The Hindu
Many misconceptions about MS...
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the brain and
spinal cord marked by loss of balance, vision loss, weakness of limbs,
and bladder dysfunction among other symptoms. However, it often goes
undiagnosed, leading to delay in treatment. It affects women more than
men. The disorder is commonly diagnosed between 20 and 40 years but can
be seen at any age.
MS is caused by damage to the
myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. Due
to damage in the nerve layer, transmission of signals from the brain and
spinal cord is affected.
Misconceptions
Due
to certain myths and misconceptions, many people do not come out in the
open to get themselves diagnosed and treated. Multiple Sclerosis is
stereotypically believed to be a disease that is fatal, contagious,
genetic, that can’t be treated, and that every patient ends up in a
wheelchair.
According to research, most people with MS have a normal
life expectancy and it is not contagious or infectious. As for the fear
of ending up in a wheelchair, most MS patients do not require a
wheelchair if diagnosed early. At the same time, the use of mobility
devices is just a way of providing independence and relief from fatigue
and other symptoms. The fear of MS being a genetic disease can easily be
explained by the fact that, even though people with relatives who have
MS have a slightly higher chance of getting it, there is no genetic
certainty.
The last decade has seen the development
of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to treat MS. These therapies
directly affect the underlying process in relapsing-remitting MS. The
physician will determine the best DMT course depending upon various
factors. An accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is based on the
combination of clinical features, cerebrospinal MR imaging,
neurophysiological and laboratory tests.
Therapy matters
MS
may be a chronic debilitating disease but it can be managed with proper
care. Alternative therapies such as physical therapy, speech therapy
and occupational therapy help manage the symptoms.
While
researchers are working to develop new treatments for different stages
of MS, several other forms of treatments are being undertaken. The
problem, though, is that these are untested and cannot be recommended
safely. Take stem cell treatment, for example. It may be a reality in
the future but is now used only for research. Even though
technologically advanced, stem cell treatments pose the threat of
uncontrollable growth in the stem cells leading to tumors.
Need for awareness
As
a result these treatments may be said to take undue advantage of the
patient’s desperation. Also what is needed is much higher awareness
among patients about these treatments.
MS is largely
incurable; but there are several ways of improving the patients’ life.
In case of MS, the patients must avoid stress at any cost. Other factors
that can worsen symptoms include over exposure to sun and steam baths.
Increased body temperature can temporarily make the symptoms worse by
causing the nerves affected by MS to function even more poorly.
Many
patients with MS understand these arguments but still insist on going
ahead with banned or non-viable procedures like “liberation therapy” and
“stem cell therapy”. They can hardly be blamed as they fear ongoing
loss of function and premature death.
Leading a
healthy lifestyle and paying heed to the suggestions of experts is
recommended. Health decisions should not be based on hope and
desperation but should be rational and practical.
Symptoms
Muscular:
Unable to balance, numbness or tingling or pain in any part of the
body, unable to move arms/legs properly or coordinate movement,
muscular spasms, tremor or weakness in limbs.
Bowel and bladder: Constipation, inability to control bowels, difficulty urinating or frequent need/strong urge to urinate.
Eye: Uncontrollable rapid eye movement, double vision, discomfort, and vision loss.
Sexual: Decreased sexual drive, problem with erections, ejaculation or vaginal lubrication.
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