8 insidious warning signs of multiple sclerosis: a doctor’s opinion

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. Many reasons play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. These are immune mechanisms, latent viruses and genetic predisposition.

Most often, multiple sclerosis develops in people who have lived in temperate regions for the first 15 years. In the Russian Federation, these are the northern, northwestern and western regions of the country. To explain the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of multiple sclerosis, the role of vitamin D content is indicated. The disease most often affects the working population.

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of patients and a rejuvenation of the contingent of people with multiple sclerosis worldwide. The age of onset varies from 15 to 60 years. At the same time, women get sick more often. Some authors believe that this is explained by the differences in the action of sex hormones in representatives of different sexes.

With an increase in temperature (infection, overheating in a sauna or bath), symptoms may temporarily worsen.

If multiple sclerosis is suspected, an MRI of the brain and spinal cord with contrast is prescribed. If the MRI, associated with the clinical manifestations, does not make it possible to diagnose the disease, additional examinations can be prescribed. For example, an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, evoked potential methods or a blood test.

The course of multiple sclerosis is unpredictable. Remissions can last from several months to decades, but it should be borne in mind that multiple sclerosis has a progressive nature, it is characterized by a gradual progression.

Childbirth is one of the reasons for the increased frequency of exacerbations, but multiple sclerosis itself is not an absolute contraindication to pregnancy. In the period of exacerbation, corticosteroids are the main drug for treatment purposes, plasmapheresis can be used.

The use of immunomodulatory therapy can reduce the frequency of exacerbations and delay the onset of disability. Psychotherapy, exercise therapy, and physiotherapy are also used as talk therapy.

The reasons for the deterioration of well-being can be infections, bad habits, prolonged exposure to the sun, overheating, injuries and operations. Unfortunately, there is no specific prevention for multiple sclerosis.