Multiple Sclerosis is a autoimmune disease that primary affects the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). This disease causes the immune system to damage the myelin sheat (protective covering around nerves). This damage to the nerves slows or stops signals forming scar tissue called sclerosis, these areas are also called lesions. When the nerves are damaged the signals from the brain are interrupted. This interrupts causes systems to appear such as:
loss of balance
muscle spasms
problems moving arms and legs
fatigue
vision issues
sexual problems
bladder and bowel problems
problems thinking and feeling
problems with your memory
pain
cognitive and mood changes
Multiple Sclerosis is diagnosed through a series of testing and the McDonald checklist. the testing includes blood work, MRI's, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), and visual evoked potential test. No single test can confirm diagnosis, the diagnosis process includes a combination of testing and ruling out other conditions. There currently is not a cure for MS, but there are treatment plans and medications available to help with sypmtoms and slow down the progession of the disease. Once diagnosed the patient and neurologist will decide on the best treament plan.
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