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All you need to know about Multiple Sclerosis
There are currently 2.8 million people worldwide who have Multiple Sclerosis, according to the most extensive global study to date. That means every 5 minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Living with or caring for someone with Multiple Sclerosis is difficult, not only because of the unpredictability of the disease but because of the multiple complications that can impede daily life. However, equipping yourself with knowledge about the disease can help you get the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment at Plexus centers in Hyderabad and Bangalore.
Decoding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune demyelinating disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues — in this case, the myelin or protective covering around nerve fibers. It leaves scarred tissues or lesions in multiple areas, disrupting electrical impulses throughout the body. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis can cause a wide range of symptoms and affect any part of the body. Since the nature of the condition is unpredictable, it can affect every person differently. Some symptoms develop and worsen steadily over time, while others come and go. The most common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Vision problems
Numbness and tingling
Cognitive problems
Mobility problems
Pain, depression, and anxiety
Muscle spasms, stiffness, and weakness
Speech and swallowing difficulties
Causes of Multiple Sclerosis
The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is largely unknown. Scientists are aware that the myelin sheath is directly affected, but they do not know conclusively why the immune system attacks the myelin sheath. At present, it is attributed to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some of the risk factors that could increase your chances of Multiple Sclerosis include:
Age: Multiple Sclerosis mostly affects patients between 20 and 40 years of age
Family history: Having a parent or sibling with Multiple Sclerosis increases one’s chances of also getting it
Autoimmune conditions: Patients who already have other autoimmune conditions like pernicious anemia, inflammatory bowel disease, type-1 diabetes, or thyroid disease are slightly more at risk of getting Multiple Sclerosis
Certain viruses: Viruses like Epstein-Barr have been linked to a greater incidence of Multiple Sclerosis
Vitamin D deficiency: People with low exposure to sunlight and low levels of vitamin D in the body have a slightly higher chance of getting the disease
Smoking: Smokers who experience the initial symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are likelier than non-smokers to experience a second set of symptoms after an interval, thus confirming the presence of relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Obesity: Some studies have shown that obesity in childhood and/or adolescence, leads to a greater incidence of Multiple Sclerosis later on
Exposure to substances: There is some evidence, although not entirely conclusive, that exposure to chemical solvents or heavy metals like mercury, manganese, or lead could increase the risk of Multiple Sclerosis
Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
Getting the best treatment for Multiple Sclerosis can slow your disease progression, reduce the number and severity of relapses, and relieve symptoms. It can also help improve and maintain function at your home, work, and community by minimizing complications and promoting functional independence as much as possible. A well-designed Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation program includes:
Our treatment program at Plexus
Our award-winning neurological and cell research center is recognized globally for excellent patient care, swift diagnosis, and comprehensive therapies for Multiple Sclerosis. With world-renowned Dr Na’eem Sadiq at the helm, we provide the most advanced Cell Therapy for treating Multiple Sclerosis. Our team of specialists administers autologous mesenchymal cells that are extracted from your bone marrow.
We help you improve and maintain your functionality by overcoming physical and cognitive challenges. Depending on the severity of your condition, our advanced team works closely with you and your family to provide comprehensive rehabilitation that includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy.
Our therapists use a wide range of exercises for physical conditioning such as strengthening muscles and relearning basic tasks. Apart from this, these techniques also address mental and emotional components to help you improve and maintain functioning at home, work, and within the community.
These activities include the following:
Functional Strengthening
Coordination Exercises
Fine Coordination Training
Gait Training
Balance Retraining
Fatigue Management
Hand Splinting
Fall Prevention Training
Speech Therapy Exercises
What our patients say
Aarti Singh(name changed)
"Plexus Neuro provides every patient utmost care and specialized attention. Each patient is given specialized treatment as per his/her requirement. Also the patience and attention given to every case is backed by a full team of specialists who are experienced in various fields. I came here for treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and I have improved a lot in my endurance and my capacity to carry out daily tasks which were earlier very challenging. My experience with this center has been very good."
Pooja Mishra (name changed)
“For the last 10 years, I have visited many hospitals in search of the best treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. While some doctors said I cannot be cured completely, others did not even try. Finally, I came to Plexus for my treatment. All thanks to Dr Na’eem, I am absolutely fine now."
FAQs answered
Aerobic exercises, stretching, and progressive strength training can help improve balance, strength, and coordination for Multiple Sclerosis patients.
Four stages have been identified by researchers in Multiple Sclerosis, which include:
- Clinically Isolated Syndrome
- Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
- Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
- Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
A neurologist specializes in treating conditions like Multiple Sclerosis that affect the nervous system. They help to manage symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and other such complications.
Fulminate Multiple Sclerosis, also known as Malignant Multiple Sclerosis or Marburg Multiple Sclerosis, is a rapidly progressive disease with severe relapses within five years post-diagnosis. This form of Multiple Sclerosis is highly active and may need to be treated more aggressively than other forms.
Several lifestyle changes, including exercising, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a proper sleep cycle, avoiding smoking, and following Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation guidelines can help slow the disease progression.
People with Multiple Sclerosis must avoid certain foods, including processed meats, refined carbs, junk foods, trans fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
People with Multiple Sclerosis need a balanced, low-fat and high-fiber diet. Eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, grains, and fish help manage symptoms.
Exercise alone cannot reverse brain damage from Multiple Sclerosis or cure the disease. However, it might play an important role when combined with other standard treatments for Multiple Sclerosis disease, including medication.
Multiple Sclerosis Physiotherapy treatment should include activities such as walking, to help control symptoms, reduce fatigue and depression, and improve quality of life.
