What is MS? What are the signs of MS? MS is one of the most common central nervous system disorders in adults. Lesions are observed in scans; however, the presence of multiple lesions or scars does not necessarily indicate that MS is severe. MS is a complex disease and disrupts the brain’s ability to control vision, speech, and walking. In this text, we will briefly explain the causes and common symptoms of MS.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, can present with various symptoms and is seen as attacks. MS is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, the brain, and the spinal cord. In particular, white matter structures in the central nervous system become change. Damaged areas called plaques or lesions occur in this white mater in patients with MS. Reactions that may develop in MS are unpredictable and highly variable. Therefore, it is very difficult to diagnose MS, and the type and severity of MS may vary from patient to patient.
|Misophonia Causes and Symptoms|
Causes of MS
Genetic factors are highly effective in the development of MS. Although the causes of MS vary from person to person, genetic factors are constant in all patients. The question of why MS can be answered in several ways;
- Environmental factors: Exposure to organic solvents, mercury, pesticides, and radiation.
- Viruses: Exposure to herpes and varicella-zoster viruses in the past.
- Inheritance: There are genetic factors affected by environmental triggers.
- Genetic factors: The incidence of the same disease in children of the mother or father with MS is 7-10 times higher than in the same age group in the community. However, genes are not the only factor in the development of the disease. For example; although MS develops in one of the identical genetically identical twins, the risk of MS in the other is 25%.
Apart from these factors, the causes of MS are;
- Damage of the blood-brain barrier
- Biochemical activities in the womb
- Diet and vitamin deficiencies
- Allergic reactions
Common Symptoms of MS
The first symptoms of MS start with a complaint of weakness in the arm or leg. Patients with MS usually consult a doctor with symptoms such as newly developing blurred vision, balance disorders, or double vision. It should be kept in mind that the symptoms of MS may be different in each patient.
- Tingling and numbness
- Vision problems (blurred or temporary loss of vision in one eye due to inflammation of the optic nerves)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Pain
- Loss of muscle strength
- Problems with walking, balance, and coordination
- Spasms
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Cognitive disorders
- Sexual problems
MS Treatment
The treatment of MS varies according to the patients and must start early. The disease is usually seen between the ages of 20 – 50. The patient who has MS attacks may not have another attack during his / her life or may experience frequently. Another essential point here is that preventive therapies that suppress the immune system are not recommended in patients with a single attack who are at risk of chronic MS. There are now treatment options for the treatment of MS, especially for the severe types of the disease. MS treatments may cause serious risks because they suppress the immune system. Treatment of MS should be started as soon as possible during attacks. Early treatment of MS prevents the disease from further damage.
