Written by Debbra A. Livingston, MSN, ARNP, BC- Jacksonville District
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS), which consists of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves (vision).
Everything we do, whether it is walking, solving a problem or simply breathing relies on the proper functioning of the CNS.
There are millions of brain cells called neurons that are continuously sending and receiving signals from the brain to other parts of the body. The path of each neuron is protected by a type of insulation called a myelin sheath, which is essential for nerves to reach their targets. In MS, the myelin sheath is eroded and the underlying nerve is unprotected and therefore becomes damaged. This leads to a breakdown of the nerve’s ability to transmit signals properly. Ongoing inflammation and tissue damage continues and nerve signals are interrupted.
- The cause (etiology) of MS is unknown, however it is thought to be an autoimmune disease where the body launches an attack on its own tissues. MS can be mild, moderate or severe, as communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted.
- The first symptoms of MS often include:
- vision problems such as blurred or double vision or optic neuritis, which causes pain in the eye and a rapid loss of vision
- weak, stiff muscles, often with painful muscle spasms
- tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, trunk of the body, or face
- clumsiness, particularly difficulty staying balanced when walking
- bladder control problems, either inability to control the bladder or urgency
- dizziness that doesn't go away
- MS may also cause later symptoms such as:
- mental or physical fatigue which accompanies the above symptoms during an attack
- mood changes such as depression or euphoria
- changes in the ability to concentrate or to multitask effectively
- difficulty making decisions, planning, or prioritizing at work or in private life
There is still no cure for MS, but there are treatments for initial attacks, medications and therapies to improve symptoms, and recently developed drugs to slow the worsening of the disease. These new drugs have been shown to reduce the number and severity of relapses and to delay the long term progression of MS.
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