What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that affects your brain and spinal cord. Specifically, it causes your immune system to attack the lining of your nerves (called the myelin sheath). As the lining of your nerves deteriorates, it causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body.
There’s no way to cure multiple sclerosis, but thanks to advances in medication and therapy, it’s possible to minimize flare-ups and manage symptoms.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Numbness or weakness in your limbs
- Shock-like sensations triggered by specific neck movements
- Lack of coordination
- Abnormal gait
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
As the condition progresses and gets worse, you might also experience a loss of bladder or bowel control.
What causes multiple sclerosis?
Researchers aren’t entirely sure why multiple sclerosis affects some people and not others. Currently, it’s thought that several factors contribute, including environmental factors and genetics.
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
There’s no specific test that can diagnose multiple sclerosis. Instead, Dr. Kar orders several screening procedures that can rule out other medical conditions. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, he might order blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging, an evoked potential test, or a Lumbar Puncture/Spinal Tap.
Blood tests can rule out diseases that present similar symptoms, an MRI can pinpoint multiple sclerosis lesions on your brain or spinal cord, and an evoked potential test records your nervous systems’ response to certain stimuli.
After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Kar can develop a custom treatment plan.
How is multiple sclerosis treated?
There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis, but it’s possible to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. There are a variety of prescription drugs that can reduce the frequency of flare-ups and make it easier to stay mobile.
- Oral Medication like Aubagio and Tecfidera
- Injections like Copaxone
- Infusion like Ocrevus and Tysabri
- Multiple new Medication options that depend on the patient's case
To learn more about the various treatment options for multiple sclerosis, make an appointment at the Neurology Institute of Huntsville by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool today.
