A Look at Multiple Sclerosis
According to NorthShore University HealthSystem, multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by damage to the outer nerve cells and fibers that lie on the spinal cord. Over time, this damage results in decreased nerve functioning, and may lead to a variety of symptoms.
Some symptoms of multiple sclerosis include blurred vision, muscle weakness, problems with posture, numbness, problems swallowing and stuttering. However, there are many different symptoms of this disease.
Multiple sclerosis is usually detected through an MRI scan. There are currently three main categories of treatment: corticosteroids, immune-modulating medications and different drugs. Acute exacerbations, or symptom relapses are treated with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents called corticosteroids. Immuno-modulating medications are used to treat and manage long-term multiple sclerosis. Lastly, different drugs are used to treat common symptoms of multiple sclerosis, like bladder problems, pain or tingling.
