Scientists and researchers don't know the exact cause of multiple sclerosis, but isn't spread from person-to-person. There are a variety of unproven theories that MS is caused by:
Because the pain comes from the nerves, common pain medicines likeaspirinhave little or no effect; however, other medications may be effective.
Because the autoimmune inflammatory response may attack some of the myelinated axons in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) almost anywhere, each attack's location (and severity) can be different. Consequently, the symptoms of an MS attack may be quite variable from patient to patient and can appear almost anywhere in the body. The usual first sign and symptoms often change sensory perception (paresthesias) almost anywhere in the body. Other early common symptoms include the following:
Because of the highly variable symptoms, this is a disease that is difficult to diagnose when symptoms first appear. The rest of the article will present symptoms that arise from various parts of the body that can be due to MS. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms described can occur in other disease processes so it is important to have a diagnosis of MS in part by ruling out other conditions.
The diagnosis of MS usually involves aneurologistwho will take your medical history, do blood tests, tests to measure electrical activity in the brain and other areas, anMRI, and an analysis of spinal cord fluid. Tests may be done to distinguish MS fromstroke, thyroid-caused illness, or other debilitating diseases that cause similar symptoms to MS.
More Health News »Multiple sclerosis(MS) signs and symptoms include the following:
As previously mentioned, individuals with MS have variable symptoms so symptoms described above are generalized symptoms. It is likely that a person withmultiple sclerosismay show initial symptoms in one or two of these major categories in the early development of MS; other symptoms may or may not appear later in the disease process. However, MS is a slowly progressive disease for which there is no known cure. The goal of treatment is to reduce and/or control symptoms and prevent relapse.
Multiple sclerosis is a slowly progressive disease for which there is no known cure. The goal of treatment is to reduce and/or control symptoms and prevent relapses. Treatment of multiple sclerosis has two major areas that are used to reduce and/or control symptoms and prevent relapses. The first area for controlling symptoms is to treat the underlying immune system disorder of MS; the second area is designed to reduce and/or treatMS symptomsand relapses. Primary caregivers usually seek medical advice from neurologists for treatment protocols.
Although the underlying or triggering mechanism for MS and for MS relapses is unknown, severaldrugshave been shown to have beneficial effects in people withMS symptomsincluding reducing the frequency and severity of clinical MS attacks. Thesedrugsact on the immune system by modulating its response, and such agents have been approved for use for treatment. These agents include
These drugs often have side effects and are usually prescribed by physicians experienced in treating people with MS. Plasmapheresis (a method to remove autoantibodies from the blood) is another technique used to reduce the autoimmune problems in certain people with MS.
The FDA recently approved the drug ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) to treat adult patients medically who have relapsing-remitting MS and for MS type, primary progressive MS (PPMS). This is the first drug the FDA approved for PPMS and is administered by intravenous infusion. Although not yet approved by the FDA, stem cell treatments for MS are available and may reduce symptoms in some patients; the treatment does not claim to cure MS.
Multiple sclerosis in children and teens is treated based on the best treatment protocol for the specific child.
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Treatments of symptoms produced in people with MS depend entirely upon the individual's problems that are generated by MS. In general, treatments of symptoms often follow the same protocols that most physicians would use to treat other patients who do not have MS. However, listed below are some of the symptoms and treatment methods used to reduce them in people with MS.
Antispasmodics include
Managing urinary and/or bladder problems includes
Antidepressantssuch as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) ortricyclic antidepressantsto help with emotional changes like the pseudobulbar affect (sudden outbursts of laughing or crying).
Other problems may require less medication and more understanding of the patient's situation. For example, heat intolerance can be addressed by avoiding activities that would increase the person's temperature such as the use of saunas or staying outside in hot temperatures.
Rehabilitation therapy may help reduce symptoms of speech and muscle problems associated with swallowing,walking, and motor skills. During therapy, the patient can be introduced to devices that will help with the tasks of daily living.
Cladribine (Mavenclad)口服药物使用平板电脑to treat two forms of multiple sclerosis; relapsing forms that include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease in adults. Generally, cladribine is used in people with MS who have tried other multiple sclerosis medications that were not tolerated well or ineffective. People with clinically isolated syndrome not take cladribine.
A neurologist administers the primary treatment of patients with MS. Additional consultation with specialists is often recommended; for example, individuals with cognitive problems may be helped by a neuropsychologist and/or a psychiatrist while those with symptoms related to the bowel or bladder may be best served by consultation with agastroenterologistorurologist. Individuals with advanced MS with multiple problems may require (in addition to physician specialists who manage disease-modifying medications) a social worker specialist to manage the intense every day care required for a person with multiple MS symptoms. Some patients with debilitatingmultiple sclerosis symptomsand poor health may require a live-incaregiver.
Treatment for multiple sclerosis in children and teens is by pediatric specialists with experience in pediatric MS.
For additional information about MS, contact the Multiple Sclerosis Society and/or the MS International Federation.
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CT scan (computerized tomography) is a procedure that uses X-rays to scan and take images of cross-sections of parts of the body. CT scan can help diagnose broken bones, tumors or lesions in areas of the body, blood clots in the brain, legs, and lung, and lung infections or diseases like pneumonia or emphysema.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a procedure that uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy to make images of parts of the body, particularly, the organs and soft tissues like tendons and cartilage.
Both CT and MRI are painless, however, MRI can be more bothersome to some individuals who are claustrophobic, or suffer from anxiety or panic disorders due to the enclosed space and noise the machine makes.
MRI costs more than CT, while CT is a quicker and more comfortable test for the patient.
Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
