The crucial aspects of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an untreatable condition that affects the central nervous system of the individual. This issue causes a neurological disruption of the flow of information between the brain and the body. It affects the brain, spinal cord, and even the optic nerves, which leads to a range of signs and symptoms. Multiple sclerosis means scarring of tissue in various areas in the body.

Unfortunately, doctors do not know how the disease will progress in different individuals, making this condition very dangerous. As of 2019, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates that approximately 1 million people suffer from multiple sclerosis in the country.

Signs and symptoms
There are four types of this condition that affect individuals across the world. These four types include clinically isolated, relapse-remitting, primary progressive, and even secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Each of these portrays unique signs and symptoms that help categorize them. But there are also common signs and symptoms, here are a few of them:

• Muscle weakness
  This is one of the most common signs of multiple sclerosis, most individuals develop weakness in their muscles. This can be caused due to muscle or nerve damage and even a lack of stimulation.
• Numbness and tingling sensation
  Another common sign of multiple sclerosis, numbness followed by tingling is a pin and needle type sensation in the body that could affect the entire body or affect isolated parts such as the face, arms, and even legs.
• Troubles with bladder control
  A lot of individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis also have trouble emptying their bladder. Some even have trouble urinating frequently. Loss of bladder control is one of the early signs of multiple sclerosis.
• Bowel incontinence
  Many who develop multiple sclerosis also suffer from constipation which can lead to fecal impaction and bowel incontinence.
• Fatigue
  Multiple sclerosis can affect the ability of an individual to function in day-to-day life. It causes constant tiredness and exhaustion in the muscles.
• Dizziness

Dizziness is also common when it comes to multiple sclerosis. Most individuals have trouble with balance and coordination as well.

• Sexual dysfunction
  Individuals who have multiple sclerosis often lose interest in sex.
• Lhermitte’s sign
  Lhermitte’s sign is when an individual experiences a shock every time their neck tilts toward the chest.

Other signs and symptoms include tremors, vision problems, muscle spasms, mobility changes, pain, and more.

Causes
Unfortunately, there are no direct known causes of this condition. But doctors have been able to narrow down certain risk factors of multiple sclerosis.

• Age
  Individuals who develop this condition are more likely to be in the age group of 20 to 40.
• Gender
  There has been some substantial research that shows that women are twice as more likely to develop multiple sclerosis compared to men.
• Genetic predisposition
  There is a lot of research to show that genetics play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. If one or more parents or other family members have had multiple sclerosis, the chances of the individual developing this condition are very high.

Other risk factors include deficiencies of vitamins B12 and D and infections.

Treatment
As mentioned in the beginning, multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system and it has no cure. Any mode of treatment that exists is simply to slow down the progression of the condition and work toward relieving the effects of this condition.

Several prescribed medications slow down the progression of the disease. Injectable medications include interferon beta 1-a, interferon beta-1b, and glatiramer acetate. Oral medications include teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, and mayzent. Medications that help treat the signs and symptoms of this condition include corticosteroids and a wide range of medications that combat symptoms that the individual is presenting.