MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple Sclerosis may be incurable but early diagnosis helps manage the disease’s progress and assure the patient good quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the brain and spinal 

cord marked by loss of balance, vision loss, weakness of limbs, 

and bladder dysfunction among other symptoms. However, it 

often goes undiagnosed, leading to delay in treatment. It 

affects women more than men. The disorder is commonly 

diagnosed between 20 and 40 years but can be seen at any 

age.

MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective 

covering that surrounds nerve cells. Due to damage in the 

nerve layer, transmission of signals from the brain and spinal 

cord is affected.

Misconceptions

Due to certain myths and misconceptions, many people do 

not come out in the open to get themselves diagnosed and 

treated. Multiple Sclerosis is stereotypically believed to be a 

disease that is fatal, contagious, genetic, that can’t be treated, 

and that every patient ends up in a wheelchair.

According to research, most people with MS have a normal 

life expectancy and it is not contagious or infectious. As for 

the fear of ending up in a wheelchair, most MS patients do not 

require a wheelchair if diagnosed early. At the same time, the 

use of mobility devices is just a way of providing 

independence and relief from fatigue and other symptoms. 

The fear of MS being a genetic disease can easily be explained 

by the fact that, even though people with relatives who have 

MS have a slightly higher chance of getting it, there is no 

genetic certainty.

The last decade has seen the development of disease-

modifying therapies (DMTs) to treat MS. These therapies 

directly affect the underlying process in relapsing-remitting 

MS. The physician will determine the best DMT course 

depending upon various factors. An accurate diagnosis of 

multiple sclerosis is based on the combination of clinical 

features, cerebrospinal MR imaging, neuro-physiological and 

laboratory tests.

Therapy matters

MS may be a chronic debilitating disease but it can be 

managed with proper care. Alternative therapies such as 

physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy 

help manage the symptoms.

While researchers are working to develop new treatments for 

different stages of MS, several other forms of treatments are 

being undertaken. The problem, though, is that these are 

untested and cannot be recommended safely. Take stem cell 

treatment, for example. It may be a reality in the future but 

is now used only for research. Even though technologically 

advanced, stem cell treatments pose the threat of 

uncontrollable growth in the stem cells leading to tumours.

Need for awareness

As a result these treatments may be said to take undue 

advantage of the patient’s desperation. Also what is needed is 

much higher awareness among patients about these 

treatments.

MS is largely incurable; but there are several ways of 

improving the patients’ life. In case of MS, the patients must 

avoid stress at any cost. Other factors that can worsen 

symptoms include over exposure to sun and steam baths. 

Increased body temperature can temporarily make the 

symptoms worse by causing the nerves affected by MS to 

function even more poorly.

Many patients with MS understand these arguments but still 

insist on going ahead with banned or non-viable procedures 

like “liberation therapy” and “stem cell therapy”. They can 

hardly be blamed as they fear ongoing loss of function and 

premature death.

Leading a healthy lifestyle and paying heed to the suggestions 

of experts is recommended. Health decisions should not be 

based on hope and desperation but should be rational and 

practical.

Symptoms

Muscular: Unable to balance, numbness or tingling or pain 

in any part of the body, unable to move arms/legs properly 

or coordinate movement,  muscular spasms, tremor or 

weakness in limbs.

Bowel and bladder: Constipation, inability to control 

bowels, difficulty urinating or frequent need/strong urge to 

urinate.

Eye: Uncontrollable rapid eye movement, double vision, 

discomfort, and vision loss.

Sexual: Decreased sexual drive, problem with erections, 

ejaculation or vaginal lubrication.