Multiple sclerosis is a complex neurologic disease affecting the central nervous system, spinal cord, and vision pathways. Multiple sclerosis is caused by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath of nerve fibers and causing demyelination. This results in scar tissue known as lesions and sclerosis. The condition often causes relapses. Thankfully, there are treatments available, as well as several cures. Multiple sclerosis MS is a degenerative disease caused by damage to the nerve fibres of the central nervous system. Damage to the nerve fibres can result in the slowing down of messages, the dispersion of the signals, or even complete loss of messages. Symptoms vary from person to person. Multiple sclerosis can also lead to remission, a period of less severe symptoms. Despite the severity of this disease, treatment options for this condition are available. MS comes in two different types. The first type is relapsing-remitting, which is the most common form. In this form, patients experience relapses every few months. The second type is known as secondary progressive, which means that symptoms continue to worsen over time and that patients can experience attacks and partial recovery episodes throughout the disease's progression. The progression from RRMS to SPMS is difficult to predict, and it can take years or decades to complete. Drugs that treat MS are currently available, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. For instance, the use of drugs like interferons can reduce relapses and decrease new lesions on an MRI. However, these drugs are not without side effects, such as injection site reactions. The administration of these drugs is also monitored regularly, and the dosages depend on the type of MS a patient has. In addition, patients may also require regular blood tests. Treatments for multiple sclerosis may include drugs, physical therapy, and neurorehabilitation. These treatments are designed to help patients maintain maximum movement, reduce relapses, and slow the disease's progression. Neurorehabilitation and medication can also help patients with specific symptoms, like bladder spasticity. Patients can also participate in various groups online, such as MS Healthline. However, a doctor's advice is essential in managing MS symptoms. Some symptoms of MS include numbness, weakness, and pain in the legs. Additionally, MS can affect the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, and this can cause problems with bowel and bladder function, sexual dysfunction, and muscle coordination. Many MS symptoms increase a person's risk of falling. These falls can lead to injuries and can limit their activity. Further, fear of falling can cause a person to withdraw from physical activities, reducing their quality of life. Risk factors Risk factors for sclerosis are a key component of the disease. Environmental and lifestyle factors may affect disease severity and outcome. These include obesity during adolescence, high consumption of caffeine, and exposure to organic solvents. Increasing awareness of risk factors may help determine if certain lifestyle or environmental factors contribute to sclerosis. A thorough understanding of risk factors may help develop early interventional studies to decrease disability associated with sclerosis after HCT. In a Cox regression analysis, the presence of chronic GVHD-related risk factors increased the likelihood of developing sclerosis in patients with HLA-mismatching, major ABO-mismatch, or a previous acute GVHD. A similar procedure was used to assess risk factors for mortality. Patients who had a history of GVHD were more likely to develop sclerosis after transplantation. Although there is no single cause of MS, researchers believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors increase a person's risk. Environmental factors aren't the sole cause of MS, but they do increase the overall risk. Some people with MS also develop autoimmune diseases, which are another major cause of MS. Nevertheless, researchers are still working to identify additional risk factors that can help individuals manage their disease. Increasingly, people living with MS are living full and productive lives, thanks to new treatment options and changes in their lifestyle and health choices. They also believe that future research could help find ways to prevent the progression of the disease. Low vitamin D and sunlight exposure are considered moderate environmental risk factors for MS. Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing MS, while air pollution and organic solvents have little or no association with MS. While sun exposure and vitamin D levels are the two most important natural sources of vitamin D, the body can get vitamin D from diet and supplements. While MS is not a hereditary disease, the risk of MS is higher in countries far from the equator. Treatments Treatments for sclerosis are aimed at slowing or preventing the progression of the disease and disability. These are guided by new neurologic symptoms and progression of disability, as well as presence of new lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Most treatments target the adaptive immune response system and cause a decrease in relapse rates. These treatments have significant side effects and have not been proven effective in all patients. However, they may have some benefit in certain cases. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Chinese people believe that the energy flowing through their bodies is called chi. Whenever this energy is out of balance, illnesses and pain result. Through acupuncture, a medical professional slides thin needles into certain points along the body's meridians to affect the flow of energy. Because of its positive effects on the energy flow, acupuncture may help people suffering from MS deal with symptoms including fatigue, spasticity, and pain. It also has potential for relieving bladder problems and spasticity. In addition to medication, a doctor may recommend physical therapy, which can help the affected person cope with the effects of multiple sclerosis. Cognitive therapy is an additional option that can improve cognitive functioning. Using techniques that improve mental state, the neuropsychologist can teach a patient to use compensatory strategies. This technique is known as cognitive rehabilitation therapy. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy is essential for people with MS, as it can help them maintain their mobility and live fulfilling lives. One treatment for MS is the use of immunosuppressants called aHSCT, which resets the patient's immune system. These drugs are given to people with relapsing forms of the disease. However, these treatments do have side effects. Therefore, it is imperative to discuss them with your physician and your healthcare team before beginning any medication. For those suffering from relapsing forms of MS, there are several drugs that are effective. Other treatments for MS include acupuncture and herbal therapies. Apart from improving your overall wellbeing, exercise also has many benefits. It improves mobility and boosts your mental state. Relaxation techniques are also effective in managing the symptoms of MS. Various techniques, such as aromatherapy, reflexology and massage, may be effective in easing the pain and discomfort associated with MS. However, it is crucial to choose a suitable treatment option after assessing the severity of your symptoms and understanding the best course of action. Relapses Relapses in sclerosis are frequently associated with changes in the underlying structure of the CNS. Although the underlying mechanisms are still unknown, it is suspected that phenotypic relapses are associated with recurrences in areas of structural CNS damage similar to previous episodes. Generally, areas of demyelination occur within previously remyelinated regions. However, many polygenic factors may influence recurrence of demyelination. Genetic factors may be associated with MS susceptibility, as genes may control myelin or neural growth. Relapses in sclerosis are not always accompanied by any specific underlying cause. Many relapses can be triggered by certain circumstances or triggers. However, some people may be able to predict when a relapse is imminent. While relapses are unpredictable, there are several things a person can do to reduce the chances of recurrences. For example, maintaining general health is important, both physical and mental. Recurrences are much less likely if an individual is in good health. A relapse in MS can be scary, but they will generally settle down by themselves. If the symptoms persist or worsen, contact your health team and discuss whether or not you should start treatment with disease-modifying drugs or switch to another drug. Relapses do not always require treatment, but the time to take medication and monitor your progress is crucial to managing the condition. A relapse in MS can be very stressful, but don't worry. Most relapses insclerosis will subside on their own, with a little patience and attention. While most relapses in sclerosis occur in the first years after diagnosis, the frequency and severity of each relapse are different. One study in the UK found that people with RRMS experienced one relapse every two years. However, some people may go years without experiencing any relapses at all. Relapses in sclerosis are rare in women during pregnancy, but increase after birth. This is thought to be due to changes in hormones. A relapse in sclerosis can occur in either form. 85% of people with MS start with relapses, which are triggered by neuro-inflammation. In primary progressive MS, however, relapses do not occur, and symptoms often improve in this form. Symptoms of MS may be sudden and unpredictable. However, a sudden worsening of symptoms may be a relapse and may be the result of physical or emotional stress.