What you need to know about multiple sclerosis

Last week, a popular actress Salma Blair said in his Instagram that she enters the number of people living with multiple sclerosis - an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. As it turned out, the disease is more common in women - the ratio between the sexes can be up to 4: 1.

For multiple sclerosis is not a single test, so its diagnosis is extremely difficult and can take years. There is no systematic disease calculation, which means that most people simply are not aware of the existence of the disease and blamed difficulty walking and pain in the usual tired limbs.

We've gathered a few important facts about multiple sclerosis, which everyone should know to prevent the development of disease in themselves or in their families.

What is multiple sclerosis?

MS - a chronic degenerative disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. These three components are part of the human central nervous system.

How are the symptoms of MS?

The three most common symptoms - blurred vision, sensory overload and weakness. By visual impairment may include eye pain, blurred or split objects with sensory impairments person experiences numbness and lack of response to stimuli. In addition, the brain impulses can not reach the limbs, creating a feeling that they do not obey. But the most striking symptoms, reduced quality of life, are a constant fatigue, mood swings, depression, and cognitive dysfunction.

Other less common symptoms may include bladder dysfunction, bowel, problems with coordination, balance, speech, muscle spasms and difficulty swallowing.

What causes MS?

At the moment, the exact causes are unknown, but the disease develops after a slight inflammation in the brain or spinal cord, damaging the myelin - the white substance, insulating nerves to function properly. The result is formed scar tissue called sclerosis. Since inflammation is usually multiple, they are called "scattered". There are several types of multiple sclerosis, which differ in the strength of relapses and remissions length. In some people, the disease may be in place for years, while others - for a few months lead to disability. MS is not fatal, but people with the disease live an average of less than 7-8 years, than people without chronic diseases.

Why are women more likely to develop MS?

At this point, researchers do not have the answer to this question, but there is a correlation derived - by an average of RS shows itself in the age of about 32 years. Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed in people over 50, and even children - but the risk of disease is slightly reduced when you overcome the threshold of the age of highest risk. As for genetics, scientists have identified specific genetic material, which affects the risk. It is the presence of genes that are involved in regulating the immune system. If you have a North-European origin, it is likely you have this gene, and therefore, the risk of MS is much higher.

This is partly attributed to the level of vitamin D in the body - its deficiency may also be a factor to inflammation.

How is MS?

Full treatment, completely eliminates the inflammation does not exist. At the moment, doctors use drugs that modulate the immune system to reduce the level of its own attack at least a third. They suppress the immune response that causes inflammation in the central nervous system, and prevent relapses.

There are also several drugs used in the specific symptoms, e.g., to monitor renal function or muscle spasms.

Doctors also note a serious impact diet change. MS patients can not drink caffeine, preservatives, sodium and other stimulants, but in general it improves the functioning of all organs of the body.

To maintain the quality of life, sleep and feel less pain, people with MS should exercise regularly - one day of idleness can seriously aggravate the condition.