Symptoms
Typical for MS is the occurrence of symptoms that last for days to weeks and then disappear completely or partially, possibly to reappear in a different form at a later time. These are described as relapses, and intervals of months to years can pass between the individual relapses. Signs can be tremor, sensory disturbances, visual disturbances in general or with double vision, speech disturbances, but also gait unsteadiness and gait disturbances, dizziness up to arm and leg weakness, disturbances of coordination, bladder function disturbances, and muscle problems such as involuntary muscle contractions and body perception. Sexual function may also be impaired in MS patients (e.g., erectile dysfunction). MS can have an impact on performance, for example, endurance. A special form of rapid fatiguability occurs, known as “MS fatigue”, an excessive physical and mental fatigue that troubles many MS patients.
Symptoms
Causes
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that is currently still incurable. Initially, the disease progresses insidiously and later leads to increasingly burdensome physical disabilities. The exact causes are not yet clearly understood. MS patients have many scattered areas of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which can also scar over the course of the disease. MS is classified as an autoimmune disease: the immune system attacks a substance produced naturally in the body, in this case myelin, which is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Multiple sclerosis usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40 and occurs somewhat more frequently in women.
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Treatment/progression
MS is – at least at present – not curable. However, modern therapies now make it possible to reduce the severity and frequency of inflammatory episodes and thus favorably influence the course of the disease. The drugs used to treat MS serve different purposes: On the one hand, there are substances to treat the acute relapse, usually cortisone. Another group of drugs alter the course of the disease by weakening misdirected immune processes: this is called immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapy. These treatments are designed to slow the progression of disease and disability and reduce the frequency and severity of relapses. Other drugs, such as muscle relaxants or pain relievers, are used to treat specific accompanying symptoms of MS. In addition, physical or occupational therapy should be integrated into the treatment so that body functions remain intact for as long as possible through targeted training. You can find out which treatment is best for you in a special multiple sclerosis consultation.
