Actress Christina Applegate, known for her roles in “Bad Moms,” “Married … With Children” and “Dead to Me,” said Monday that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Here we explain what this disease is, what causes it and what is the treatment.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system and is considered an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks its own healthy cells. It affects the quality of life and can be disabling.
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, which is often called MS, but many people are able to control their symptoms and adapt to new lifestyles after diagnosis.
What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?
The disease begins when a person’s immune system attacks the nerve fiber coverings throughout the body. These protective nerve sheaths are called myelin and they help with nerve communication.
When myelin is destroyed, it exposes the nerves, which slows down communication between these cells. The signs and symptoms are related to the damage caused. Researchers believe that the disease is the result of environmental and genetic factors, but the underlying cause is unknown.
Who is affected by multiple sclerosis?
There are several risk factors associated with multiple sclerosis that can increase people’s risk, according to the National Library of Medicine.
It most commonly occurs in Caucasian women between the ages of 20 and 40. Although multiple genes are suspected of playing a role in multiple sclerosis risk, the pattern of inheritance is unknown.
However, other factors can be changed to potentially reduce risk, such as quitting smoking and getting adequate levels of vitamin D. Studies show that smokers have 1.5 times the risk of developing multiple sclerosis than non-smokers.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
As the disease inflames the optic nerve, a condition known as optic neuritis, pain, and loss of vision can occur in the affected eye. This may be the first sign of multiple sclerosis or it may appear later.
Other symptoms include:
- double vision,
- lethargy,
- loss of bowel and bladder function
- muscular stiffness,
- numbness and weakness of the limbs,
- depression
- Another symptom is called Lhermitte’s sign, an electric shock-like pain felt when the neck is moved.
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
Multiple sclerosis is often diagnosed by ruling out other conditions; Doctors can then form a differential diagnosis of the cause of the symptoms.
An essential tool for diagnosing the disease is magnetic resonance imaging, in which doctors look for bright white dots that indicate disease activity in the brain and spinal cord.
Doctors can also look at other related areas, such as the optic nerve. A lumbar puncture may also be done, to look for abnormal proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid, called oligoclonal bands.
The diagnosis is confirmed if a patient has damaged myelin in at least two areas of the central nervous system and has had at least two relapses, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
What is the treatment for multiple sclerosis?
During periods of acute worsening of symptoms, known as exacerbation or relapses, steroids can treat symptoms. Medications called disease-modifying therapies help reduce both the number and severity of relapses.
Muscle relaxants are generally prescribed to treat the stiffness that sometimes accompanies multiple sclerosis. Patients are closely monitored for possible treatment side effects, such as flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions.
Disease progression and medical treatment differ from patient to patient. Some people with multiple sclerosis may have longer periods of remission or periods without symptoms of the disease; others may have such a severe course of illness that they lose the ability to walk without assistance.
Although the disease can be life-altering, physical therapy and aids such as canes and walkers can improve the ability to perform daily activities. There are also special considerations for preventing fatigue, such as avoiding heat and excessive activity.
Multiple sclerosis can be fatal, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. However, most patients are mildly affected and life expectancy has improved in recent years.