Sclerosis;- A general term that refers to the hardening or scarring of tissues due to inflammation, injury, or disease; an autoimmune condition.

Sclerosis affects different parts of the body. E g., blood vessels, lungs, liver, kidneys, or the Central Nervous System(CNS) causing scars/lesions/plaques; due to the loss of myelin.

An autoimmune condition/disease;- is triggered by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues. In this case, the tissue affected is the myelin sheath a protective fatty tissue layer that covers the nerve fibers in the CNS; causing inflammation and damage to the myelin and other underlying nerve fibers. In return, the nerves can not conduct electrical impulses to and fro the brain, causing various neurological complications.

Multiple sclerosis (MS); is a chronic disease that specifically affects the central nervous system (CNS) i.e., the brain and spinal cord.

🔅CAUSES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

– The causes of Multiple Sclerosis may involve a range combination of genetic and environmental factors.

1. Genetic predisposition: A family history with MS may make some individuals with these genes more susceptible to developing sclerosis or multiple sclerosis.

2. Environmental triggers: Genetically predisposed individuals are greatly affected by these environmental factors: infections, toxins, stress, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, or exposure to certain chemicals.

3. Immune dysregulation: Some abnormalities in the immune system triggers overactivity or misdirected actions against the body's own tissues leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage thence, sclerosis or MS.

4. Infectious agents; such as viruses.

🔅SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MS

– The symptoms of MS They may be mild or severe, short-term or long-lasting; depending on the area of the nervous system affected.

– When communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted some people with MS may only display mild symptoms whereas others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk.

– Varying with each individual, here are some common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

• Blurred or double vision.

• Red-green color distortion.

• Pain and loss of vision because of swelling of the optic nerve (optic neuritis).

• Trouble walking.

• A series of abnormal feelings or pain; mostly numbness, prickling, or Paresthesia(pins and needles).

🔅SECONDARY SYMPTOMS

• Limb(s)' muscle(s) weakness.

• Partial paralysis; due to trouble with coordination which affects walking or standing.

• Spasticity; an increased involuntary tone of muscles leading to stiffness and spasms.

• Fatigue: This may be brought on by physical activity, but it may ease with rest. You may have constant tiredness that doesn't go away.

• Loss of sensation.

• Speech problems.

• Tremors (Shaking).

• Dizziness.

• Hearing loss.

• Bowel and bladder problems.

• Depression; and,

• Changes in sexual function.

– About 50% of all people with MS have thinking (cognitive) problems linked to the disease. I.e.,

• Problems with focusing (concentration).

• Paying attention.

• Unreliable memory.

• Poor judgment.

– Symptoms of MS affect individuals differently depending on the extent of the condition. The outcome of such is:

🔅Primary symptoms; and eventual conditions:

• Paralysis - lead to bedsores.

• Bladder problems - may cause (UTIs) urinary tract infections.

• Inactivity - results in general body weakness, poor posture due to muscle imbalances, decreased bone density, and breathing problems, swallowing problems can lead to higher risks of pneumonia.

🔅Social, job-related, and psychological effects

• Immobility can cause a persons livelihood due to lack of occupational opportunities.

• Personal relationships are disrupted due to the strain of dealing with a chronic neurological illness.

• Depression is often seen among people with MS.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF MS

–The prevention and treatment of sclerosis and MS depends on the type and severity of the condition, as well as the individual's symptoms and response to therapy.

✒️... General measures to prevent or manage sclerosis and MS are:

1. Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk or progression of sclerosis or MS. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and alcohol, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding exposure to potential triggers.

2. Medications: May help in treating the symptoms or modifying the course of sclerosis or MS. They include: anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, antifibrotic agents, antispasmodics, antidepressants, pain relievers, or steroids.

3. Physical therapy: To improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and functioning. I.e., exercising, stretching, massages, heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or assistive devices.

4. Occupational therapy: Highly improves daily living skills, independence, and quality of life. I.e., adaptive equipment, home modifications, cognitive training, energy conservation techniques, or vocational counseling.

5. Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help improve speech and swallowing problems. Speech therapy may involve exercises, strategies, devices, or dietary modifications.

6. Surgery: An option for people with severe forms of sclerosis or MS that are unresponsive to other forms of treatments.

Surgery may involve:

• Removing scarred tissues (debridement)

• Transplanting healthy tissue (grafting)

• Repairing damaged nerves (nerve grafting)

• Implanting devices (neurostimulators)

or,

• Modifying immune cells (stem cell transplantation)

DIAGNOSIS OF MS

– An MS evaluation involves a complete health history and neurological exam which includes: mental functions, emotional functions, language functions, movement and coordination, vision, balance and the functionality of the 5 senses.

– Below are evaluation tests for MS.

1. MRI. A diagnostic test that uses a combination of large magnets, sound waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body. It can find plaques or scarring caused by MS.

2. Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis/ Lumbar Puncture/ Spinal Tap: It looks at the fluid taken from the spinal column to make an evaluation or diagnosis. This test checks for cellular and chemical abnormalities seen with MS.

3. Blood tests: These are done to rule out other causes for various neurological symptoms.

4. Evoked potentials: These tests record the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli, and determine the efficiency of message transmission in the brain.