Multiple Sclerosis Prevention

Multiple sclerosis leads to a stage or disease called demyelination. This stage occurs when the myelin sheath of neurons (cells that conduct nerve impulses) is damaged. Myelin (a dielectric material) is used by the brain and spinal cord to keep constant flow of communication between them and the nerves in rest of the body. It finally leads to inactivity of the brain in sensation, muscle control and strength, vision impairment, balance and movement, cognition and other nerve-related body functions.

Possible Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis

Although medical experts say that MS does not have any solid prevention or cure, there is a small but possible chance of to reduce the risk of the disorder. There is this fact that people residing in colder climates are more prone to MS. There is also another finding that the number of MS cases is lower in people who stay closer to the equator, that is, warmer regions. According to research, vitamin D from the sun may have some role in preventing MS. Different studies revealed that people following a diet rich in vitamin D have shown lower incidence of MS. Caffeine, green or organic tea and cherries may also have anti-MS properties. Continuous clinical study, research and experiments are being carried by medical professionals in pursuit to find the method using which MS can be prevented.

Probable Causes of MS

Doctors regard multiple sclerosis as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease signifies that a person's immune response is mistakenly attacking normal tissue. In the case of MS, the attack is on the central nervous system, that is, the brain and the spinal cord. This makes the condition a severe and nasty case for the patient. Although the exact cause is still a mystery, doctors have assumptions of the disease having a genetic link. This is because not all people suffer from MS attacks. The disorder presents a continuation in its occurrence in families. MS has also been found to be common in people who have been raised in colder regions.

Symptoms

More cases of MS have been recorded in women than in men. The symptoms make their appearance in some time and disappear, while some have a long-lasting duration.

The symptoms are characterized by fatigue, numbness of extremities, dizziness or lightheadedness, and problems in walking, balancing and coordination. The person may feel weakness and stiffness in his body and the limbs may feel heavy. Dexterity is affected and the person may develop high degrees of clumsiness.

Dizziness and vertigo (a feeling that you are about to fall) are some of the possible symptoms. The person may experience his vision getting blurred or hazy and a sharp pain may be felt in the eyeball when moving the eyes. Visual impairment, double vision are the usual symptoms along with optic neuritis. Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve that causes sudden loss of vision. This condition is often painful for the patient.

Apart from bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual problems are also common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Tingling sensation in the extremities, tightness around the trunk, and a strange electricity-like sensation is experienced by the patient.

In the absence of any preventive measure or cure for multiple sclerosis, treating its symptoms is the only way to manage the condition. Treatment differs from person to person, depending on the graveness of the case.

As the central nervous system of the body is affected by an MS attack (relapse), the affected person may suffer from permanent damage of the nervous system. So at the sight of early symptoms and signs of this condition, immediate treatment is recommended by doctors. It has been found that people who received early MS treatment encountered less MS attacks than those who did not. The treatment of MS involves disease-modifying treatments, management of acute attacks or relapses (exacerbation), and management of MS symptoms. Adopting steps to improve function and safety and most importantly helping the patient with positive emotional support are also a part of the treatment.