What is the Disease MS?
If you’ve ever wondered what is the disease MS, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common neurological diseases, and it can strike at any age. Most cases occur between the ages of 20 and 40, but younger and older people can also be affected by the disease. The disease is twice as common in women than men, and if you have a family history of MS, you’re even more at risk. There are also links between MS and Epstein-Barr virus, the same virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. The disease is most common in Caucasians, but people of other races are less likely to develop MS.
How does a person get MS?
The exact cause of MS is unknown, but doctors believe that a combination of factors could be at play. These factors include genetics and environment. Researchers also believe that emotional trauma and infection may be contributors to the onset of MS. These factors are still being studied. For now, there is no known cure.
A definitive diagnosis requires several tests and discussions with health care providers. A thorough physical examination and a review of symptoms are important for making the diagnosis. Early diagnosis can reduce the severity of MS attacks and lead to improved treatments. To confirm a diagnosis, a physician may perform blood tests and perform MRI to detect lesions in the central nervous system. An evoked potentials test may also be done to test nerve function.
Although MS can strike people of any age, most people experience it between the ages of 20 and 40. The disease is twice as common in women as in men. A family history of the disease increases a person’s risk. Some researchers also believe that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a risk factor for MS.
What are usually the first signs of MS?
While MS symptoms can vary from person to person, there is a general pattern to the symptoms. People with MS typically start experiencing symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40, although younger people may develop the disease. Relapsing-remitting MS is twice as common in women as it is in men. People of European descent have the highest incidence of MS, but people of African or Asian descent have a lower risk of developing it.
The first symptoms of multiple sclerosis are often mild and non-threatening. The patient will likely report substantial fatigue, often accompanied by severe numbness in different parts of the body. Muscle weakness, particularly in the legs, is another symptom. Many patients also experience loss of balance and a sense of vertigo.
How long can you live with MS?
There is currently no known cure for MS, and the damage to nerves that is caused by the disease is permanent. However, early treatment and lifestyle changes can improve quality of life and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Newer treatments may also help slow the disease progression. Lifestyle changes include avoiding smoking and alcohol, lowering stress, and learning to identify and manage triggers.
There are two main types of MS. The first type is known as primary progressive MS and the second type is called secondary progressive MS. Primary progressive MS is characterized by a steady decline in function over time, with no episodes of remission. The life expectancy of people with primary progressive MS varies from person to person. It is impossible to predict the course of a patient’s disease because of the wide variety of factors that can affect the progression of the disease.
How serious is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system. The disease has two main types – primary and secondary. Each type has unique symptoms and treatment options. A diagnosis is critical for those suffering from MS, and early diagnosis can help slow disease progression. In order to get a proper diagnosis, you must visit a neurologist, a physician who treats disorders of the nervous system.
The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but most clinical investigators agree that it may be an autoimmune disorder. The immune system attacks healthy cells, specifically myelin, the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Researchers are investigating ways to treat MS with immune therapies.
