What Are The Different Stages Of Ms – Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. Symptoms can range from muscle weakness to vision loss. They worsen during flare-ups and improve during periods of remission.
Some people have mild symptoms such as blurred vision and numbness and tingling in the limbs. In severe cases, a person may experience paralysis, loss of vision and mobility problems. However, this is not normal.
What Are The Different Stages Of Ms
It is difficult to know how many people have MS. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS),
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It is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). When a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks healthy tissue, which can attack viruses or bacteria.
In the case of MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, causing inflammation. Myelin allows nerves to conduct electrical signals quickly and efficiently.
If the myelin sheath disappears or is damaged in multiple areas, it leaves a scar or sclerosis. Doctors also call these areas plaques or sores. They mainly affect:
And as injuries develop, nerve fibers can be broken or damaged. As a result, electrical impulses from the brain do not flow easily to the target nerve. This means that the body cannot perform certain functions.
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It is a single, first episode, with symptoms lasting at least 24 hours. If another episode occurs later, a doctor may diagnose relapsing-remitting MS.
This is the most common form. 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS. RRMS consists of episodes of new or worsening symptoms followed by periods of remission in which symptoms partially or completely disappear.
Symptoms gradually worsen without initial relapse or remission. Some people may experience periods of stagnation and symptoms getting worse and then getting better. About 15% of people with MS have PPMS.
Initially, people experience episodes of relapse and remission, but then the disease begins to progress steadily.
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Because MS affects the CNS, which controls all body functions, symptoms can affect any part of the body.
There is also a risk of urinary tract infection, decreased function and loss of mobility. This can affect a person’s work and social life.
In later stages, people may experience changes in perception and thinking as well as sensitivity to heat.
MS affects individuals differently. For some, it starts with a subtle sensation, and their symptoms don’t improve for months or years. Sometimes, symptoms get worse quickly, over weeks or months.
Signs And Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis
Some people have only mild symptoms, while others experience significant changes that can lead to disability. However, most people experience periods of worsening symptoms followed by periods of improvement.
Previous theories have included canine distemper, physical trauma or aspartame, an artificial sweetener, but there is no evidence to support this. There is no single trigger for MS, and many factors contribute to its occurrence.
The doctor will perform a physical and neurological exam, ask about symptoms, and consider the person’s medical history.
No single test can confirm a diagnosis, so a doctor will use several strategies when deciding whether someone meets the criteria for a diagnosis.
Pdf) Diffusion Weighted Images And Contrast Enhanced Mri In The Diagnosis Of Different Stages Of Multiple Sclerosis Of The Central Nervous System
Since other conditions have similar symptoms to MS, a doctor may recommend other tests to evaluate other possible causes of a person’s symptoms.
When a doctor diagnoses MS, they need to determine what type it is and whether it is active or not. A person may need additional tests in the future to check for more changes.
There is no cure for MS, but treatments are available to slow the progression of the disease, reduce the number and severity of relapses, and relieve symptoms.
Some people also use complementary and alternative therapies, but research does not always confirm their effectiveness.
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It has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat relapsing forms of MS. This works by changing how the immune system works.
A doctor may give some of these by mouth, injection, or infusion. How often one should take it and whether it can be done at home depends on the medicine.
Current guidelines recommend that a person start using these drugs in the early stages of MS because they have a good chance of slowing the progression of MS, especially if the person takes them when symptoms are not yet severe.
Start the person on a more effective treatment or a less effective drug at the start of treatment and increase the dose or strength.
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Adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs include increased risk of infection. Some medications can also damage the liver. If a person notices adverse effects or their symptoms worsen, they should seek medical advice.
Other medications are useful when a person experiences a worsening of symptoms during a flare-up. They do not always need these drugs.
These drugs include corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They can treat severe flare-ups of symptoms in some types of MS. Examples include Solu-Metrol (methylprednisolone) and Deltasone (prednisone). If a person uses steroids frequently, they may cause adverse effects and are unlikely to provide any long-term benefits.
Cannabis-based treatments can help relieve pain, muscle stiffness and insomnia. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm this.
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Those considering this approach should note that there is a difference between the use of street cannabis and the use of medical marijuana. Also, not all types of cannabis are legal in all states.
A person should consult their doctor before using cannabis, as some forms can cause adverse effects. Smoking cannabis is unlikely to be beneficial and may worsen symptoms.
It involves withdrawing blood from the person, removing the plasma, replacing it with fresh plasma, and injecting it back into the person.
The procedure removes antibodies from the blood that attack parts of the person’s body, but it’s not clear whether it helps people with MS. Studies have produced mixed results.
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Regenerate various body cells and restore function to those who have lost them due to medical conditions.
Researchers hope that one day, stem cell therapy techniques will be able to reverse the damage caused by MS and restore nervous system function.
Living with MS is challenging but rarely life-threatening. Some serious complications like bladder infection, chest infection and difficulty swallowing can lead to death.
Multiple sclerosis prognosis does not always result in severe paralysis. About two-thirds of people with MS can walk. However, many of them will need assistance such as canes, wheelchairs, crutches or scooters.
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The average life expectancy of a person with MS is 5 to 10 years less than the average person.
MS can cause personal challenges and health problems that may require a person to make lifestyle changes and adjustments.
This includes walking aids and ongoing therapy, including medications and therapy to manage changes, such as cognitive or occupational rehabilitation.
According to the National Health Service in England, a person with MS has a life expectancy of 5-10 years less than average.
Primary Progressive Ms (ppms)
However, everyone’s perspective is different. A person’s doctor can give them accurate information about life expectancy.
There is no cure for MS. However, early treatment can help slow the progression of the disease, relieve symptoms, and reduce the severity of relapses.
MS is a serious health condition that affects the nervous system. The progression of MS varies from person to person, so it is difficult to predict what will happen, but most people do not experience severe disability.
In recent years, scientists have made rapid progress in developing drugs and treatments for MS. Newer drugs are safer and more effective, and they hold significant promise for slowing disease progression.
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As researchers learn more about the genetic traits and changes that occur with MS, there is hope that they will be able to more easily predict which type of MS a person will have and begin more effective treatment at an earlier stage.
It’s important to get an MS diagnosis and get support from people who understand what it’s like to live with MS. MS Healthline is a free app that provides support through one-on-one conversations and live group discussions with people with the condition. Download the app for iPhone or Android.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and only includes peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using third party references. We link to primary sources including studies, scientific references and statistics in each article and list them in the Resources section below our articles. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Susan W. A clinical review by Lee, DO — By Lori Smith, MSN, BSN, WHNP-BC — Updated February 10, 2023
Exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS) include the worsening of existing symptoms or the appearance of new ones. Medical treatment, counseling, stress management, and diet and lifestyle choices can prevent or help