Multiple Sclerosis Causes And Symptoms

No one is sure what causes the body's immune system to go awry in multiple sclerosis. Some scientists believe that it is a combination of genetics and something in the environment to which the person was exposed to early in life. Even a virus may possibly play a role here.

1) Environmental influence: different populations and ethnic groups have a markedly different prevalence of MS. The disease is especially common in Scotland, Scandinavia, and throughout northern Europe. In the U.S. the prevalence of MS is higher in whites than in other racial groups.

Moreover, MS is a disease of temperate climates. In both hemispheres, its prevalence increases with distance from the equator. Also there have been "epidemics" of MS -- for example, the group of people living off the coast of Denmark after WWII, suggesting an environmental cause.

2) Genetics role: researchers believe that multiple sclerosis may in part be inherited (genetics contribute to the increased risk of MS seen in family members). First, second and third degree relatives of people with MS are at increased risk of developing the disease. Siblings of an affected person have a 2%-5% risk of developing MS.

Researchers believe that there is more than one gene that makes a person more likely to get MS. Some scientists theorize that MS develops because a person is born with a genetic predisposition to react to some environmental agent, which, upon exposure, triggers an autoimmune response.

3) Viruses influence: some studies have suggested that many viruses such as Epstein-Barr (mononucleosis), varicella zoster, and the hepatitis vaccine may be the cause of MS. To date, however, this belief has not been proven.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary from person to person and can change over time in the same person. The most common early symptoms include the following ones:
  • Muscle weakness
  • Decreased coordination
  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Eye pain
  • Double vision
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include muscle stiffness, pain, problems with cognition, sensitivity to heat, fatigue and sexual disturbances etc.

Fatigue. This is a characteristic and common symptom of MS. It is typically present in the midafternoon and may consist of increased muscle weakness, mental fatigue, sleepiness, or drowsiness. Physical exhaustion is not related to the amount of work performed; and many patients with MS complain of extreme fatigue even after a good night's sleep.

Heat sensitivity. Heat sensitivity (the appearance or worsening of symptoms when exposed to heat, like a hot shower) occurs in most people with MS.

Spasticity. Muscle spasms are a common and often debilitating symptom of MS. Spasticity usually affects the muscles of the legs and arms, and may interfere with a persons ability to move those muscles freely.

Dizziness. Many people with MS complain of feeling "off balance" or lightheaded. Occasionally they may experience the feeling that they or their surroundings are spinning. These symptoms are caused by damage in the complex nerve pathways that coordinate vision and other inputs into the brain that are needed to maintain balance.

Impaired thinking. Problems with thinking occur in about half of people with MS. For most, this means slowed thinking, decreased concentration, or decreased memory. Approximately 10% of people with the disease have severe impairment that significantly impairs their ability to carry out tasks of daily living.

Vision problems. Vision problems are relatively common in people with MS. This can result in blurring or graying of vision or blindness in one eye. However, most vision problems in MS do not lead to blindness.

Abnormal sensations. Many people with MS experience abnormal sensations such as "pins and needles," numbness, itching, burning, stabbing, or tearing pains. Fortunately, most of these symptoms, while aggravating, are not life-threatening or debilitating and can be managed or treated.

Speech and swallowing problems. People with MS often have swallowing difficulties. In many cases, they are associated with speech problems as well. They are caused by damaged nerves that normally aid in performing these tasks.

Difficulty walking. Gait disturbances are amongst the most common symptoms of MS. Mostly this problem is related to muscle weakness and/or spasticity, but having balance problems or numbness in your feet can also make walking difficult.

Other rare symptoms can include breathing problems and seizures.

Here is a little story of a young woman who was diagnosed with MS on 13th December 2004. Watch the video below where she tells what symptoms she had and how she managed to cope with this serious illness:



0 comments:

Post a Comment