Multiple sclerosis – Symptoms, causes, and management

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition wherein the central nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, is affected. In people with multiple sclerosis, the immune system causes inflammation and damages the protective layer around the nerve fibers. Over time, the nerve fibers can become damaged permanently. This article lists the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and how to manage multiple sclerosis.

Signs and symptoms
People with multiple sclerosis tend to have a wide range of signs and symptoms. The exact symptoms are likely to differ from one person to another. The condition can develop suddenly, or it can be so mild initially that the symptoms are overlooked. Some common early signs include:

• Numbness and tingling: A pin prick-like sensation may occur in the arms, legs, or one side of the face.
• Problems while balancing: People may trip easily while walking or performing any other physical activity.
• Vision problems: Double or blurred vision, or partial loss of vision is one of the early signs of multiple sclerosis.

These signs may go away for some time and are likely to occur later. As the condition progresses, some symptoms may become frequent and worse. These include:

• Fatigue: Most people with multiple sclerosis experience fatigue. It can be severe and interfere with the ability to perform daily tasks.
• Difficulty in walking: This occurs because of several reasons like numbness in the legs or feet, muscle weakness or spasticity, or even vision problems.

Causes and risk factors
The causes of multiple sclerosis are not yet ascertained. But it seems like a combination of genetics and environmental factors play a role in its development. Some common risk factors for the disease include:

• Age and gender: Although the disease can occur at any age, it typically affects people between the ages of 20 and 40. Also, women are two to three times more likely to develop most forms of multiple sclerosis than men.
• Smoking: People who smoke face a higher risk of developing the condition than non-smokers. Lesions and brain shrinkage is usually more severe among smokers.
• Infections: Multiple viruses have been linked to the disease, including the Epstein–Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis.
• Vitamin D deficiency: People with low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk. Researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency may interfere with the functioning of the immune system.

Managing multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis does not have any cure yet. All treatments are aimed at improving specific symptoms each person exhibits. These treatments work more effectively when they are combined with certain lifestyle changes. Listed below are some treatments that can make it easier to live with the condition and can help relieve the symptoms.

• Regular exercise: Studies show that exercising regularly improves balance, coordination, and overall physical strength in people with multiple sclerosis. MS patients should include walking, stretching, bicycling, exercising, and low-impact aerobic exercise in their daily routine. Exercise may also help reduce stress, a factor that may worsen the symptoms.
• Enough rest: Being physically active is important, but conserving sufficient energy to perform various tasks throughout the day is also crucial. It is vital that people get enough sleep. If one is suffering from a sleep disorder, they should seek treatment and try to improve the quality and duration of sleep.
• Balanced diet: When people are dealing with chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, eating the right foods is more important than ever. A nutritious diet plays a crucial role in boosting the entire body’s function. So, it’s best to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein as a part of one’s daily diet. Choosing whole grain items over refined grains, and including healthy sources of fats, such as nuts, avocados, and fatty fish can also be beneficial.