Spinal cord tumors, as wiht others that affect the nervous system, thay are relatively rare and infrequent. However, they can have very serious consequences, so it is very important to pay attention to their symptoms to spot them as early as possible.
What exactly is multiple sclerosis?
As explained by mayo Clinic (United States), multiple sclerosis is a diseases of the brain and spinal cord (i.e. central nervous system) which is usually disabling. It is an autoimmune disease, in which our body’s defenses attack the protective sheath (myelin) that covers the nerve fibers.
AND deterioration of the myelin sheath It causes dialogue problems between the nervous system and other parts of the body, which over time become permanent.
It’s a pathology without curebut there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease and control the symptoms, especially if started in the early stages of the disease. Thus, it is indeed essential to consult a doctor if the first signs appear.
What are the symptoms?
The first thing to clarify is that the symptoms vary greatly from person to person. The second thing is this they appear in different patternsdepending on the type of multiple sclerosis each patient suffers from.
These models are:
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Many patients exhibit this pattern in which seizures appear with the onset of new symptoms that last days or weeks and then completely or partially disappear, which can last months or years.
- Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: Between 20 and 40 percent of people with the relapsing-remitting form eventually develop a steady progression of symptoms 10 to 40 years later.
- Primary progressive multiple sclerosis: It consists of a gradual and progressive onset, without periods of sudden worsening or remission.
- Clinically isolated syndrome: an episode of a condition that affects myelin, which may later be diagnosed as multiple sclerosis or another condition
- Radiologically isolated syndrome: refers to the finding on magnetic resonance images of the brain and spinal cord of lesions compatible with multiple sclerosis, but without the appearance of typical symptoms.
Taking this into account, some of the signs we should pay attention to to detect multiple sclerosis early include:
- Numbness or weakness in one or more extremities, often on only one side of the body.
- Sensation of electric shock with certain movements,such as tilting the neck forward.
- Lack of coordination (ataxia).
- Unsteady gait or inability to walk.
- Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in only one eye and with pain when the eye moves.
- Prolonged double vision.
- Blurred vision.
- Problems with sexual function, bowel and bladder.
- Fatigue.
- Slurred speech.
- Cognitive problems.
- Mood disorders.
In general terms,we should consult a doctor every time any of these symptomsif there is no known,controlled cause for this.
Many of these symptoms, especially alone, can be caused by other conditions. Be that as it may, when they appear we should still consult a specialist.
What are the risk factors
Multiple sclerosis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath of the axons of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is not known why this happensas well as why it produces signs in some people and not others.
Yes, it is known that there are some important risk factors that increase our chances of contracting the disease. These include age (there are more chances between 20 and 40 years old)female sex, family history, some infections, Northern european origin, living in temperate climate areas, low levels of vitamin D, possession of some genetic variants, obesity and some autoimmune diseases and smoking.
How is multiple sclerosis treated?
Multiple sclerosis has no cure. Treatment usually focuses on improving recovery after symptoms, reducing relapses, and slowing the progression of the disease. It should be noted that some people show no symptoms, either They are so mild that treatment is not necessary.
For this reason, corticosteroids are usually used and are prescribed during episodes; There are also people who benefit from plasma exchange or plasmapheresis. THE disease-modifying treatments They are drugs that are administered especially in the initial stages to slow down the progression of the disease, and represent one of the areas in which the greatest progress is being made.
Additionally, physical therapy, the use of muscle relaxants, medications to reduce fatigue, medications to increase walking speed, and others may be prescribed to treat various problems. associated with the conditionsuch as depression or sexual dysfunction.
References
mayo Clinic. Multiple sclerosis.Consulted online at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350274 on November 19, 2024.
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What are the common misconceptions about multiple sclerosis that people should be aware of?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Multiple Sclerosis Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome too Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the complexities of multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the central nervous system. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned neurologist with a wealth of experience in MS research and treatment. Thank you for being here, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an critically important topic.
Editor: To kick things off, can you explain what multiple sclerosis is in layman’s terms?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath—a protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.This damage disrupts the dialog between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a range of neurological symptoms.
Editor: That sounds quite serious. How common is MS, and what makes it so significant compared to other neurological conditions?
Dr. Carter: MS is relatively rare, particularly when we compare it to conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Though, its impact can be profound. The symptoms can vary widely between individuals and often lead to significant impairment if not treated early. This is why being aware of the symptoms is crucial.
Editor: Speaking of symptoms, can you highlight some early signs people should watch out for?
Dr. Carter: Certainly! Early symptoms of MS can include numbness or weakness in limbs, coordination problems, and unusual sensations like electric shocks when tilting the neck forward. Vision issues are also common—patients might experience blurred or double vision,frequently enough affecting just one eye. Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely diagnosis and management.
Editor: There are different patterns of MS progression, right? Could you elaborate on those?
Dr. Carter: Yes, the patterns of MS are indeed diverse. The most common is relapsing-remitting MS, where patients experience episodes of new symptoms followed by partial or complete recovery.There’s also secondary progressive MS, which, after years, leads to a gradual progression of symptoms.Primary progressive MS features a steady decline without any clear relapses or remissions. we have clinically isolated syndrome and radiologically isolated syndrome, which are early indicators before a formal MS diagnosis may be made.
Editor: It sounds like the progression can be very different for each individual. Are there any treatments available that can help manage or slow down the progression of MS?
Dr. Carter: Yes, while there’s currently no cure for MS, there are several treatments available that can significantly slow down its progression and manage symptoms. Early intervention—especially during the initial stages of the disease—can be vital. Treatments include disease-modifying therapies, symptom management medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments that can help maintain quality of life.
Editor: With advancements in medical science, do you see hope for a cure in the future?
Dr. Carter: There is always hope! Research is ongoing, with scientists exploring various avenues, including stem cell therapy and new medications that target different mechanisms within the immune system. While we’re not there yet, the advancements we’re making in understanding the disease could lead to more effective treatments—and perhaps a cure—in the future.
Editor: That’s encouraging to hear! For anyone experiencing symptoms or who may have concerns about MS, what should their next step be?
Dr. Carter: I always recommend consulting a healthcare professional as soon as possible. An early consultation can lead to a thorough examination and possibly a diagnosis, which is crucial for effective management. The sooner one seeks help, the better the outcomes tend to be.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights today. It’s essential for people to be informed and proactive about their health!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me.It’s vital to spread awareness about MS, and I’m glad to contribute to that.
Editor: And to our readers, remember to stay informed and vigilant about any changes in your health. Until next time!
