Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic condition, is a mysterious disease that cannot be clearly identified. MS is caused by excessive plaque formation in the brain and spinal cord as a result of disorders in the immune system. According to research, the disease affects approximately 3 million people worldwide and 70 thousand people in Turkey. With this awareness, timely diagnosis and treatment, MS patients can lead a long and comfortable life.
What are the Symptoms of MS (Multiple Sclerosis)?
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) is a disease caused by excess plaque formation in the brain and spinal cord. The cause of excess plaque formation is disorders in the immune system.
MS symptoms are usually manifested by problems in the muscles. This disease develops in attacks. It requires appropriate treatment and regular follow-up during the disease process. This disease, which occurs on average between the ages of 20 and 40, affects 40 thousand people in our country and approximately 2.5 million people worldwide.
The effects of this disease vary from person to person. Some MS patients have mild symptoms and do not need treatment, while others may have difficulty even maintaining their daily lives. It is a neurological disorder and is treated using many methods
MS affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, with an average age of onset of 34. However, in some cases it also affects children and young people. Studies have also found that between 2 and 5% of people with MS show symptoms of the disease before the age of 18.
The first symptoms occur over a short period of time and progress with flare-ups and remissions. In the early stages there may be a complete recovery, while in a few people there may be no recovery at all and the condition may worsen.
MS symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may have a succession of different diseases, followed by either a full or partial recovery. Symptoms vary depending on the part of the nervous system affected.
These symptoms can be listed as follows;
- Fatigue
- Feeling numb
- Lethargy
- Disorder in balance
- Vision problems
- Speech impairment
- Body tremors
- Urinary incontinence
Some symptoms may be observed together. In addition to these symptoms, familial genetic problems and infections may also be involved.
What are the Causes of MS (Multiple Sclerosis)?
The cause of this disease is still not known for certain. However, there is evidence that many factors increase the risk of developing the disease. We can list these risks as follows;
MS and Infections: The symptoms of this disease are individualized. It is not possible to find new patients with the same symptoms. Although some scientists suggest that viral infections are the cause, a relationship between MS and infections has not emerged so far.
However, there are some viral diseases that increase the risk of developing MS . People with certain viral infections such as Epstein Barr and Human Hermes Virus 6 (HHV-6) have an increased risk of MS.
Familial and Genetic Influences in MS: Research shows that MS is not a hereditary disease. However, there are studies showing that people with MS in their family or close relatives are at increased risk.
Environment and MS Relationship: Environmental factors and climate are believed to increase the risk of this disease. For example, people living in countries with climates such as Northern Europe, Canada, Northern USA and New Zealand have a higher risk of developing the disease.
What are the Types of MS (Multiple Sclerosis)?
MS with Attacks and Recovery: In this disease, people with sclerosis experience a succession of attacks and recoveries. The frequency of attacks is unpredictable. It can occur 2 or 3 times a year, and even patients who have an attack after 15-20 years have been encountered.
Primary Progressive MS: The disease starts before it manifests itself and worsens over the years. Although the rate of progression is variable, it is slow. Such patients constitute a small percentage of patients with MS.
Regenerative Progressive MS: Patients with this type of MS do not show symptoms of the disease at first, but have attacks in between.
Secondary Progressive MS: A certain proportion of MS patients who go through attacks and recovery become progressive type MS.
How is MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Diagnosed?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not easy to diagnose. This is because no specific test has yet been developed to diagnose this disease. However, the diagnosis can be made based on MRI, examination of the cerebrospinal fluid, examination of the visual and auditory nerves, examination of the sensory nerves in the arms or legs and the symptoms that occur.
It is a disease of the nervous system caused by the formation of too much hardened tissue in the nervous system. This disease attacks the myelin layer, the protective sheath on the nerves. This causes permanent damage to or deterioration of the nerves. The myelin damage caused by the disease prevents the nerves from doing their job.
Much research has been done on the geographical distribution of the disease. The countries with the highest incidence are Europe, the South, Canada, North America, South Australia and New Zealand. The lowest risk areas are Mexico, Asia, Africa and South America. In this context, the relationship between latitude and longitude is striking.
How is MS (Multiple Sclerosis) treated?
There is no complete treatment for this disease. Treatment methods are applied to reduce the MS attack or the effect of these attacks. Individuals who constantly experience these attacks are applied protective methods that prevent attacks at a level of 30-40%, these protective methods can eliminate the bad situation after the attack.