Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis represents a disorder of the central nervous system and implies the interruption of the communication between the brain and the other parts of the body. It is a chronic, unpredictable and autoimmune disease that evolves from an initial benign state to a disabling and devastating condition. The assumption of auto immunity – process that implies the attack of the immune system against the body's own healthy tissues as if they were damaging external agents – comes from the assault of the organism over the nerve – insulating myelin.

This terrible disease attacks over one million people around the world and it two times more frequent in women than in men. The majority of people are affected between the ages between 20 and 40 by the symptoms. The first symptom is represented by blurred or double vision, the distortion of red and green color or in some cases blindness of one eye may occur. Then, the extremities of the muscles are weakened, which generates muscular coordination and balance problems. For the affected people, both motion and standing become real problems. The most severe situations imply partial or complete paralysis.

Other possible symptoms may be represented by paresthesias, sensorial abnormalities such as prickling, numbness, difficulties of speech, tremors, dizziness, hearing loss or even pain and depression.

50% of the affected people also face cognitive disturbance as a hard time to focus, to pay attention, to remember things. These symptoms are usually neglected because they are rarely severe.

Multiple sclerosis implies an incorrect attack of the antibodies and leucocytes against the proteins contained in the myelin sheath that goes around the brain and spinal cord. This attack generates inflammation of the sheath and in time, of the nerves and it results in multiple scaring surfaces (sclerosis). The harm is enormous: the signals emitted by the brain to control the muscle strength, sensations and visions are now slow or blocked.

The proper time to address a doctor

The first symptoms of MS are not specific signs and may also indicate other diseases. Such symptoms are persisting double visions, loss of balance, visual loss, numbness and tingling of the limbs and other parts of the body. These signs mustn't be neglected. A doctor can detect the presence of MS.