World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2021: Know all about the Condition

World Multiple Sclerosis Day or MS day is observed on the 30th of May every year. This global MS day was first observed in the year 2009 by the MSIF (Multiple Sclerosis International Federation). The goal of multiple sclerosis day is to raise awareness about this complex neurodegenerative illness. MS day also aims to bring together individuals across the globe who struggle with MS and assist them in sustaining their lifelong condition to promote a better quality of life overall.

 

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

 

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative condition when the body’s immune system attacks the outer layer (also known as the myelin sheath) of the brain cells. The destroyed or damaged neurons are no longer able to transmit signals properly in the brain due to damaged myelin sheaths, and some just stop signalling altogether. Since there are numerous damaged tissues that are scarring, the name ‘multiple sclerosis’ was ascribed to this condition. Invariably, damage in the signal’s relay and communication between the other organs in the body and the brain occurs.

Eventually, this results in a loss of control of the functions of the bodily system. Things like speech, vision, hearing, bladder, and bowel movement are impacted, among others. Although multiple sclerosis tends to be a rare occurrence, it can show up in individuals of any age group — from teenagers, and young adults to the elderly. There is also currently no cure for MS. For this reason, it is vital to know more about the efficacious methods to deal with the patients of this disease so it can be managed.

 

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

 

MS can show up in a variety of symptoms, and one of the aims of MS day is to spread awareness about these varieties of symptoms. Individuals with multiple sclerosis could suffer from any of the following:

 

● Numbness in one or more of their limbs. This could typically occur in one side of the individual’s body at a time, and in their legs, it shows up as a lack of coordination or an unsteady gait.

● A sensation like an electric shock arises from movements in the neck, particularly when one bends one’s neck forward.

● Tremors throughout the body.

● Experiencing weakening of one’s muscles due to nerve damage.

● Some individuals might also suffer from bladder problems where they feel the need to urinate or could encounter difficulties when it comes to emptying their bladder.

● Regular muscle spasms and spasticity can be an early sign of MS.

● Experiencing lethargy and fatigue is very common.

● Some individuals might also suffer from constipation which results in bowel incontinence.

● Some individuals experience vision problems which could include double vision or blurred vision, with a partial or total loss of vision being one of the severe outcomes. MS usually affects just one eye first.

● Triggered changes in one’s emotions that are relatively extreme.

● Problems with encoding memories. This can make it difficult for individuals with MS to concentrate, multitask, or learn.

 

Diagnosis of MS

 

While there is no specific test to diagnose MS it can be easily discerned through some techniques detailed below. Doctors tend to diagnose multiple sclerosis by first ruling out other conditions that could be producing similar symptoms. Your doctor will first take a thorough medical exam to assess your condition. This will likely involve the following:

 

● A blood test that can help rule out any other conditions that could have symptoms that are similar to MS.

● Lumbar puncture or Spinal Tap is a simple process that requires a small sample from your spinal canal which will be taken as a lab sample. The sample can reveal any abnormalities in one’s antibodies that can be traced to MS. All the same, this diagnostic assessment tap also helps doctors to rule out other diseases that could have similar symptoms to that of MS.

● Getting an MRI scan can clearly show areas of MS lesions residing in your brain or spinal cord.

● Evoked potential tests can also show any abnormality in the functioning of your nervous system. It enables the recording of the electrical signals that are produced by your nervous system in response to stimuli. The electrodes in these tests measure the speed with which the sensory information travels across your nerve pathways.

 

Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

 

Currently, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, the treatment can significantly slow down the progression of the disease. It can also enable speedier recovery from attacks and tremors and aid in managing other symptoms of MS. Some of the treatment options for MS are:

 

● Corticosteroids: This is a medication prescribed with the goal of reducing nerve inflammation. However, corticosteroids may also show side effects like increased blood pressure, insomnia, and mood swings.

● Plasma Exchange: This is when the liquid portion from the plasma part of your blood is removed and separated from blood cells in your body. The body’s blood cells are instead mixed with albumin (protein solution) and reintroduced into your body. Plasma exchange treatment is an option for people with MS who are showing new and severe symptoms, and whose body has not responded adequately to steroids.

● Mobility and Balance: Physical therapy is essential in managing MS. Working on maintaining mobility and balance as MS progresses is an essential component to managing it. Physical therapy is often prescribed in addition to drugs like dalfampridine.

● Assistive Devices: To deal with tremors, in particular, attaching a weight to the limbs in the form of assistive devices may be recommended so one can reduce their shaking.

● Anticonvulsant or Alcohol Injections: These are injections that are used to help relieve trigeminal neuralgia or ‘nerve pain.’

● Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxants might be prescribed if one experiences painful stiffness or spasms, particularly in their legs.

● Fatigue Medication: Medications to reduce fatigue might be prescribed if the severity of their exhaustion is hampering one’s movement throughout their day.

 

Conclusion

 

There is a lot of stigma associated with multiple sclerosis due to a lack of awareness about how grave this neurodegenerative condition can be. The goal of this World Multiple Sclerosis Day has been to spread knowledge about how this condition shows up, can be diagnosed and managed. If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with MS, ensure you follow the proper protocol to care for yourself or your loved ones.

Apart from the necessary medical care, you also need to ensure financial backing for the same. This where the benefits of health insurance come in. Make sure that you and your family are well-secured with an adequate health insurance cover for illnesses like MS.