Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It is caused by an attack by the immune system that damages nerve fibers and leads to cognitive, emotional, motor, sensory, or visual disturbances.
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What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord. It results from the immune system's mistaken attack on myelin, an essential protective layer for the transmission of nerve signals. This impairs communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
The inflammatory process triggered by the immune system damages the myelin sheath and oligodendrocytes. This leads to the formation of plaques in various parts of the central nervous system, especially in the optic nerves, cerebellum and spinal cord.
In Turkey, advances in research and treatment are enabling people with MS to maintain a better quality of life.
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
People with multiple sclerosis have different symptoms, depending on the location of the lesions in the central nervous system. The frequency of symptoms generally increases with the severity and duration of the disease.
Common symptoms
The most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Visual disturbances: optic neuritis, double vision, or nystagmus are particularly common in the early stages.
- Sensory disturbances: decreased sensitivity or altered, painful sensations.
- Cognitive problems: Impaired attention or memory, difficulty concentrating, difficulty doing math or planning complex activities.
- Spasticity: Patients may experience muscle stiffness that makes movement difficult.
- Speech disorders: weakness and lack of coordination of the tongue and oral and facial muscles involved in producing sounds and words.
Less common symptoms
Other less common symptoms can still be a sign of multiple sclerosis. These less common symptoms include:
- Headache: Pain that can affect any part of the head, including the scalp and face.
- Hearing loss: It is a rare disorder that occurs due to damage to the central auditory pathways.
- Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing, present only in the most severe forms of MS.
- Respiratory problems: occur in very rare, severe cases.
- Vascular disorders: these occur as a result of poor mobility and can take the form of venous edema, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis.
Our partner physicians in Turkey have in-depth knowledge of multiple sclerosis, enabling them to treat and manage its symptoms effectively.
Diagnosis of MS
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is based on a combination of factors:
- Medical interview: The neurologist gathers information about symptoms, medical history, and family history. This is essential for making an initial diagnosis.
- Neurological examination: A precise assessment of nerve function (movement, muscle strength, sensitivity, reflexes, coordination, visual stimulation, etc.) to detect any abnormalities characteristic of MS.
- Complementary tests: Imaging tests (MRI),electrical tests (evoked potentials) and blood tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diseases that may cause similar symptoms.
By combining these different tests, the neurologist can make an accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and suggest appropriate treatment.
Treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. Although there is no cure, there are many treatments available in Turkey to relieve symptoms, reduce the frequency of relapses, and slow the progression of the disease.
Disease-modifying treatments
Drugs called immunomodulators and immunosuppressants play a central role in modulating the immune system responsible for the lesions characteristic of MS. These treatments significantly reduce the risk of new attacks and slow the progression of the disease.
Interferon beta and glatiramer acetate are the most commonly used. They work by reducing inflammation and protecting myelin.
Newer treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, offer additional options for patients.
Treating relapses
Intravenous corticosteroids reduce inflammation and speed recovery in the event of an acute attack.
Symptomatic treatments
Many medications can relieve symptoms such as pain, fatigue, muscle spasms or urinary problems.
Supportive care
Functional rehabilitation, physiotherapy and psychological support are essential to optimize the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis. This care is recommended from the onset of symptoms and throughout the course of the disease.
By reducing the progression of symptoms and increasing autonomy, rehabilitation significantly improves the well-being of patients. It enables them to learn strategies to cope with everyday challenges and to improve their motor and cognitive functions.
Multiple Sclerosis: Life expectancy
Although multiple sclerosis (MS) can have a significant impact on quality of life, it is generally not fatal. Life expectancy for people with MS is slightly lower than for the general population, but recent therapeutic advances allow most patients to live long, active lives.
The course of MS is highly variable and depends on many factors. While some forms can be more severe, leading to a greater reduction in life expectancy, the majority of people with MS benefit from effective treatments that delay disease progression and improve prognosis.
How does rehabilitation work?
Rehabilitation can be done through three specialities, each targeting well-defined parts or functions of the body. These specialities are:
- Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation is done by alternating activity and passivity while taking breaks. This method is based on several exercises such as the use of anti-static cryotherapy, regular stretching that targets specific muscle groups or even stress-training techniques.
- Occupational therapy: It allows the evaluation of autonomy, grip, spinal prophylaxis. The specialist also advises technical aids. This method of rehabilitation is based on action on the deficit and then on disability when the disease is at an early stage.
- Speech therapy: This type of rehabilitation mainly targets memory. She also works on problems with attention, concentration, and swallowing.
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Immunomodulators, also known as immunosuppressants, are used to treat relapses by regulating the body's immune response.
Surgical interventions such as orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery can also be used in cases of MS.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms, such as muscular weakness, sensitivity disorders, and optic nerve damage, can occur suddenly, or gradually worsen. Relapses usually occur over very short periods.
Pregnancy has been shown to reduce relapses of multiple sclerosis, especially in the last trimester. However, if neurological signs appear, a corticosteroid-based treatment will probably be prescribed by the doctor during a short hospital stay.
Generally, women with MS can breastfeed their babies. However, it should be noted that disease-modifying therapy must be resumed after weaning.
Several healthcare professionals from different specialties are involved in the MS management process, including a neurologist, psychologist, physiotherapist, and nurse.
This multidisciplinary team can also call on medico-social professionals for optimal follow-up of people with multiple sclerosis.
