Are you looking for a Multiple Sclerosis specialist?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks myelin, the substance that coats and protects nerve fibres in the central nervous system.
It is estimated that more than 1.8 million people suffer from the disease worldwide and it is most prevalent in young adults between their 20s and 40s, and in women, although anyone can be affected by the disease.
At Turó Park Clinics we offer comprehensive support at every step, we have doctors and specialists dedicated to helping you in the process of fighting multiple sclerosis. Don't hesitate to make an appointment to find the medical support you need to deal with the disease.
What is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It is classified as an autoimmune disease, as the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, in this case myelin.
Myelin is a crucial substance for the functioning of the nervous system, as it coats and protects all nerve fibres. It is very important as it serves as a protective barrier for neurons and allows nerve impulses to be transmitted quickly and efficiently.
When a person suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, their body attacks this substance, which causes the electrical impulses between neurons to slow down and disrupt, causing a wide range of neurological symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis presents itself in different ways:
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common type and is characterised by outbreaks of new or recurrent symptoms followed by periods of partial or complete recovery.
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): Symptoms worsen steadily from the onset, with no recovery period.
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): Starts out like RRMS, but eventually becomes a progressive form of the disease.
What are its causes ?
The exact causes of MS are unknown, but it is thought to arise as a result of a combination of genetic and immune system factors.
MS is not considered a directly inherited disease, however, having a close relative with MS increases the risk of developing the disease. Certain genes related to immune system function have also been identified that may increase susceptibility to MS.
The body's autoimmune reaction is the main mechanism of the disease, but the factors that trigger it are not yet fully understood. Chronic inflammation of the central nervous system is another feature of the disease, which is known to be a major cause of further damage to neurons.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Numbness and tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Involuntary muscle stiffness and spasms, especially in the legs
- Problems with coordination and balance, such as difficulty walking, stumbling and feeling unsteady
- Blurred or double vision and eye pain
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Difficulty articulating words and dysphalgia
- Urinary incontinence and bowel problems
- Fatigue and sensitivity to heat
MS symptoms may come and go or change in intensity and nature over time. Episodes of new symptoms (flares or relapses) may last for days, weeks or months.
Diagnosis of the disease
The diagnostic process usually involves a combination of clinical history, neurological examination and a series of complementary tests.
On the first visit, the neurology specialist will carry out a study of the case, evaluating the clinical history and family history, and will also prescribe the tests or analyses that he/she considers relevant.
The most common and effective tests for diagnosing the disease include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests - as it can detect lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis - this is taken by lumbar puncture and analysed for signs of inflammation in the nervous system.
- Evoked potentials tests - measure the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory or sensory stimuli.
- Blood tests - to rule out other conditions.
Your health is our priority
Our neurology department welcomes you for the diagnosis and treatment of MS.
What treatments are available for MS?
There is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis. However, there are several treatment options to combat and manage the symptoms.
The treatment will be adapted to each case, following the corresponding diagnosis by the neurologist, and follow-ups will be carried out to monitor the evolution of the disease.
There are disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), drugs designed to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups and delay the progression towards disability. There are also specific treatments for acute flares and severe cases.
To alleviate specific symptoms, treatments like therapies, such as physiotherapy and speech therapy, and more common medications are used to improve patients' quality of life.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Resources and Support
Living with the disease can be a major challenge for the patient and those around them, but having the right resources and support can make a huge difference to the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Benefiting from a comprehensive support network with specialised medical care, physical and occupational therapies and psychological support can make the disease more bearable and enable patients to live fully despite MS conditions.
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