Alabama Clinics - Multiple Sclerosis

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Posted by: Al Clinics
Date: Feb 28 2019 11:43 AM

Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, is one of the most common neurological disorders that affects young adults. It is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. MS is marked by weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control. The severity of the disease can vary from relatively benign to devastating, since it affects communication between the brain and other parts of the body. MS happens when your own immune system attacks the myelin coating that wraps around your nerve fibers. The damage causes disturbances in the signals sent from the brain through your body.

Symptoms often start showing up between the ages of 20 and 40. Most people that suffer from MS have relapses when the symptoms get noticeably worse, followed by times of recovery when the condition improves. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue


• Vision problems


• Bladder problems


• Depression


• Numbness or tingling


• Weakness


• Pain


• Cognitive changes


• Muscle stiffness


• Emotional changes


• Sexual problems

Doctors still don’t understand exactly what causes MS. However, doctors have determined that many factors come into play; from your genes, to where you live, to the air you breathe. Also, being diagnosed with another autoimmune condition may increase your chances of getting MS. For some reason, MS is more common in cooler climates like Scotland, Scandinavia, and throughout northern Europe. This might be because there is evidence that lack of vitamin D, which comes from sunlight, increases your chances of an immune-related disease. It also affects more white people in the U.S. than any other racial group. Other factors such as being a smoker or having direct family diagnosed with MS increases your chances.

To diagnose MS, your physician will perform a neurological exam, take your clinical history and perform tests such as an MRI or blood tests. The diagnosis of MS requires evidence of demyelination in more than one area of the central nervous system. Although there is no cure available for MS, there are multiple treatment options. There are self-injectable drugs, oral medications, and intravenous infusions. Since the disease is different for everybody, it is important to work alongside your doctor to figure out the best treatment plan.

If you or someone you love presents with the symptoms above, call us now to schedule an appointment with our neurologist. We also accept walk-ins and are open 7 days a week!

Alabama Clinics

2812 Hartford Hwy, Suite 1

Dothan, AL 36305

(334) 712-1170

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