Multiple Sclerosis: An Introduction

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? Read on to learn more about this potentially debilitating condition and its management. 

What Is Multiple Sclerosis? 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. A fatty coating called myelin covers many of the nerve fiber bundles in the human body. This coating allows electrical impulses to quickly pass along the nerve cells, controlling movement. Multiple sclerosis causes damage and scarring to the myelin, which in turn affects all bodily functions.

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis? 

The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, but most researchers consider it an autoimmune disorder. This is a group of diseases where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues rather than strictly foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. 

Scientists don't believe MS is passed down from generation to generation, however, there are approximately 200 identified inherited genes that may increase one's risk. The disease is twice as common in women as men. 

Researchers are also looking at environmental factors, such as smoking, obesity, and chronic vitamin D or B-12 deficiency. Additionally, scientists are studying possible infectious causes, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis. 

What Are the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

Myelin scarring can occur anywhere in the body, so symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. The symptoms may also change or increase in an individual as the disease progresses. Common symptoms of MS include: 

• Muscle weakness. People with multiple sclerosis have difficulty using their muscles, which in turn can weaken the muscles further from inactivity. Muscle spasms or tremors are also common. 
• Incontinence. Both the bladder and bowel rely on nerve impulses to effectively eliminate waste and prevent accidents. Ineffective bladder muscles lead to urgency or incontinence. If the muscles in the bowel are deficient, they cannot efficiently squeeze the waste along, which can lead to constipation or fecal impaction. 
• Odd sensations. A pins and needles feeling or the sensation a part of your body has gone to sleep is a common early symptom in MS. Another odd sensation is feeling an electric shock when moving the neck, which is known as Lhermitte's sign. 
• Mobility changes. A person with MS may notice changes in their gait or ability to walk. Muscle weakness, inability to control muscles, odd sensations, dizziness, and balance issues precipitate these changes.
• Neuropathic pain. Pain from inflamed nerves is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis.
• Depression and other emotional changes. Nerve fiber damage in the brain can cause depression, personality changes, and memory and learning problems. 

Sexual dysfunction, vision problems, respiratory issues, and fatigue are other common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. 

What Is the Treatment Protocol for Multiple Sclerosis? 

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is an unpredictable, incurable condition that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and other body systems. 

Physicians use different medications to treat the individual symptoms as they arise. In addition to pharmaceutical treatments, a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and working with a skilled rehabilitation and physical therapy team is extremely important for the management of MS symptoms. 

Regular visits for manual physical therapy, where the practitioner uses their hands to manipulate limbs, can aid in maintaining range of motion. Massage therapy can help keep muscles limber and relieve painful muscle spasms. 

Aquatic therapy is another extremely useful tool. The buoyancy of the water relieves pressure on joints and allows the patient greater mobility. For the person with MS, aquatic therapy may allow them to regularly exercise and strengthen their muscles. Respiratory rehabilitation may be useful for some patients as well. 

Dealing with a chronic illness such as multiple sclerosis isn't easy, but doing everything you can to keep your body strong can be very empowering. Contact Advanced Physical Therapy today to learn more about the ways we can help you manage your illness and improve your quality of life.