What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic illness that negatively affects your central nervous system. It causes your immune system to attack the myelin sheath, a protective coating that surrounds your nerves. Multiple sclerosis causes communication problems between your brain and body. When left untreated, it can also cause permanent nerve damage and disability.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary and depend on the location of affected nerve fibers. Common indications include:
- Numbness or weakness in one or several limbs
- Electric shock-like sensations that occur with neck movement
- Tremors
- Lack of coordination
- Unsteady gait
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
As multiple sclerosis progresses, you might also experience bowel and bladder problems or sexual dysfunction.
Who is at risk of multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis affects people of all ages, races, and genders, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being between the ages of 20-40
- Being a woman
- Having a family history of MS
- Living in a temperate climate
- Smoking
- Having an autoimmune disease
Vitamin D deficiency may also play a role. People with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to experience multiple sclerosis.
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
No one test can diagnose multiple sclerosis. Instead, at Pain Medicine Inc, Dr. Khan uses several different screening measures to rule out other potential problems.
During your initial consultation, he conducts a physical and neurological exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. Afterward, he orders laboratory tests to check for specific biomarkers. If blood work doesn’t provide enough information, he might recommend a spinal tap or MRI.
A spinal tap involves Dr. Khan taking a small sample of your spinal fluid. He observes the sample under a microscope to look for abnormalities in your antibodies. An MRI takes pictures of your brain, which can reveal MS lesions.
How is multiple sclerosis treated?
There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis, but with early intervention, it’s possible to slow the progression of the disease and better manage your symptoms. In the early stages of treatment, you might benefit from corticosteroid injections or plasma exchange.
If your symptoms get worse, you might benefit from an intrathecal baclofen pump. An intrathecal baclofen pump is an implantable device that releases a medication called baclofen into the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. The medication prevents severe spasticity, improving your mobility and quality of life.
Don’t let multiple sclerosis prevent you from work or other activities. To schedule an appointment at Pain Medicine Inc, call the office or book a consultation online today.
