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Multiple Sclerosis: what are the causes, symptoms, treatment and physiotherapy


In multiple sclerosis, the immune system strikes the myelin. Myelin is a protective membrane of the nerve fibers. It's a chronic disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. Some multiple sclerosis signs are blurred vision, numbness, tingling, difficulty in mobility, and loss of vision. Since myelin is affected in this condition, so it would be difficult to transmit the signals in the nervous system. Although healing is not possible in multiple sclerosis, symptoms can be managed. 

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
 Some common symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis are:
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle spasticity
  • Muscle weakness
  • Balance difficulty
  • Numbness
  • Difficulty in vision
  • Dysarthria (means speech difficulty)
  • Dysphagia (means swallowing difficulty)
  • Tremors
  • Pain (can be acute or chronic)
  • Sleep problems
  • Difficulty in controlling the bladder. 
What are the causes of multiple sclerosis?

The exact cause is still not found. Something wrong occurs with the immune system and result in an attack on the brain and spinal cord. The attack is done on the protective membrane of nerve fiber .i.e. myelin sheath. This result in damaging the sheath and nerves and cause blockage of  impulses. Why an attack is done on the immune system is not clear but most experts believe that certain genetic and environmental factors trigger it. 

Who is at risk of developing symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis:

Gender: Women have more ratio of developing signs of multiple sclerosis as compared to men. 

Genetics: The risk is more if a person in your family had multiple sclerosis. 

Vitamin D deficiency: The risk of developing the signs of multiple sclerosis are high if the person has a low amount of vitamin D. 

Less exposure to sunlight: People who do not get proper sunlight are riskier. 

Treatment of multiple sclerosis:
There is no treatment for multiple sclerosis. However, we can manage the symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis, make the disease progress slow and reduce relapses. 

Disease-modifying drugs:
These drugs help in reducing the frequency as well as the severity of episodes or relapses. Some of the disease-modifying drugs are:
  • Injectables
  • Infusions
  • Oral treatments

Corticosteroids:
Help in reducing the inflammation and overcome immune system. 

Physiotherapy of Multiple Sclerosis:

1. Earliest stages of Multiple Sclerosis: 
During the early stage, the patient will learn about:
  • How to get support and cope with changing body. 
  • Recover the abilities following a disease relapse. 
  • The patient will develop strength and stamina. 

2. During Relapse:
Relapse is a period in which symptoms become more severe. The patient will face difficulty while working, walking, and bathing. Physical therapy will help in recovering the strength which was lost in relapse. 

3. During progressive multiple sclerosis:
During progressive multiple sclerosis, the patient will learn the usage of mobility aid devices .i.e. wheelchair. 

4. During Advanced Multiple Sclerosis:
During the advanced phase, the symptoms become severe, and the patient becomes unable to perform normal activity .i.e. walking. The patient can get the advantage of physical therapy by developing upper body strength and using the the mobility aids device. 

Conclusion:
This article precisely covers the basic information of multiple sclerosis. The nervous system is affected due to damage of myelin sheath and cause fatigue, balance problem, tremors, and dysphagia. The cause is unknown and the attack is done on the immune system and results in damage of myelin sheath. The treatment includes some drugs, corticosteroids, and physiotherapy. If you have any questions, you can mention them in the comment box, we will try to answer your queries as soon as possible. 

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