Understanding Multiple Sclerosis, causes and also treatment!

GBS - Lately, social media has often reported about autoimmune or multiple sclerosis. 

(Christina Applegate/Daily Express)

According to the news that one of the famous artist, namely Christina Applegate, suffers from multiple sclerosis.

Quoting Aceshowbiz daily, Christina Applegate admitted that it was difficult to accept the fact that she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 

On the other hand, he is grateful that production on the final season of the comedy series Dead to Me was delayed for five months so he can focus on undergoing treatment. 

Prior to being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease in the summer of 2021, Christina had experienced tingling and numbness for several years. He had thought that ordinary medicine could overcome his health problems.

That's the news that's currently trending on social media about the MS that Christina Applegate has suffered from. Then, what is Multiple Sclerosis?

(source : medline plus)

Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord or central nervous system. In this disease, the immune system attacks itself, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Ultimately, this disease can cause permanent damage or nerve damage. 

Signs and symptoms of this condition vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. Some people with severe conditions may lose the ability to walk independently. Meanwhile, some other sufferers may experience a reduction in old symptoms without new symptoms.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

The causes of multiple sclerosis are not fully understood. This disease is considered an autoimmune disease, which is a condition when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of multiple sclerosis, this immune system damage destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin). 

(source : News Medical)

Myelin can be likened to an insulating layer of nerves. When myelin is damaged and nerve fibers are exposed, messages traveling along the nerve fibers can be slowed down or blocked. It's not known exactly why multiple sclerosis develops in some people. It is suspected that genetic and environmental factors also have an effect. 

There are four types of multiple sclerosis:

1. Clinically isolated syndrome

This condition is a single first episode, with symptoms lasting at least 24 hours. If another episode occurs later in life, the doctor may diagnose relapsing multiple sclerosis.

2. Relapse Remitting MS (RRMS)

This is the most common type of multiple sclerosis. About 85 percent of people with this condition are initially diagnosed with RRMS. 

This condition involves episodes of new or increased symptoms, followed by periods of remission (partial or complete disappearance of symptoms).

3. Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis 

Symptoms worsen progressively, without relapse or early remission. Some people may experience periods of symptom stability and periods when symptoms get worse and then get better. About 15 percent of people with multiple sclerosis have this type. 

4. Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis 

At first, a person will have episodes of flare-ups and temporary improvement, but then the disease will start to progress quite badly.

Multiple Sclerosis Risk Factors 

These factors can increase a person's risk of developing multiple sclerosis:

• Age. The disease can occur at any age, but onset usually occurs around 20 to 40 years of age. 
• Gender. Women are two to three times more at risk than men. 
• Family history. If one of your parents or siblings has multiple sclerosis, you are at a higher risk of developing this disease. 
• Certain infections. Various viruses are associated with multiple sclerosis. 
• Vitamin D. Having low levels of vitamin D and low sun exposure are associated with a greater risk of multiple sclerosis. 
• Certain autoimmune diseases. 
• Smoke.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis 

Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may be different for each sufferer. It depends on the location of the affected nerve fibers.

Symptoms that often affect movement, such as:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, which usually occurs on one side of the body at a time. 
• An electric shock sensation that occurs with certain neck movements. Especially when bending the neck forward. 
• Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait.

Vision problems are also common, including: 

• Partial or complete loss of vision. Usually in one eye at a time. Often accompanied by pain on eye movement. 
• Prolonged double vision. 
• Blurred vision.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms can also include: 

• Talk lisp. 
• Fatigue. 
• Dizzy. 
• Tingling or pain in any part of the body. 
• Problems with sexual function, bowel, and bladder.

Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis 

A doctor will perform a physical and neurological examination as an initial diagnosis. No single test can confirm a diagnosis, so your doctor will use several tests. Examination in the form of:

• MRI of the brain and spinal cord. 
• Analysis of spinal fluid, which can identify antibodies that indicate a previous infection. 
• Other tests that can measure electrical activity in response to stimulation.

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis 

Until now there is no medicine to cure multiple sclerosis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing relapses, and slowing disease progression. 

The comprehensive treatment plan may include:

• Therapy 

Some long-term medications are given to reduce relapses. Drug therapy can slow disease progression and prevent newer ones from forming in the brain and spinal cord. 

• Relapse management 

If a person is having a severe attack, a neurologist will recommend high doses of corticosteroids. Medications can quickly reduce inflammation and slow the breakdown of myelin. 

• Physical rehabilitation. 

Multiple sclerosis can affect physical function. Staying physically fit and strong will help maintain mobility. 

• Mental health counseling 

Coping with chronic conditions can be challenging and affect mood and memory. Getting emotional support is an important part of managing the disease.

Multiple Sclerosis Complications 

People with multiple sclerosis can also experience complications: 

• Stiffness or muscle spasms. 
• Paralysis, usually in the legs. 
• Problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function. 
• Mental changes, such as forgetfulness or mood swings. 
• Depression. 
• Epilepsy.

Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis 

Lifestyle changes can prevent and improve the condition of sufferers. For example with: 

• Eat healthy food. 
• Exercise regularly. 
• Manage stress. 
• Do not smoke and limit alcohol intake.

It's best if you experience something like that immediately contact your doctor or consult a doctor so that you can treat it immediately.

Hopefully this article is useful. Anyone who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis recovers and recovers quickly, including Christina Applegate. 

Amen!

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Christina Applegate 

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