All about multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease neurological autoimmune central nervous system. In multiple sclerosis, myelin, the sheath that surrounds and protects neurons, is progressively deteriorating. This sheath promotes nerve transmission and acts as a transmitter of information from the brain to the rest of the body. When it is damaged, the sheath slows or even blocks the transmission of this information, which causes inconvenience ... This is called demyelination plates.
What symptoms?
The symptoms of disease gradually manifest themselves. Motor disorders, localized muscle discomfort, leading to weakness in certain movements, tremors, difficulty in controlling certain movements can be alarming signs.
The disease is characterized by a decrease in sensitivity. For example, tingling sensation, numbness in the limbs, sharp and fast pains, an impression of electric shock, spasms, great fatigue ... Visual acuity gradually decreases, it is accompanied by pain eyepieces. Other inconveniences are observed: incontinence, disorders of the balance and the coordination of the gestures ...
Evolution of the disease
Multiple sclerosis occurs in relapses, cyclically, with periods of remission. The plaque heals and partial remyelination occurs at the beginning of the disease. As the evolution of the diseasescarring becomes more difficult and the lesions become irreversible.
Patients should avoid emotional shocks that can trigger a relapse of multiple sclerosis. In other cases, the disease can evolve slowly without remission. In both cases, multiple sclerosis seriously impairs the quality of life of patients.The origin of this disease remains unknown. It is not known whether genetic, climatic or environmental factors play a role in its occurrence.
Who are the people most affected?
Multiple sclerosis affects adults between 20 and 40 years old. Women are twice as likely to be affected by disease. 20% of people with disease have a parent who suffers too.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows an unstoppable and early diagnosis of disease. The neurological lesions are clearly visible and, sooner disease will be supported, the more the body will be sensitive to immuno-modulatory treatments and will be more effective during the inflammatory phase of the disease.
In the critical phase of the diseasethe treatment is also based on corticosteroids.
Today, advances in medical research can give patients hope for new treatments. A bone marrow stem cell transplant can reverse the evolution of the disease. This transplant can only be effective in the first stage of the diseasebefore the lesions become permanent. By taking cells from the bone marrow of patients and transplanting them, the goal of the researchers is to reprogram the immune system so that these new cells do not turn against the nervous system.
Support and psychological follow-up are often required during the first phase of the disease. Follow-up by a neurologist is essential, it will accompany you throughout your disease and suggest a multidisciplinary approach to your treatment (physiotherapy, psychotherapy ...)
Our advice
To live better disease, there are associations including the APF, association of paralyzed France with networks of MS (multiple sclerosis), to help patients to better live their disease and to inform them about the latest advances.
