Five shocking facts about Multiple Sclerosis

In MS, the myelin is attacked by the immune system.  The myelin is the protective sheaths that covers the nerve fibres disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest the body. MS can finally lead to permanent damage of the nerves. The area of the spine or brain that gets affected exhibits the symptoms in the corresponding part of the body.

It is more prevalent in Women than men.

There are remission episodes (when the symptoms are subdued or completely absent) that can last for time periods ranging from two weeks to years.

The symptoms and their severity will vary from person to person, and will basically depend on the nerve damage – which nerve is affected and extent of damage. Any part of the body can lose functionality as a result of the nerve damage.

As such, there is no cure for MS. It can be managed and the patient can be assisted to recover after each attack.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis – shocking but true!

The exact causes are not know but the attributing factors that cause MS can be

• Environment
• Genetics
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Excessive salt intake
• Epstein-Barr virus

Symptoms

The condition affects different parts of the body as it progresses. Therefore the symptoms will surface as per the progression.

The symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Tingling sensation
• Weakness
• Vision changes
• Paralysis
• Vertigo (the person is susceptible to the risk of falls)
• Lack of coordination of limbs (disability to function normally, for example, the person has difficulty walking)
• Muscle spasms and/or involuntary muscle contractions that are painful
• Urinary incontinence
• Sexual dysfunction
• Heat intolerance
• Slurred speech
• Sharp, electrical like pain that occurs in the spine with neck flexion (Lhermitte sign)
• Mental status changes

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

The types of MS are mainly based on the remission episodes’ intensity/ absence or presence.

• Relapsing: Remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common form of MS. Remission may last for weeks to years.

There are two subgroups in RRMS, a subgroup termed clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) consisting of a single episode of neurologic symptoms, and subgroup termed benign MS, consisting of MS with almost complete remission between relapses and little if any accumulation of physical disability over time.

• Secondary: In progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) exacerbations don’t fully resolve during remission.
• Primary: Progressive primary multiple sclerosis (PPMS) progresses over time without episodes of remission.
• Progressive: In relapsing multiple sclerosis (PRMS) patients experience increasing symptoms over time and intermittent episodes of remission.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Once there is the onset of Multiple Sclerosis, the fact is that there is no cure. The disease can be managed and the recovery from the remissions can be aided by specialists. The patient needs to  be counselled and advised about how the lifestyle changes can help to relieve or play down the symptoms. The following can be of help.

• Taking ample rest

MS can leave the patient tired after every episode. Taking lots of rest and relaxing will make a huge difference for the patient.

• Exercise regularly

Exercising regularly is always beneficial and will promote good health. Exercising can be done by mild MS and moderate MS  patients. They will benefit from enhanced strength, better muscle tone, improved balance and co-ordination. Aerobics, walking, stretching can be practised.

• Keep your body temperature at normal level or cooler

If the body temperature rises, the severity of the symptoms will be high. It is advisable to take efforts to maintain normal body temperature by avoiding going out in hot weather and other types of exposure to heat.

• Have a balanced and healthy diet

Eating healthy food always boosts our overall health and well-being. Recent studies suggest avoiding foods rich in omega-3. Vitamin D rich foods( dairy products, egg yolk, soya milk, orange juice, cereals) will be also beneficial for MS patients.

• Keep stress levels low

Higher levels of stress cause a lot of harm to the body. MS symptoms can become worse as well when patient is stressed. Keeping the stress level low will be beneficial. Yoga, meditation, reiki, tai-chi will help.

We at AVN offer effective treatment  help the patient in dealing with Multiple Sclerosis and live a happy life. Our expert physicians and counsellors  play a major role advising the patients and keeping them motivated and hopeful.

Our teams advises the patient the following

• To maintain the normal routine of daily activities
• To stay connected to all near and dear ones – for moral support
• To continue to be passionate about one’s hobbies and pursue  all that is enjoyable and possible to do
• To trust and openly discuss the fears and concerns about Multiple Sclerosis and how to manage it

We at AVN have experts who will treat in a holistic Ayurveda way.

Come, benefit from our experience of 85 years!

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