WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

It is a chronic disease of brain and spinal cord in which the protective coverings(myelin sheath) of nerve gets damaged, which leads to decreased function in the brain and spinal cord.

This destruction of covering leads to scar tissue formation. The inflammation and scar tissue disturbs the signals between your brain and other parts of your body, causing various types of symptoms.

 RISK FACTORS

• Sex: Females tend to get this disease about three times as often as males, a rate  which is similar to other immune diseases.
• Race: It is more common in Caucasians, but can occur in other populations.

  ---

COMPLICATIONS

If you have mobility issues, falling may put you at an increased risk of bone fractures. Having other conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can complicate matters. It can also lead to anxiety or depression.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

SYMPTOMS

The onset of symptoms may be sudden or gradual.

The course can be relapsing or progressive(getting worse with time).

Sensory symptoms(sensations) -

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Other abnormal sensations(pins & needles pricking)
• Visual disturbances
• Dizziness

Motor Symptoms(changes in muscle action)

• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Tremor
• Bowel/Bladder problems
• Poor coordination
• Stiffness

Vision symptoms:

• Blurring of vision
• Double vision

Other symptoms: heat sensitivity, facial weakness, vertigo, fatigue, depression etc.

The most common earliest presenting features of multiple sclerosis are temporary sensory defects followed by visual disturbances.

CAUSES

Cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown. It is an autoimmune disorder.

It means your immune system whose function is to protect the body mistakenly starts attacking the body tissues itself.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

Following tests help in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis:

• neurological exam: to check for impaired nerve function.
• eye exam: to evaluate vision and check for eye diseases.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a technique that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord.
• spinal tap (lumbar puncture): a long needle is inserted into spine to remove a sample of fluid circulating around brain and spinal cord.

  ---

TREATMENT

Conventional treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms, for this corticosteroids and muscle relaxants are used.

MANAGEMENT

• Regular exercise .
• A well-balanced diet, low in empty calories and high in nutrients and fiber.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Several homeopathic remedies are recommended for people with MS, depending on the individual and their symptoms.  These include Plumbum metallicum, Aurum muriaticum, physostigma, gelsemium, oxalic acid, picric acid, argentum nitricum etc.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO’S

• Eat a well balanced and healthy diet.
•  Do stretching exercises regularly.

  ---

DON’TS

• Avoid tobacco in all forms.
• Avoid  unnecessary stress.

  ---