Multiple sclerosis is the disease in which the persons own immunity works against the body cells. In the person immunity destroys the myelin sheath of the nerves which is the covering of nerves. Because of destruction of myelin sheath there is an interruption in the communication between brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body. Hence the nerves may get deteriorated which is an irreversible process. Thus this disease affects the brain and spinal cord. This disease causes buildup of scar tissues in the brain and spinal cord hence got the name sclerosis. The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown till now but it is regarded as autoimmune disease.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis depend on the amount of damage caused. The symptoms include loss of muscle control, balance, sensation and vision. In acute cases when the damage is more there may be loss of thinking ability and the people may have speaking and walking difficulty. For diagnosis of multiple sclerosis there are no specific tests. Current diagnosis involves clinical as well as paraclinical evidence. Medical history and neurological exams are necessary to diagnose the disease. For the treatment of multiple sclerosis disease modifying drugs are used like aubigo, betaseron, gilenya, novantrone and rebif. These drugs alter or suppress the body immune system. These drugs do not cure the disease but reduces its severity of attack and number of lesions. These drugs only improve the quality of life of the person.
Last date updated on September, 2024