Multiple sclerosis is a serious ailment of the spinal cord and the brain. In this condition, the immune system attacks the protective sheath, which is known as myelin and results in communication-related issues between the rest of your body and your brain. This illness leads to lesions, or inflammation, and scar tissue due to which the brain finds it difficult to send signs to your other body parts.

Possible causes

Here are a few potential causes of multiple sclerosis:

• Infection
  As per medical research, viruses and bacteria may result in the occurrence of multiple sclerosis. Viruses lead to inflammation and disintegration of myelin. Therefore, probably a virus can lead to this condition. Moreover, viruses or bacteria, which have components that are similar to the cells of the brain, erroneously see the normal brain cells as foreign and hamper them. Researchers are investigating viruses and bacteria, like Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus-6, and measles virus, to determine if they result in this ailment.
• Environment
  Epidemiologists have witnessed a rise in the cases of multiple sclerosis in nations, which are located far from the equator. Due to this connection, some epidemiologists are of the view that vitamin D may be a key factor. Vitamin D is beneficial for the functioning of the immune system. People who reside close to the equator have more exposure to the sun. So, their bodies generate more vitamin D.
• Genetics
  The chances of getting multiple sclerosis are more if your sibling or parent has this condition. As per the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, if a sibling or parent has this illness, the probability of you getting multiple sclerosis is anywhere between 2.5 to 5 percent in the US.
• Immune system
  In multiple sclerosis, the immune system does not function properly and damages the central nervous system. Here, the myelin is impacted. Scientists are researching which immune cells lead to this attack.

Signs

• Cognitive issues
  Approximately 50 percent of multiple sclerosis patients develop cognitive problems, which may include difficulty in being organized, language-related issues, a short span of attention, and problems with memory.
• Vision-related problems
  In multiple sclerosis, you may notice inflammation that impacts the optic nerve and curbs the central vision. This can result in the loss of eyesight, double vision, or blurred eyesight.
• Tingling and numbness
  A feeling of tingling and numbness on the fingers, legs, arms, and face are common indications of multiple sclerosis.
• Dizziness and balance-related issues
  Problems with balance and coordination as well as dizziness can reduce your mobility if you have multiple sclerosis.
• Spasms and muscle stiffness
  Involuntary muscle spasms, stiff joints or muscles, and severe pain in the legs and back are indications of multiple sclerosis.
• Weakness and fatigue
  Incomprehensible weakness and fatigue are evident in about nearly 80 percent of patients in the initial phase of multiple sclerosis.

Treatment options

Medications

Some disease-modifying medications that you can consider taking after consulting with your doctor include Ocrevus, Natalizumab, Novantrone, Lemtrada, Aubagio, Mayzent, Zeposia, Bafiertam, Vumerity, Tecfidera, Mavenclad, Glatiramer, and Beta interferons.

Natural remedies

• Occupational therapy
  The objective over here is to simplify how to do daily tasks, like get dressed, using the toilet, bathing, eating, cooking, and writing.
• Physical therapy
  The therapist will guide you on ideas to avert falls, exercises to keep muscles strong and improve balance, range-of-motion activities such as bending legs and arms, and stretches to ease muscle spasms.
• Recreational therapy
  Here, a recreational therapist will help you participate in activities that you enjoy, like yoga, swimming, and golf, in a manner that your multiple sclerosis symptoms do not come in your way.

Diet

• Foods to eat
  You can consider eating foods like brown rice, whole grain, legumes, nuts and seeds, vegetables and fruits, kefir, kimchi, and yogurt.
• Foods to avoid
  Refrain from consuming processed foods, fried foods, red meat, low-fiber foods, and sugar-sweetened drinks.