What Is Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders are diseases in which the body's immune system misinterprets a normal structure or function of a person's body as an alien object and begins to attack it, causing the disease. Other autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
The name multiple sclerosis refers to the multiple scars (or scleroses) on the myelin sheaths. Multiple sclerosis is difficult to diagnose in its early stages. In 1996 the United States National Multiple Sclerosis Society standardized the following four subtype definitions:
Relapsing-remitting
Relapsing-remitting describes the initial course of 85% to 90% of individuals with MS. This subtype is characterized by unpredictable attacks (relapses) followed by periods of months to years of relative quiet (remission) with no new signs of disease activity. Deficits suffered during the attacks may either resolve or may be permanent. When deficits always resolve between attacks, this is referred to as "benign" MS.

Symptoms
There are many symptoms associated with MS which occur to a greater or lesser degree these symptoms can include:
1) Blurring or Double Vision
2) Patches of Body Numbness
3) General Weakness (usually one side of body)
4) Muscle Spasms
5) Fatigue
6) 'Pins and Needles' in extremities
7) Loss of Balance and Coordination
8) Cognitive (ability to think) difficulties
9) Overall Sensitivity to Extreme Heat or Cold
10) Loss of Sensation in Affected Extremity
Advanced Symptoms include:
1) Speech difficulty
2) Loss of Sexual Desire/function
3) Paralysis

Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease that attacks the body's central nervous system. These can lead to a number of physical and neurological symptoms that can be debilitating and frightening to the patient. While there is not yet a cure, significant advances have been made in multiple sclerosis treatment.
There are several Tests for Multiple Sclerosis. No 2 people experience the same symptoms, nor do they share the exact same test results. The Tests for MS include:
1) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the Brain and Spine
2) Spinal Tap
3) Sed Rate (Lab work to show Inflammation)
4) Nerve Conduction tests (Done in your Neurologists' Office)
Your History of symptoms and Physical exam are also considered. You will be checked for strength, coordination, response to stimuli and how you walk.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed you will be set up for a personalized treatment plan. Physical Therapy helps keep your muscles from atrophy (shrinkage) and stiffness. Steroid infusions help with inflammation from the damaged nerves. There is new medication that helps to stabilize your symptoms. You won't get better, but the progression is reduced.