HOW DOES MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AFFECT BRAIN

HOW DOES MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AFFECT BRAIN

INTRODUCTION

This disease mainly affects the Central Nervous System. In multiple sclerosis our immune system starts destroying our protective sheath called myelin that covers nerve fibers. Our nerve fibers in brain and spinal cord are protected by a fatty substance which is called Myelin. Multiple sclerosis can be diagnosed at the age of 20 to 50 years and it is mostly seen in women. In this problem, the electrical impulses do not travel to the target nerve, due to which message is not transmitted from the brain to the muscles.

Figure 1Central Nervous System

DEFINITION Multiple sclerosis is a long-lasting disease that can affect our spinal cord, brain and the optic nerves in eyes. It can cause problems with vision, muscle control, balance, and other basic body functions.

Figure 2 Multiple sclerosis

TYPES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Multiple Sclerosis can be 1. CIS It is the first episode of signs and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis that lasts for at least 24 hours.

2. SPMS It is the second stage which starts after initiation of disease.

3. RRMS It is the most common stage. In this stage person starts getting attack.

4. PPMS It is the worst stage, when symptoms get worsen.

CAUSES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS – Exact cause of this disease is not known, but it is said that it is an autoimmune disease in which body’s immune system attack its own tissues and destroys the myelin sheath. Our nerve fibers in brain and spinal cord are protected by a fatty substance which is called Myelin. In this problem, the electrical impulses do not travel to the target nerve, due to which message is not transmitted from the brain to the muscles.

SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Symptoms may vary from person to person. They can be – • • • • • • • • • • •

Numbness or weakness occurs in one or both limbs especially on one side of the body at a time, may involve legs or trunk Electric shock sensations occurs during certain movement like bending of neck Tremors along with lack of coordination and gait becomes unsteady Partial or complete loss of vision at a time which may be painful during eye movement Blurred vision Prolonged double vision Fatigue Dizziness Slurred speech Tingling sensations or pain in the body parts Sexual, bowel and bladder function problems

RISK FACTORS There can be various risk factors 1. Age It can occur at any age but mainly affect the people with age group between 20 to 50 years of age.

2. Sex Women are at 2 to 3 times at higher risk to develop this disease.

3. Family history Family history often plays very crucial role in developing this disease. If one or both parents are suffering from this disease then chances of development of this disease increases.

4. Smoking Smokers are at higher risk of developing this disease.

5. Certain auto immune diseases Persons with certain auto immune

diseases like Diabetes, Thyroid disease and inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk of developing this disease.

6. Certain Infections Certain infections make a person more prone to develop this disease like Infectious Mononucleosis or Epstein Barr virus infection.

7. Vitamin-D It is said that low exposure to sunlight resulting in low levels of Vitamin –D leads to development of this disease.

8. Race It is said that white people are at higher risk of developing this disease.

DIAGNOSIS Often there are no specific tests to diagnose this disease. But your Doctor may ask about your medical history along he can do your physical examination. Diagnosis includes – 1. Blood tests Done to check for specific biomarkers associated with this

disease but this is still under trial.

2. Spinal tab (Lumbar Puncture) – In this test small amount of spinal fluid is removed from spinal canal and its laboratory analysis is done. This test is used to rule any abnormalities in the antibodies associated with MS, any infection.

3. MRI Scan In this test you will receive the injection of a contrast material to highlight lesions, lesions that get highlighted indicates the active disease at that site. It can spot areas of MS lesions in our Brain and Spinal cord.

About the Author Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurveda) is CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda and Krishna Herbal Company. Author of Book - Ayurveda - God's Manual for Healing (Must read for people interested in learning basics of Ayurveda, diet and principles of healing according to Ayurveda).