Multiple sclerosis is a chronic debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. Human central nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and the optic nerves. It is an autoimmune disease where the body’s own immune system reacts with the protective layer covering the nerves called ‘myelin sheath’.
The auto antibodies which are produced, cause scars or sclerosis to the sheath and nerves.
It may give rise to minor symptoms like numbness in arms and legs or severe ones like paralysis and blindness. The disease is irreversible once the nerve is damaged. There is no specific cure for multiple sclerosis.
What Are The Causes Of Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is perhaps the second only to trauma, as the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults in United States and Europe. The exact cause still remains unknown, but researchers have come to one conclusion that it is something to do with the immune system of the body.
- Age: Mostly it affects people between the age of 20 and 40.
- Being women: It is more common in women than in men.
- Hereditary: the susceptibility for this disease increases if there is positive family history.
- Infectious organisms: researchers believe EB virus has some association with multiple sclerosis.
- Geographical area: people living in certain parts of the world such as North America, Europe, and southern Canada have a greater risk.
- Suffering from other autoimmune disease increases the risk of suffering from Multiple sclerosis.
Signs And Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis
There may be varied range of symptoms depending on the site of damage of the nerve cells and the myelin sheath.
- One sided weakness and numbness of limbs. Or weakness of both legs at a time or weakness of both hands at a time.
- Sudden loss of vision. Usually one eye is affected. Pain in eyes with eye movement.
- Blurring of vision.
- Recurrent facial palsy.
- Loss of balance and co-ordination.
- Muscle tightness.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of bladder control.
- Constipation.
- Vertigo and dizziness.
- Loss of memory.
- Pain in the body.
- Depression
- Unable to speak properly.
- Tremor.
- Partial or complete paralysis of limbs in later stage.
- Swallowing and chewing problem.
Holistic Remedies For Multiple Sclerosis
The disease is irreversible; there is no cure for multiple sclerosis once it begins. If the disease is mild the physician may just advise to observe. In case of relapsing pattern, physician mostly prescribes medicines that may help to slow down the disease. The goal of treatment is to help the patient to live healthy quality life.
- Physical and occupational therapy helps the muscles to relax and make the daily task of the patient easier.
- Rest: as the patient suffering from multiple sclerosis is fatigued and tired, it is necessary for him to take rest.
- Exercise such as Aerobics helps to improve the tone of muscles, its strength and balancing the body. It also helps to cope with frustration and depression caused due to the sickness.
- The symptoms of multiple sclerosis often worsen with the rise in body’s core temperature. In such cases swimming gives good relief. Living in air-conditioned room is preferable for people suffering from multiple sclerosis.
- A balanced diet consisting of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients helps to build up the immunity, which is of prime importance for patient suffering from multiple sclerosis.
- The vitamins present in various fruits and vegetables protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. These harmful free radicals are known to play an important role in progression of disease.