Multiple Sclerosis: Depletion of the Myelin

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition of the central nervous system that causes depletion of the myelin which is a protective covering of the nerve cells. Depletion of nerve axons are also seen within the brain as well as sometimes in the spinal cord also, but the depletion does not occur at the same time. The depletion of myelin causes temporary, repetitive or sustained disruption in nerve impulse conduction which will result in symptoms like weakness, numbness, visual disturbances and loss of bladder and bowel control.

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease where more than half of the people affected by this disease are unable to do their work within ten to fifteen years of the first onset of symptoms, and within twenty-five years after the onset of first symptoms half of the people having multiple sclerosis are unable to walk.

Types of multiple sclerosis:

Four main categories of multiple sclerosis are:

• The benign type in which there are several episodes of nervous system dysfunction and later there is a complete recovery.
• The primary progressive type in which there is a rapid loss of neurological functions that do not resolve to cause severe functional impairments that worsen over time.
• Relapsing and remitting type multiple sclerosis is the most common variant. These patients meet only partial restoration of neurological functions. Secondary progression of the disease sometimes may result in the gradual accumulation of visual motor or may cause sensory disability.

Symptoms:

• Nearly a quarter of patients having multiple sclerosis have visual disturbances and some people also develop blindness.
• Blurred vision due to optic neuritis or inflammation of the optic nerve
• The weakness of muscles of one or more limbs.
• Continuous contraction of certain muscles or muscular spasticity.
• Numbness
• Nystagmus
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Unstable gait or abnormality while walking
• Recurrent urinary tract infection caused due to bladder dysfunction.
• Cannot hold urine, lack of bladder control.
• Alteration of mood
• Depression
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Tingling in parts of the body

Causes:

The cause of the disease is not known and is assumed that the disease has an autoimmune basis.

Risk factors:

The factors that increase the risk of having multiple sclerosis are:

• This condition can occur at any age however people between sixteen to fifty-five are at higher risk.
• Women are twice more at risk than men.
• European-American is at higher risk.
• People with close biological relatives having multiple sclerosis are at higher risk.
• People with low levels of vitamin D and with low exposure to sunlight are at higher risk.
• People who smoke are at higher risk
• People who have a thyroid disorder or diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk.

Complications:

• Stiffness of muscles
• Paralysis
• Forgetfulness
• Depression
• Epilepsy
• Mood swings

Patient care:

• Avoid fatigue, overexertion, exposure to extreme climate, and stress.
• Exercise regularly
• Promote safety at home and workplace
• Taking medicines regularly
• Avoid smoking tobacco
• Eat healthy food.

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