Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Description

An autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Nerve cells normally are surrounded by a nerve fiber sheath made of a fatty substance which is called myelin and which helps transmitting nerve impulses. The inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath occurs in MS. This interferes or slows down nerve impulses and causes nerve damages. Scarring (sclerosis) occurs in the white mass of the brain and spinal cord. These areas of myelin damage and scarring are called MS plaques. The disease periodically appears with episodes of increased symptoms. The disease can be light and non-progressive, and can gradually or rapidly get worse. It most commonly occurs in women between the ages of 20 to 40.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary. They may appear and disappear or remain permanently. Symptoms include vision impairment, numbness, weakness, decreasing concentration, instability, interrupting speech, muscle cramps (especially in the legs), muscle spasm, bladder functions’ impairment.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. Diagnosis is set based on the excluding other causes. Tests used for confirming multiple sclerosis include: magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine, lumbar punction, lab analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, oligoclonal bands (lgG).

Tests

CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Additional analyses

Lumbar punction, lab analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, oligoclonal bands.

Specialists

Neurology, PhysicalMedicineandRehabilitation and Psychiatry

Therapy

There is no definitive cure but new treatment helps slowing progression of the disease. Medicines which change immune response include: immunomodulators such as interferon (Avonex, Betaseron, or Rebif), monoclonal antibodies (Tysabri), and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). Short therapies with corticosteroids (prednisone) can decrease the severity of attacks. Medicines which reduce muscle spasms include baclofen, tizanidine, or a benzodiazepine such as diazepam.