Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. MS is an autoimmune disease, meaning it causes the immune system to attack itself. This disease causes damage to the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, causing interference in the communication between the brain and the body.  

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis range in severity depending on the areas affected and the stage of the disease. Some common symptoms include: 

• Numbness and weakness of the limbs
• Shock-like symptoms that occur with neck movement
• Tremor
• Visual problems
• Slurred speech
• fatigue

What causes multiple sclerosis?
The exact cause of MS is not known. This autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks itself and damages the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting like a protective layer. When this layer becomes damaged, nerve fibers are exposed, causing the messages they are supposed to deliver to become slowed or blocked. Certain risk factors make individuals more likely to develop MS, such as age, sex, family history, and race. MS is commonly diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age, but you can be diagnosed at any age. Women are more likely to get MS, and having an immediate family member with the disease also increases your likelihood of getting it.   

How do you treat multiple sclerosis?
Although there is no cure for MS, there are a variety of treatments that can help slow progression and manage symptoms. When patients have an MS attack, they may be prescribed corticosteroids or plasma exchange to help their bodies recover. There are a variety of medications available that may help slow the progression of MS, including injectable medications such as interferon beta medications and glatiramer acetate. Oral medications that are designed to help with the progression of MS include Fingolimod (Gilenya), Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera), Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity), Teriflunomide (Aubagio), and Siponimod (Mayzent). Physical therapy is an effective way to manage symptoms by helping with stretching and movement.