Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.

Such a process destroys myelin, the fat membrane that covers and protects the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

Myelin can be likened to insulation on electrical wires. When myelin is damaged, the message released during that nerve is stopped or slowly transferred.

Doctors and researchers do not know why MS affects some people and does not occur in others.

A combination of factors, from genetics to childhood infections, plays a role.

multiple sclerosis(MS)

Risk factors of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The following factors increase the risk of developing MS:

Age:

Although MS occurs at any age, it is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Gender:

women are twice as likely as men to get MS.

Heredity:

The risk of MS is higher in people with a family history of the disease.

For example, if one of your parents or siblings has MS, you are 1 to 3 percent more likely to get the disease, while in the general population, this rate is 1.0 percent.

Experience in identical twins has shown that heredity is not the only factor involved in developing MS.

If MS was genetically determined on its own, identical twins had a similar risk, but that’s not what happens in practice.

In fact, if one of the twins has the disease, the chance of contracting the other twin is only 30%.

multiple sclerosis(MS)

Other risk factors are:

Infection:

Species of viruses are associated with MS. Currently, the greatest focus is on the link between MS and Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis (increased monocytes in the blood).

How Epstein-Barr virus increases the risk of developing MS is questionable.

Race:

Whites, especially families with northern European races, are most at risk for MS.

Asians, Africans, and Native Americans have the lowest risk.

Geographical factors:

MS is more common in countries with temperate climates, including Europe, southern Canada, the northern United States, New Zealand, and southern Australia.

The risk of the disease appears to increase exponentially.

A child who has moved from a high-risk area to a low-risk area, or vice versa, will have a higher risk of developing the disease than the new area of ​​residence.

However, if the transfer is after puberty, the risk will be the same as in his or her first place of residence.

Other illnesses:

People with the following autoimmune diseases will have an increased risk of developing MS:

• – Thyroid disease
• – Type 1 diabetes
• – Irritable bowel disease

Complications   

multiple sclerosis(MS)

In some cases, patients with MS have the following complications:

• – Spasm and muscle stiffness
• – Anesthesia and paralysis, usually in the legs
• – Disorders of defecation or urination as well as sexual dysfunction
• – Mental changes such as forgetfulness or lack of concentration
• – Depression
• – Convulsions

Doctor’s Appointment

When you first see your family doctor and explain your symptoms to him, he or she will refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation.

What you can do

Schedule a doctor’s appointment and make a list of the following:

1. – A complete and detailed description of your symptoms
2. – Information about medical problems and illnesses you have had in the past
3. – Information about medical problems and diseases of your parents and siblings
4. – All medications or supplements you take
5. – Ask questions you want to ask your doctor

What to expect from a doctor

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor will examine your neurological health by examining the following factors:

• – Reactions
• – Muscle strength
• – Tonus and muscle strain
• – Adaptation and coordination
• – The balance

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author: Maryam Shiani

SEO editor: Samane Nobakhti