What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the functioning of your brain and spinal cord. It causes your immune system to attack the protective sheath around your nerves called myelin.
Over time, this prevents your nerves from communicating with your brain and the rest of your body. As the disease progresses, it causes permanent nerve damage, affecting your movement and ability to perform routine tasks.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary from person to person and depend on the amount of damage to the myelin throughout your body. Signs to watch out for include:
- Numbness in one or more limbs
- Weakness that affects one or more limbs
- Electric, shock-like sensations
- Muscle tremors
- Lack of coordination
- Trouble keeping your balance
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
Many people with multiple sclerosis also experience vision problems, including prolonged double vision, blurry vision, and partial or complete vision loss.
Who is at risk of developing multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis affects people of all ages, races, and genders. However, it usually appears between the ages of 16-55 and is more common in people with a family history of the disease.
You’re also more likely to experience multiple sclerosis if you have a medical history of vitamin deficiency, or are living with an autoimmune disease like inflammatory bowel disease or type 1 diabetes.
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
To diagnose multiple sclerosis, Dr. Gupta reviews your medical history, asks you about your symptoms, and conducts a physical and neurological exam. Next, she orders laboratory tests to rule out other potential conditions and an MRI to look for lesions on your brain and spinal cord. Usually, these measures are enough to diagnose MS.
How is multiple sclerosis treated?
Treatment of multiple sclerosis focuses on two specific areas: preventing MS attacks and modifying the progression of the disease. Dr. Gupta’s custom care plan might require you to take prescription medications like corticosteroids, fingolimod, or teriflunomide.
You might also benefit from physical therapy to improve muscle strength and function or medications designed to reduce fatigue and improve walking speed. Usually, Dr. Gupta recommends a combination of several treatments.
If you’re concerned about your risk of multiple sclerosis, schedule an appointment at Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC. Call the office or book online today.
