Question

Explain Treatments and Medications for multiple Sclerosis? Explain multiple Sclerosis?

Answer 1

Multiple sclerosis

Definition of MS: It is a disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord wherein the immune system attacks the protective sheeth(myelin) that covers the nerve fibers and cause communication problems between brain and rest of the body.

Causes:

1. The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown.
2. It is considered as an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system attacks its own tissues.
3. A combination of genetic and environmental factors are also responsible.

Symptoms:

1. Tingling or pain in parts of the body.
2. Prolonged double vision.
3. Electric shock sensation that occure with certain neck movements.
4. Tremor, lack of co-ordination.
5. Fatigure
6. Slurred speech
7. Dizziness
8. Problem with bowel and bladder function.

Risk Factors:

1. Age: Mostly occur in the age group of 15 -60 years.
2. Gender: Women are more affected than men.
3. Family History: If parents or immediate siblings have multiple sclerosis, then chances of getting the disease is high.
4. Certain autoimmune disease: The chance of this disease is high if the individual has thyroid problem, Type 1 diabetic or inflamatory bowel disease.
5. Smoking:People who smoke has high chance of getting this disease.

Complications:

1. Paralysis
2. Muscle stiffness
3. Problem with bowel or bladder
4. Mental changes
5. Depression
6. Epilepsy

Diagnostic investigations:

1. Blood tests:Tests to check certain biomarkers help in identifying the disease.
2. Lumbar puncture: Here a small sample of fluid is removed from spinal cord for lab analysis. This sample can show antibodies that are assosiated with the disease.
3. MRI: This investigation can reveal lesions in brain and spinal cord.
4. Evoked Potential tests: This records the electrical signals produced by nervous system in response to stimuli. Electrodes measure how fast the information moves through the nerve pathways.

Treatments:

There is no permanent cure from this disease. But a speedy recovery from the recurrent attacks can be prevented.

1. Corticosteroids such as oral prednisolone or intravenous methylprednisolone can reduce nerve inflamation.

2. Plasma Exchange(Plasmapheresis): A part of the blood (plasma) is removed and separated from blood cells. These body cells are then mixed with protien solution (albumin) and put back into body.

3. Muscle Relaxants: Muscle Relaxants such as baclofen and tizanidine can relieve the muscle pain.

4. Physical Theraphy: This exercises help in strengthening the muscles.

Home Remedies:

1. Adequate amount of rest is required.
2. Exercise: Mild and regular exercises can improve muscle strength, muscle tone, balance and co-ordination.
3. Cool down: Avoid exposure to high temperature.
4. Eat a balanced diet.
5. Relieve stress: Stress can trigger symptoms. Hence deep breathing exercise, meditation etc can relieve stress.