The disease mainly affects women between 20 and 40 years; The treatment consists in mitigating symptoms
THE Multiple sclerosis It is a neurological, chronic and autoimmune disease, in which body defense cells attack the central nervous system itself, causing brain lesions and spinal cord. The disease reaches at least 40,000 Brazilians and can compromise visual, sensitive, engines and coordination systems.
According to the Brazilian association of multiple sclerosis (Abem), it has no care and treatment consists in mitigating symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease, which usually affects young adults, in particular women between 20 and 40 years – this week, Carol Ribeiro model, 45 years old, revealed that she lives with the disease.
“I thought I was going crazy,” he said carolwho at the beginning thought it was the arrival of menopause.
Why does the disease manifest itself?
According to Abem, the loss of myelin, a substance that contributes to the conduct of the nerve signals between the neurons, leads to interference in the transmission of electrical impulses and this produces the various symptoms of the disease.
With demyelinization, there is an inflammatory process that culminates in the accumulation of neurological disabilities. The inflammation points evolve to the formation of scars in the central nervous system (sclerosis means scar).
How is the diagnosis made?
There are no specific exams for multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis depends on the exclusion of other pathologies that can produce similar signs and symptoms.
In its evaluation, the neurologist will take into account the criteria as multiple injuries of the central nervous system and will require exams such as the magnetic resonance imaging of the skull.
What are the most common symptoms?
THE Multiple sclerosis It can manifest itself for various symptoms, depending on the brain region concerned. Some more frequent events are:
Fatigue – intense and momentarily disabling tiredness;
Speechless changes – dragged words, trembling voice, alteration of the voice or difficulty swallowing;
Visual disorders – blurred or double vision vision;
Balance and coordination problems – loss of balance, instability during the walk and the lack of coordination;
Spasticity – rigidity of a member during movement;
Cognitive disorders – difficulty in memorizing and performing tasks;
Emotional disorders – symptoms of depression and anxiety;
Sexuality – Erectile dysfunction in men and reduction of vaginal lubrication in women.
How is the treatment?
According to Abem, the pharmacological treatments available for the disease try to reduce inflammatory activity and outbreaks over the years, contributing to the reduction of the accumulation of disability during the patient’s life.
In the case of Carol, for example, there has been a great improvement since the beginning of the follow -up. “After starting the treatment, I don’t feel anything anymore, it’s as if the disease no longer existed,” he said.
In addition to neurorealing therapies, there are support therapies that can help in the patient’s treatment, increasing the quality of life. These include psychiatric and urologists who follow -Up./Renata Okumura collaborated
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
