There are approximately one million people over the age of 18 who suffer from multiple sclerosis in the country. A disease that can be benign to some and incapacitating to others, multiple sclerosis is highly unpredictable. This is why it is important to be fully aware of this debilitating disease.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, nerves, and the spinal cord. When a person suffers from multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. This disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the rest of the body.

Types of MS

There are four basic stages of the progression of multiple sclerosis.

• Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): CIS is the first episode of neurological symptoms caused by MS. The symptoms will show up due to the inflammation and demyelination (destruction of the protective coating of the nerves) in the central nervous system.
• Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): RRMS is the most common route taken by the disease. In this stage, there will be new or a greater scale of existing neurological symptoms. It is at this stage where one can go into complete remission if the disease will advance further.
• Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): Few of those diagnosed with RRMS will eventually move onto SMPS. Here, MS patients will undergo worsening of neurological function over a period of time.
• Primary progressive MS (PPMS): Around 15% of all who are diagnosed with MS usually end up with PPMS. It is characterized by further worsening of neurological functions.

Who is at the risk of multiple sclerosis?

While anyone is at the risk of getting multiple sclerosis, over decades there have been certain patterns. While some research suggests that genetics play a role in who is at risk, there is no evidence that proves MS can be directly passed down through genes. Other studies show that gender is also a contributing factor to people who are at risk of suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of MS

Due to its high unpredictability, MS symptoms can vary from person to person, both in type and severity. While some may experience symptoms that completely vanish, others may see symptoms that worsen over time.

Due to this, experts have not been able to specifically point out the symptoms. But a few common symptoms are tiredness, sensations of numbness or tingling, double vision, blurry vision, weakness, loss of balance, loss of memory, pain, and more. Some of the worst cases of MS can experience symptoms like tremors, loss of vision, and even paralysis.

Can MS be treated?

As of now, a cure for MS has not been found. But there are a number of FDA-approved medications that can help manage or subdue the symptoms to a major extent. These medications work towards limiting the damage caused to the nerves to certain areas. They help in disrupting the spread of the disease to other areas, reducing the number of relapses, and stopping the progression of the disease.