Linked to the central nervous system and primarily to the brain, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes serious complications. These can affect the day-to-day routine and social life of people. It has irreversible damage to the patients, and people need to understand the symptoms of MS that will help diagnose the illness at an early stage. This article briefly discusses multiple sclerosis, sharing significant details about the disease.
Causes
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the protective layer, myelin, that surrounds the nerve fibers in the brain. The condition causes swelling of tissue and lesions around the affected area, which hampers the brain’s ability to send signals to different organs of the body. Other complications include a curb on the spinal cord’s ability to carry signals from the brain to different parts of the body. Other factors that are key contributors to this disease are genetic and environmental factors.
Types of multiple sclerosis
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
This type of MS occurs when the protective layer, myelin, is stripped off from the protective layers of nerve fibrosis. This primary form of MS includes signs like tingling in the legs, hands, feet, and blurred vision.
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
The patient experiences repeated occurrences of symptoms after remission. While remission has mild and bearable symptoms, the same can become intense during a relapse. The degree of symptoms keeps increasing with every relapse. The constant change in the degree of pain can make it challenging for the patient to cope with the disease. A more progressive form of this type of MS is secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)
This type of MS is characterized by symptoms that are far intense and progressive in nature. However, this condition does not have any relapses or reoccurrences.
Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Telltale signs and symptoms of MS must not be ignored as it causes irreversible damage to the brain and the central nervous system. That said, it is imperative to diagnose the illness at an early stage to prevent further damage to the organs and the patient’s abilities. Some of the symptoms of MS include:
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Numbness and a tingling sensation in the arms, legs, or face.
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood swings and forgetfulness
- Inability to think and learn
- Acute or chronic pain
- Tremors
- Cognitive impairment
- Partial paralysis, commonly in the legs
- Blurred vision or double vision
Food habits with MS
- Fruits and vegetables
Foods high in antioxidants and fiber help the body get rid of the free radicals. Since MS is an autoimmune disease, intake of fruits and vegetables helps strengthen the immune system and help combat symptoms of the disease. - Include foods rich in vitamin D
Research shows a link between lack of vitamin D and the progression of MS symptoms. That said, it is essential to load up on low-fat dairy fortified with vitamin D, eggs, and mushrooms in your daily diet. - Avoid refined flour
Carbs that are highly processed can easily influence insulin levels. Any fluctuation in blood-sugar levels can cause adverse effects on MS patients. - Ditch processed meats
Processed foods are high in sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Replace them with freshly cooked, warm meals to benefit from the nutrients of home-cooked meals. - Consume omega-3 fatty acids foods
Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and relieve MS symptoms and flare-ups. Include foods like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish in your daily diet.
Treatment options
There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are treatment options that help prevent further damage to the organs and effectively slow down the progress of the disease.
The most common medications prescribed to help cope with MS symptoms include:
- Glatiramer acetate and interferon beta
- Dimethyl fumarate
- Teriflunomide
- Diroximel fumarate
It’s essential to combat a fatal disease like MS at an early stage as it progresses fast. These medications may be prescribed to patients to help manage the symptoms and effectively slow down progression.
