Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). In MS, the immune system attacks myelin, which is the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers.

MS is a long-lasting disease that can impact the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves in the eyes. It can cause issues with vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body functions.

MS affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty walking, and speech issues. While there is no cure yet, various treatments can help manage the symptoms.

MS causes inflammation and temporary lesions. Over time, it can lead to permanent lesions caused by scar tissue, which interferes with communication in the affected areas of the brain and spinal cord.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis
There are three main types of MS:

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS):
This is the most common type, affecting about 85% of people with MS. With RRMS, individuals experience temporary flare-ups, known as relapses. During these attacks, symptoms tend to worsen.

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS):
In PPMS, symptoms gradually worsen over time after diagnosis, without specific periods of relapse or remission.

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS):
SPMS typically develops after the onset of RRMS. With this type, symptoms steadily worsen over time, even without distinct relapses.

Causes

• Certain autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
• Low vitamin D levels
• Obesity
• Certain infections
• Genetics
• Smoking
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Epstein Barr virus
• Environmental factor
• Age
• Sex

Risk factors

• Family history of MS
• Smoke
• Dont spend a lot of time in the sun
• Are in your 20s,30s or 40s
• Viral infection like Epstein Barr Virus
• Live with cloudy climate
• Obesity

First signs of Multiple Sclerosis

The first sign of MS usually include vision changes.This is also known as optic neuritis.Issue may include:

• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Pain when you move your eye
• Complete loss of vision

Other common erarly signs of multiple sclerosis that you may have are:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness stiffness
• Numbness and tingling
• Spasms
• Tremors
• Pain
• Thinking and memory problems
• Bowel trouble

Multiple Sclerosis symptoms

• Problems focusing
• Pain
• Depression
• Numbness and tingling
• Blurred or double vision
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Poor bowel control
• Trouble walking
• Sexual problems

Diagnosis

• Neurological exam
• Spinal tap (Lumbar puncture )
• Blood test
• MRI Scan
• Optical coherence tomography(OCT)
• Visual evoked potentials (VEP)

Treatment

Medication and therapies can help manage specific symptoms.

Disease modifying therapies (DMTs)

Self injectable disease modifying medication for RRMS include glatiramer acetate(Copaxone) and beta interferons, such as:

• Rebif
• Plegridy
• Extravia
• Betaseron
• Avonex

Oral medication for RRMS include:

• ponesimod (Ponvory)
• monomethyl fumerate (Bafiertam)
• siponimod(Mayzent)
• ozanimod(zeposia)
• diroximel fumarate (Vumerity)
• cladribine (Mavenclad)
• teriflunomide (Aubagio)
• dimethyal fumarate (Tecfidera)
• fingolimod(Gilenya)

Intravenous (IV) infusion treatment for RRMS include:

• Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
• mitoxantrone(Novantrone)
• natalizumab(Tysabri)
• alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)

Other medications

A doctoe can prescribe corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone (Medrol)or ( ACTH) Acthar Gel , to treat relapses.

Preventions

• Reduce stress
• Maintaining healthy weight
• Living in a sunny climate
• Avoid smoke
• Healthy diet
• Exercise

Its important that you try to limi or avoid:

• foods high in sodium
• red meats
• trans fat
• saturated fat
• High sugar
• highly processed foods

Complications

• Tremors
• Epilepsy
• Muscles stiffness
• Vertigo
• Reduction of mobility
• Paralysis (usually in the legs)
• Trouble swallowing
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Cognitive impairment