Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, chronic disease of the Central Nervous System that destroys the covering around the nerve fibers. In multiple Sclerosis messages that are transmitted from brain and spinal cord are slowed, distorted or blocked completely due to damage to the nerve tissue.
Symptoms and Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis
There are no specific tests that will straight away help in diagnosing multiple sclerosis, following are some common symptoms of MS.
- Numbness and weakness of limbs.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Eye trouble.
- Loss of balance and co-ordination.
- Loss of bladder-control and speech difficulties are the common initial symptoms.
- The patient may experience one, many or all the symptoms.
Causes of Multiple Sclerosis
Viral attack, where viruses enter the body and multiply rapidly inside the body cells; The backfire of the in-built defense system called auto-immune reaction (in which the body attacks its own tissues) and combination of both viruses and immune reaction are the 3 main factors. Mental distress, exposure to cold climate and actual lesion of the Central Nervous System are causes that promote the disease.
- Epidemiological studies suggest a genetic susceptibility and environment are important in the causation of multiple sclerosis.
- Although there is no single specific genetic linkage, a significant association of multiple sclerosis with HLA-A3, HLA-B7 and especially HLA-DW2 has been demonstrated in Caucasians.
- It has been suggested that the exogenous agent responsible for multiple sclerosis may be a viral agent and that exposure to this agent occurs easily in life i.e. below age of 15yrs.
- The manifestation of multiple sclerosis appear several years later and take a chronic course with remission and relapses like that in Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease.
- However, there is as yet no confirmed isolation or transmission of virus from multiple sclerosis material.
- Immunological mechanisms have been suggested by presence of lymphocytic infiltrates in central nervous system, abnormalities of immunoglobulin synthesis and cellular immune response in patients and association with cellular HLA types.
- The process may be triggered by a micro-organism such as a virus, which mimics the structure of self antigens.
- Viral antigens processed and presented to T cells by macrophages in association with HLA molecules result in proliferation and activation of T cells.
- Those activated T cells “home” into the brain, crossing the blood brain barrier with aid of enzymes and cytokines.
- These cytokines cause destruction of the myelin sheath.
- Cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis if found to have increased content of antibody which is produced by only a few clones of cells.
- Understanding immuno-pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis has led to development of specific therapies aimed at intervening at different points in autoimmune process.
Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
- There is no diagnostic test for multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis depends clinically on the demonstration of lesions occurring at different times and at different sites in the central nervous system. Sometimes the occurrence of multiple lesions may not be apparent clinically but delayed evoke potentials after visual, auditory or somato-sensory stimulation may indicate the presence of earlier lesions.
- Electro-physiological tests such as recording of cortical evoked responses from visual, auditory and somato-sensory stimulation have been useful in the demonstration of clinically silent lesions.
- Abnormal latency of visual evoked potentials is a frequent finding.
- There is no specific test which will confirm the diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows slight elevation of protein in about 40% of patients.
- Usually it is less than 0.6g/l and occasionally up to 1.0g/l.
- Mild increase in white cell count is seen in 25-30% of patients.
- A raised proportion of gamma globulin protein is present in approximately 70% of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.
- The globulin fraction is elevated in significant proportion.
- Oligoconal IgG bands can be demonstrated in over 90% of patients but they are also found in other diseases.
Imaging for Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
- The sensitivity of MRI in multiple sclerosis is superior to that of CT-scan. Lesions typical of multiple sclerosis; seen best on T-2 weighted MRI images, are circumscribed, mainly peri-ventricular plaques and involvement of corpus callosum.
- Proton-weighted images demonstrate brain stem and cerebella lesions better.
- Serial MRI studies using gadolinium enhancement have shown that MRI detects numerous asymptomatic lesions.
- The lesions seen on MRI are however not specific for multiple sclerosis.
- MRI has provided an important tool for assessment of progression of disease and therapeutic evaluation.
In some cases the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis has to be achieved by a process of exclusion. It is important in all patients to eliminate potentially curable conditions such as syphilis, vitamin B12 deficiency and spinal cord compression.
Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
- Follow a juice fast for 3-5 days. Administer warm water enema. Then adopt a lacto-vegetarian diet.
- Raw fresh unsalted butter, homemade cottage cheese and soured milk and unfiltered honey are beneficial.
- Cabbage, carrot, cucumber, radish, tomato and red beet, all fruits and berries and liquid whey have special value in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
- Vitamin supplement is of vital importance. Large doses of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B6 and Vitamin F and Vitamin E can be used successfully.
- Avoid overwork and fatigue.
- Massage for MS: Massage the weakened muscles and set the joints through normal range of motion everyday.
- Hot baths, hot mineral baths, cold showers in the morning and evening, swimming and exercises are other useful measures.
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My fiancée is 30 and has MS (Multiple Sclerosis). He is having a attack for a couple days and he is feeling numb in hands, can not walk straight and has slurry words. We are just trying to find some home remedies for Multiple Sclerosis. Any extra advice would be helpful.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease; it affects the brain and spinal cord. Here it damages the myelin sheath; it is the material that protects the nerve cells. The damage results in discontinuity between the brain and the body resulting into following symptoms viz: thinking and memory loss, visual disturbance, difficulty in walking, standing erect. Sensation of muscles weaknesses.
The home remedies which contains rich source of vitamins, minerals should be consumed. Like Soya milk. Barley water, carrots and spinach raw and sprouted seeds brown rice, milk and home made cheese. Regular moderate exercise is also helpful.
Multiple sclerosis is a nervous system disorder affecting the brain and the spinal cord. It causes damage to the myelin sheath, (material that envelops and protects the nerve cells). As a result, messages between the brain and the body become slow or are blocked.
The exact cause is not yet known.
It could be an autoimmune disease, i.e. the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and organs.
Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men.
There is no specific cure. But, certain medicines slow down and help control the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy help.
How to prevent MS
Research has shown that a high intake of vitamin D lowers the incidence of MS. Several studies have demonstrated that MS patients tend to be deficient in vitamin D.
A diet rich in saturated fats is a contributing cause. thus reduce the intake of margarine, ghee, and trans fats.
Step the intake of cold water fish – salmon, mackerel, and herring.
Could you detail the exact symptoms or clinical manifestations that your son in law is suffering from?
Common features of multiples sclerosis include: fatigue / weakness, dizziness, tingling numbness in the hands and feet, heat sensitivity, tremors (convulsions), visual impairment, nystagmus, reduced perception of pain, bladder impairment, and depression.
What exactly are his eye and leg symptoms? Is he on to any medications or therapy?
Management of multiple sclerosis
- Mild spasticity of the limbs can be managed by regular stretching exercises and certain specialized programs such as water therapy. Yoga asanas are highly beneficial and help prevent further deterioration of the disorder. Yoga improves flexibility of the limbs and prevents stiffness. Physical therapy or physiotherapy on a regular basis is essential. Medication is indicated in case of extreme stiffness, spasms, or clonus, especially, when it interferes with normal functioning or sleep. Anti-convulsants are advocated by physicians.
- A visit to the ophthalmologist is recommended to diagnose the condition / disorder and start the appropriate therapy and medication.