What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
According to Dr Sinjan Ghosh, Consultant Neurologist, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata (India), multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. The disease occurs when the body's immune system attacks the protective layer (myelin) that surrounds nerve fibers, causing inflammation and damage to the myelin.
This interferes with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and other parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, paralysis, loss of balance, and vision problems. The disease can progress in different ways, with relapses and improvements or a gradual deterioration over time.
Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the loss of myelin in nerves, which weakens the protective layer and reduces the ability of nerve signals to transmit. Depending on the part of the nerve affected, the disease can cause a variety of symptoms, explains Dr. Ghosh.
Some common symptoms of MS include:
- Muscle weakness, especially on one side of the body, usually the arms and legs
- Vision problems due to optic neuropathy
- Difficulty walking or keeping balance
- Difficulty in thinking clearly
- Stiff muscles
- Depression
- Problems with sexual or urinary function
- Tired
MS can also have symptoms similar to a stroke, Dr. Ghosh said. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical history and tests such as brain MRI, spinal MRI, and optic nerve examination.
How is MS different in men and women?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder that affects the nervous system and is more common in women than men, with about three women having the disease for every one man, Dr. Ghosh said. While the exact cause is still unclear, it may be related to differences in how the immune system works, hormonal changes, genetic factors, and the effects of pregnancy.
Women tend to experience relapses and remissions, where symptoms come and go, while men tend to have primary progressive MS (PPMS), where symptoms do not improve but get worse over time.
One of the reasons why MS is often diagnosed late in men is because they are less likely to seek help when they have symptoms, leading to the disease being detected when it has progressed, making treatment and control more difficult.
Treatment and management of MS
“When it comes to treating multiple sclerosis (MS), there is no distinction between men and women,” says Dr. Ghose. “Diagnosing MS involves a discussion of the patient’s medical history and symptoms, followed by a neurological examination and tests such as MRI, blood tests, and lumbar puncture to confirm or rule out MS. Once diagnosed, patients are often given steroids and then MS medications. There are now a variety of oral and injectable options, with oral medications becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use.”
