if you have relatives with this condition, you have a higher risk of developing the disease. Researchers believe that there is more than one gene that increases the risk of suffering from multiple sclerosis.
  • Climate: Multiple sclerosis is more common in colder areas, such as Scotland, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and Northern Europe, places further away from the equator. People who live near the equator are the least likely to develop it.
  • Race: White people have the highest risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Other racial groups have a lower risk.
  • Age: Multiple sclerosis can occur at any age but is more common around the age of 20-40.
  • Sex: Multiple sclerosis is three times more common in women than men, suggesting that hormones may play a significant role.
  • Smoking: If you smoke, you are more likely to develop a form of multiple sclerosis that progresses faster than the case of non-smokers. If you have specific CIS symptoms that last about 24 hours, you are likely to develop a second episode and be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
  • Vitamin D: Low vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis. It is unclear whether vitamin D supplements can help prevent multiple sclerosis.
  • Viral infections: It has been suggested that the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, can trigger the immune system, leading to multiple sclerosis in some people.
  • Certain autoimmune diseases: You have a slightly increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis if you have other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease.

SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis may differ from person to person. The disease causes a wide range of symptoms and affects any part of the body.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue: It often occurs towards the end of the day and causes muscle weakness, slowing of thinking, or sleepiness. It can make daily activities significantly more difficult. Some people say they feel tired even after a good night’s sleep.
  • Vision problems: Usually only one eye is affected, but in rare cases, it affects both eyes. It can be observed: partial or complete loss of vision in the affected eye, which lasts from a few days to weeks; pain during eye movement; involuntary eye movements (nystagmus); prolonged double vision (diplopia); blurred vision.
  • Numbness and tingling: You may feel an electric shock when you move your head or neck, numbness in your face, tingling. Usually, these sensations disappear within a few days.
  • Muscle spasms: Usually affects the muscles of the legs. You may feel a slight stiffness or strong spasms, which make walking difficult. Muscle weakness can also set in.
  • Mobility problems: Clumsiness; balance and coordination problems (ataxia); limb tremor; dizziness and vertigo.
  • Pain: May include stinging pain in the face; burning or tightening of the torso and limbs.
  • Thinking problems: Problems in learning and remembering new things; slowing down information processing; difficulties in planning and solving problems. Multiple sclerosis does not usually change the intellect or the ability to read and understand the conversation.
  • Speech problems: It may cause long pauses between words and incoherent speech. You may have trouble swallowing as the disease progresses.
  • Mental health problems: Many people experience periods of depression and anxiety. In rare cases, people may experience rapid and severe mood swings; suddenly bursting into tears, laughing, or shouting angrily, for no apparent reason.
  • Sexual problems: These include vaginal dryness in women and erection problems in men. Both women and men may be less interested in sex than before.
  • Bladder problems: The need to urinate more often; the sudden and urgent need to urinate; difficulty emptying the bladder completely; frequently going at the toilet at night; recurrent urinary tract infections.
  • Intestinal problems: Constipation and intestinal incontinence.
  • Heat problems: It is observed during exercise. Fatigue and weakness or problems with controlling certain parts of the body, such as the foot, occur.
  • Tremor: It can be minor or so intense that it is difficult to perform daily activities.

If you want to find out about diabetes, check out our article on this topic: Diabetes: types, causes, risk factors, and symptoms.

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