Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic disease that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves in the eyes.
It is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), affecting more than 2 million people worldwide, and it is currently incurable (Longo et al., 2018). MS is the second most common cause of disability in the United States; motor vehicle accidents are the first.
It can also cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control, and other essential body functions. The effects are often different for everyone who has the disease. Some people have mild symptoms and don’t need treatment. Others will have trouble getting around and doing daily tasks.
MS happens when the immune system attacks a fatty material called myelin, which wraps around your nerve fibers to protect them. Without this outer shell, the nerves become damaged. Scar tissue may form (Hubert & VanMeter, 2018).
The damage means that the brain can’t send signals through the body correctly. The nerves also will not work as they should to help in movement and feelings. As a result, symptoms may occur such as:
• Trouble walking
• Feeling tired
• Muscle weakness or spasms
• Blurred or double vision
• Numbness and tingling
• Sexual problems
• Poor bladder or bowel control
• Pain
• Depression
• Problems focusing or remembering
The first symptoms often start between ages 20 and 40. Most people with MS have attacks, also called relapses, when the condition gets noticeably worse. They’re usually followed by times of recovery when symptoms improve. For other people, the disease continues to get worse over time.
There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the disease’s course, and manage symptoms.
Question: Describe different types of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
