Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder affecting the brain and the spinal cord manifesting with a variety of neurological symptoms that may be localized and is characterized by exacerbation and remissions.

The most common presenting symptoms are:

• Weakness/numbness of the extremities, trunk on one side of the face (resembling a stroke).
• Clumsiness of the legs or hand
• Visual disturbance such as
• Partial blindness in one eye
• Pain in the eye
• Dimness of vision
• Double vision
• Scotoma
• Gait problems. May walk into walls
• Bladder control problems
• Limb weakness and fatigueability
• Apathy and lack of judgment
• Scanning speech. May signal protracted disease
• Increased deep tendon reflexes
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing
• Mental changes such as mood swing, depression may manifest

The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. It affects women more often than men. Most symptoms begins between 20 and 40 years of age but majority of patients are in their twenties. The course of the disease varied widely and unpredictably. There is no effect of the disease on life span except in very serious cases. For males in the middle ages, the disease can be very progressive and debilitating.

Symptoms of MS can be exacerbated by excessive heat.

Other disease that may mimic multiple sclerosis include:

Treatment:
Mainstream treatment is Steroids Other treatment options are:

• Immunnomodulators e.g. Interferon B and Glatiramer
• Immunosuppressives e.g. Methotrexate, Azothioprine and Cyclophosphamide Physical therapy