Multiple Sclerosis
#50
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that occurs because the body’s immune system attacks myelin sheaths, which are layers that cover and protect nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
Symptoms
Symptoms of MS can vary greatly depending on the person, the location where the damage is, and how severe the damage is. Some common symptoms include numbness, pain, loss of balance/clumsiness, mood changes, fatigue, dizziness, vision impairment (e.g., double vision), muscle weakness/stiffness, bladder incontinence, and memory difficulties.
Types of MS
Clinically isolated syndrome:
first episode of neurological symptoms, but does not meet criteria as MS
may or may not develop into MS
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS):
most common (~85%)
repeated attacks: relapses of new or old symptoms
followed by periods of remission (can be months or even years long)
Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS):
~62% of people with RRMS develop SPMS
nerve damage increases, symptoms worsen over time after RRMS
Primary-progressive MS:
symptoms gradually worsen from the beginning of getting MS
no periods of remission/relapses
Treatment
Treatments for MS are focused on reducing the number and severity of relapses (for people with RRMS), managing symptoms, and delaying the disease’s long-term progression. Some examples include medications, therapy, and rehabilitation activities.
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