Multiple sclerosis affects nearly one million people in the United States. Although there are no specific tests for MS, it's important to know the signs and symptoms. Here's where to find the leading treatments for this disease.

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Multiple sclerosis causes the immune system to attack the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers. This damage causes communication issues between the brain and the rest of your body and can eventually lead to permanent damage and deterioration of the nerves.

The signs and symptoms of MS vary depending on the extent of nerve damage and which particular nerves are affected. Severe multiple sclerosis can lead to an inability to walk. However, some people with multiple sclerosis can experience periods of remission with few or no symptoms. As multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease, it's essential to learn the early symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about multiple sclerosis's symptoms and signs. 

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system and disrupts the flow of information between the brain and body. Healthcare providers are not sure of the exact cause of MS; however, certain triggers can cause the immune system to attack the Central Nervous System. The resulting damage causes an interruption of communication signals, leading to symptoms such as numbness, memory problems, tingling, mood changes, pain, blindness, and even paralysis. 

Some possible triggers of MS include:

Immunologic Factors

Some people with MS experience an abnormal immune response that causes inflammation and damage to the CNS. The most common immune cells affected in people with MS are T cells and B cells. 

Environmental Factors

Although no single risk factor provokes MS, several factors are believed to contribute to developing Multiple Sclerosis, such as:

• Living farther from the equator
• Low vitamin D levels 
• History of smoking
• Obesity

Infectious Factors

Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been linked to a risk of developing MS. 

Genetic Factors

Although MS is not an inherited disease, there may be an inherited genetic risk. Studies have found that the risk of developing MS increases if you have a first-degree relative (such as a parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with MS.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease, and everyone's experience with MS is different. Symptoms of MS can be temporary or long-lasting, and some patients may experience periods of extended remission. Common symptoms of MS include:

• numbness and tingling
• fatigue
• muscle spasms, stiffness, and weakness
• vision problems
• mobility issues
• pain
• brain fog
• sexual problems
• depression and anxiety
• bladder problems
• bowel problems
• speech and swallowing difficulties

Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

Sadly, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, some treatments can help limit the damage of attacks, slow the progression of the disease and manage the symptoms. 

Common treatments for MS include:

Injectable treatments for MS

• Interferon beta medications are a type of drug that can reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses. 
• Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Glatopa) is another medication that can block the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath.

Oral treatments for MS

• Fingolimod (Gilenya) is a once-a-day oral medication that can reduce the MS relapse rate.
• Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is a twice-a-day oral medication that helps to reduce MS relapses.
• Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) is a twice-a-day capsule approved for treating relapsing forms of MS. 
• Teriflunomide (Aubagio) is a once-a-day oral medication used to reduce MS relapse rates.
• Siponimod (Mayzent) is a once-a-day oral medication that is used to slow the progression of MS and reduce the relapse rate. It can also help to manage secondary-progressive MS.
• Cladribine (Mavenclad) is a medication generally prescribed as second-line treatment for patients who have relapsing-remitting MS. 

Infusion treatments for MS

• Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) is a monoclonal antibody medication that treats relapse-remitting and primary-progressive forms of MS.
• Natalizumab (Tysabri) is a medication that stops the movement of damaging immune cells from reaching your brain and spinal cord. 
• Alemtuzumab (Campath, Lemtrada) is a drug that helps to reduce MS relapses and limit potential nerve damage caused. 

Physical therapy for MS

Stretching and strengthening exercises can make it easier for people with MS to complete everyday tasks. Physical therapy used in combination with a mobility aid can also help manage weakness and gait problems associated with MS. A physical or occupational therapist can create a personalized exercise plan to help you manage your symptoms. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms of MS, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. With prompt treatment, the symptoms and effects of Multiple sclerosis can be limited.