A disease that is unpredictable and has the potential for progressive disability can be worrying, especially if it causes a wide range of symptoms. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one such autoimmune disorder that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). What makes things worse is that there is currently no known cure for MS, and it can lead to long-term disability and reduced quality of life. However, early diagnosis can be crucial in managing the disease. We spoke to Dr. Mitalee Kar, Consultant Neurologist, CARE Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, to know how MS affects the body and the neurological symptoms it causes. 

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

As discussed, MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the CNS, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Dr. Kar explained, “It is characterised by the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective covering of nerve fibres called myelin. This results in inflammation, damage, and the formation of scar tissue (sclerosis) in multiple areas of the CNS.”

According to a data published in Sage Publication, a total of 20.8 lakh people are estimated to live with MS worldwide, of which females are twice as males. 

How MS Affects The Brain

The brain is a major component of the CNS and is highly susceptible to MS. According to Dr. Kar, MS lesions can occur anywhere in the CNS, including the brain. “The inflammation and damage caused by MS can disrupt the normal flow of electrical impulses in the brain, leading to a wide range of symptoms depending on the affected areas. Lesions can result in the loss of myelin, which affects the transmission of nerve signals and can also lead to nerve cell damage or loss. Over time, these changes can impact various functions controlled by the brain, leading to the neurological symptoms mentioned above,” she explained. 

Neurological Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis

Common symptoms associated with MS include:

Fatigue: A common symptom, often described as an overwhelming sense of tiredness.

Cognitive Changes: MS can affect cognitive function, leading to problems with memory, attention, information processing, and problem-solving.

Visual Disturbances: This may include blurred vision, double vision, eye pain, or involuntary eye movements.

Sensory Changes: Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations may occur in various parts of the body.

Muscle Weakness and Spasticity: Weakness in the limbs, difficulty with coordination, muscle stiffness, and involuntary muscle spasms can occur.

Balance and Coordination Problems: Difficulty with balance, unsteady gait, and coordination issues may arise.

Pain: MS can cause various types of pain, including neuropathic pain (burning, shooting, or stabbing sensations) or musculoskeletal pain (aching, cramping, or stiffness).

Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction: This can manifest as constipation, diarrhoea, urinary urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder.

Emotional Changes: Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and emotional instability can be associated with MS.

‘There Is No Cure For MS’

Dr. Kar said, “Diagnosing MS typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, neurological examination, and various tests. These may include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to detect the presence of lesions in the CNS, cerebrospinal fluid analysis to look for specific markers of MS, and evoked potential tests to assess the electrical activity of the nerves.”

“While there is currently no 100% cure for MS, there is hope in terms of several treatment options available to manage the disease and its symptoms. The goals of treatment include reducing the inflammation, managing relapses, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life,” she added. 

Individuals with MS need to work closely with healthcare professionals, especially neurologists, to develop a personalised treatment plan based on their specific needs and symptoms. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary to manage the disease effectively.