Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a persistent disease in which the human central nervous system is involved. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin, which is the protective layer around nerve fibers. In this disease, we cannot predict how multiple sclerosis will progress in any individual. In some individuals, the symptoms are mild such as blurred vision, numbness, and tingling in the limbs. And if we talk about the individuals who may experience severe symptoms include paralysis, vision loss, and mobility problems.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 

1. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) -: It’s a pre-MS condition that involves 1 episode of symptoms that only lasts for at least 24 hours. These symptoms occur due to demyelination in your nervous system.

2. Relapsing-remitting MS -: It is the most common type of MS. in this type there are clearly defined relapses that may lead to an intensive worsening of neurological function

3. Primary-progressive MS -: This type of MS is very rare, with only 10 to 15 percent of all cases with this type. This neurological function is impaired and gets worse as the disease progresses.

4. Secondary-progressive MS -: This type of MS is seen as the next stage of the RRMS disease. 50% of People who have RRMS have chances to develop secondary-progressive MS in 10 years. It may include occasional relapses, remissions, and plateaus.

Causes -:

1. Genetic factor – This disease may pass down in the genes, but many scientists believe that environmental triggers are also necessary for the development of multiple sclerosis.

2. Smoking – People who smoke have more chances to develop sclerosis and they tend to have more lesions and brain shrinkage than non-smokers.

3. Infections – If a person is exposed to viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, or mononucleosis are having a high chance of developing multiple sclerosis disease.

4. Deficiency of vitamin D – It is seen that people who are deficient in vitamin D are getting multiple sclerosis as those people have less exposure to bright sunlight, sunlight is very much important for the body to create vitamin D. Experts think that low levels of vitamin D affect the working of the immune system.

5.  Vitamin B12 deficiency – It is important for the production of myelin, the body requires vitamin B. A lack of this vitamin can lead to the risk of neurological disease such as multiple sclerosis.

 Symptoms – 

1. Muscle weakness – People may get symptoms like weakening of muscle. It happens due to lack of stimulation due to nerve damage.

2. Numbness and tingling – The earliest symptom a person can get is a pin and needles-type sensation, which can affect the face, body, arms, and legs.

3. Lhermitte’s sign – In this symptom a person feels like an electric shock when they tilt or move their neck.

4. Bladder problems – People may get difficulty emptying their bladder and they feel an urge to urinate frequently or suddenly.

5. Emotional changes and depression – By the damage of demyelination and nerve fiber in the rain may trigger emotional changes.

Prevention -:

If we talk about the prevention of multiple sclerosis, scientists, researchers, and doctors haven’t yet been able to develop any curing or preventing methods for this disease. Some believe that a combo of genetic and environmental factors is the cause of developing Multiple sclerosis. Let’s see the possible prevention of MS which many studies explored.

1. Vitamin D – Many studies found that vitamin D may cure multiple sclerosis as vitamin D has an influence on MS activity. A higher level of vitamin D may prevent MS.

2. Fasting – Fasting also can be a method for curing MS. It can provide beneficial effects for relapsing-remitting MS. 

3. Coffee – It is seen that people who drink a high amount of coffee ( 4 cups, daily) are having fewer chances of getting multiple sclerosis.

4. Red wine – ‘Resveratrol’ a compound that is found in red wine. A study shows that it has anti-inflammatory effects which may restore the myelin coating on nerve fibers.

Treatment -:

As there are no such curative medicine/treatment options for multiple sclerosis in modern medicine. But there are some protocols which you have to follow strictly with the medicine which is prescribed by your doctor.

1. Strict vegetarian diet – A person should consume a proper vegetarian diet with minimal spices/chilies and less oil is advised.

2. Aversion from stress – Instead of taking antidepressants, which can cause suppression of the brain and cause sedation.

3. Carbonated drinks – Consumption of alcohol or any kind of intoxicants is prohibited. Alcohol weakens the nervous system. Whereas carbonated drinks increase urination thereby depleting the body of its essential salts and nutrition.