Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord). It is a demyelinating disease.
CAUSES –
- Environmental factor
Low prevalence in tropics and high prevalence in the temperate zones of both northern and southern hemispheres. Migration to high prevalence areas before the age of 15 is a risk factor for development of the disease.
- Genetic factor
Risk is high in first relatives and monozygotic twins
- Immunological factor
Increased levels of activated T lymphocytes in the CSF and increased immunoglobulin synthesis within CNS.
Classification-
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
- Recurrent attacks
- Neurologic deficits appear in different parts of the nervous system
- Resolve completely or almost completely over a short period of time
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
- Continued progression over years
- Increasing disability
Primary progressive MS (PPMS)
Function declines steadily without relapses
Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS)
Occasional relapses superimposed on progressive disease
Symptoms And Signs—
- Constipation and stool leakage
- Decreased attention span
- Depression
- Difficulty beginning to urinate
- Difficulty in reasoning
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Erectile problems
- Facial pain
- Fatigue
- Hearing loss
- Incontinence
- Loss of balance
- Memory loss
- Muscle spasms
- Slurred speech
- Strong urge to urinate
- Tingling, crawling, or burning feeling in the arms and legs
- Uncontrollable rapid eye movements
- Vision loss (usually affects one eye at a time)
- Weakness/tremor in one or more arms or legs
Investigations—
- Neurological exam
- Eye examination
- Lumbar puncture
- MRI scan of the brain and spine
- Nerve function study
Treatment—-
- Ayurvedic Medicines
- Panchkarma
- General measures
- Physiotherapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Support groups
- Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, bed lifts, shower chairs, walkers, and wall bars
- A planned exercise program
- Nutritious diet, enough rest and relaxation
- Avoiding fatigue, stress, temperature extremes, and illness
Complication–
- Spasticity
- Ataxia
- Dysaesthesia
- Failure to store urine
- Failure to empty bladder
- Osteoporosis
- Pressure sores