Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. In this chronic illness, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin), which is a layer around the nerve fibers. This causes inflammation, scars, and lesions, affecting basic functions like vision, muscle control, and movement. If not treated on time, the symptoms can gradually turn fatal. There’s no cure from this illness, but fortunately, there are treatment options to slow down the disease. Read on to know the symptoms and treatment options of multiple sclerosis.

The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis differ depending on the extent of damage caused.

• Blurred vision
  Vision-related issues are the early signs of multiple sclerosis. The patient may experience blurred vision, partial or complete loss of sight, or green-red color distortion in one or both eyes. Some people also experience pain with movement of the eye due to the inflammation of the optic nerve.
• Muscle weakness
  The inflammation or scars of the nerves can interfere with the signals sent by the brain to the rest of the body, causing muscle weakness and mobility issues.
• Fatigue
  Fatigue is another commonly reported symptom of multiple sclerosis. However, in this case, the fatigue can be pretty intense.
• Tingling sensation
  This symptom causes the sensation of needles pressed against the body, and in some cases, the patient experiences numbness. For most people, it starts with the limbs and gradually moves to the face and other parts of the body.
• Lhermitte’s sign
  On movement, especially when bending the neck forward, the patient feels a sensation similar to an electric shock in the neck. This condition is also known as Lhermitte’s sign.
• Impaired mobility
  Due to muscle weakness and lack of coordination, the patient may experience problems with balancing, which interferes with basic body movements. This illness also causes tremors, dizziness, and vertigo.
• Bladder and bowel problems
  The patient may feel the constant urge to urinate and may find it difficult to empty their bladder entirely. There’s also a high risk of urinary tract infection. Loss of bladder control and inconsistent bowel movement are common signs of multiple sclerosis.
• Sexual dysfunction
  Men and women both face this symptom when suffering from multiple sclerosis.
• Muscle spasm
  This is an early sign of multiple sclerosis that usually affects the legs, where inflamed nerves cause muscle spasms.
• Impact on emotions and behavioral changes
  Since the disease is related to the brain, it inevitably has an impact on the emotions, perspective, memory, concentration, and thinking capabilities of the patient. Also, it’s common for patients to face speech disorders.

These symptoms can have a major impact on a person’s work and social life. If diagnosed at an early stage, the treatment could potentially slow down the symptoms and the damage caused to the nerves.

Treatment options for multiple sclerosis

• Steroids and disease-modifying medications
  Steroids like oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone help manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Whereas disease-modifying medications help strengthen the immune system.
• Plasmapheresis
  This is a plasma exchange treatment that is only prescribed when steroids don’t work for the patient. The treatment helps manage intense attacks and relapses.
• Deep brain stimulation
  This treatment for multiple sclerosis involves shutting off the affected part of the brain using electrical shocks to prevent the progression of nerve damage.
• Physical therapy
  Physical movement and exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist help improve mobility and manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis.