MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A CAPRICIOUS DISEASE

The multiple sclerosis is a disease s of the nervous system that reaches adults, young and mostly women. The evolution of this disease causes progressive disability, but it remains unpredictable.

Immunity, viruses and genetics in question

The multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that affects the electrical conduction of nerve fibers in the destruction of their myelin sheath (similar to an electrical wire). The mechanism of destruction of this sheath is immune, as if the body is defended against error by its own constituents. There are strong presumptions that the immune response is triggered by a virus (and even a common virus like the flu). Some people are affected and not others remains a mystery. We know for example that northern populations are more affected than others without being able to say precisely what proportion of genetics and environment.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease capricious

The Multiple Sclerosis affects fairly consistently young adults with a female predominance. The clinical manifestations of the disease, however, are varied.Indeed, all the sensory elements sensory or motor of the body can be affected to varying degrees and in seemingly chaotic time. Found most often:

• Optic nerve damage (decreased visual acuity, double vision ...);
• loss of balance, tremors, lack of coordination;
• physical weakness affecting the legs more often;
• muscle stiffness and spasms that may prevent the march;
• disturbances of skin sensation (feel burning, tingling);
• speech;
• general fatigue;
• urge to urinate;
• powerlessness. This list is not exhaustive and there are many other signs.This allows to suspect MS is the fact that there are neurological in separate territories unconnected and distinct periods by relapses. We can observe a wide variety of cases of varying severity and it is also difficult for a given case to predict what will be its evolution (cure, temporary cure, aggravation, etc..).

What tests?

Examinations to substantiate the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis are threefold.The most important is probably the nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner that allows a better locate areas of injury to the brain and spinal cord.The images are not specific for MS and can be found in other neurological diseases but faced with the history of the disease, patient examination and other tests such as the "evoked potentials", they have great value. The other fundamental review as we have just seen is the examination of evoked potentials. This is measured using electrodes of sensory nerve conduction velocity or sensory. The third review is an analysis by lumbar puncture fluid that bathes the spinal cord.

What are the treatments for multiple sclerosis?

We do not know the cure multiple sclerosis . However, treatment can slow the progression of the disease, preventing relapses and reducing the intensity and duration of symptoms. Many molecules are used to reduce specific symptoms such as muscle stiffness, pain, urinary problems, fatigue, etc..Meanwhile, there are DMARDs. It typically uses injections of corticosteroids to treat flares. Immunosuppressive treatments are also sometimes used more recently immunomodulators such as interferon beta. Very effective, they have the drawback of often accompanied by side effects. The management of multiple sclerosis should be multidisciplinary and include at least a neurologist and medical rehabilitation, in addition to monitoring by the physician.

Conclusion

The multiple sclerosis is still largely an unpredictable disease, but improved diagnostic techniques (MRI with, for example) can increasingly differentiate the different forms of the disease, and to know better. Similarly, treatments that are most effective on relapses, begin to move towards long-term treatment.Progress is real although they seem slow and it is often dangerous to yield to the promise of treatments that would offer to cure or slow the pace of strong surges as much as it is known that the disease may remain naturally dormant for long periods.