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Most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is considered to be an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are those that are caused by one’s own immune system going hyperactive and attacking one’s own body organs. The exact cause as to why the immune system becomes hyperactive is not known. Multiple sclerosis is one like that the immune system attacks the nerves of the central nerve system and that of the brains. MS exhibits a periodic upheaval and subsidence, the periods being unpredictable. Each patient suffers in a way that is unique and different from the other . Some get very mild symptoms and the disease do not progress also that the patient needs no treatment. The disease attacks the Myelin sheath, a protective coating around the nerve fiber. The myelin layer, besides offering the nerve protection helps in the conduction of electrical signals from the brain to the muscle. The symptoms depend on the nerve and the position of attack and the extent of damage. In extreme cases the nerve itself gets damaged and breaks. Listed below are the symptoms of MS: Problems with bladder operation : Both inability to urination, leading to urine retention and inability to control draining of urine, incontinence are experienced.
Multiple sclerosis –  Things you need to know

Multiple sclerosis – Things you need to know

There are no specific diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. The general approach is to test for usual diseases that have similar symptoms and eliminate the likely conditions. A diagnosis is then arrived at by elimination of the common conditions that mimic MS. This method of diagnosis is often employed to diagnose difficult diseases and the technique is called differential diagnosis. It is very important to get a detailed clinical history. This help the doctor to eliminate many diseases and concentrate on a few. Blood test are done to confirm the results help to avoid similar diseases. Specific markers of specific antibodies for MS in the blood is being developed. This help in diagnosis. Another test is analyzing the spinal fluid for markers which are specific to different infe ctions and illnesses producing similar symptoms like MS. The tests can also indicate abnormal antibodies associated with MS. The spinal fluid is tapped by inserting a needle into the spinal canal and drawing a small quantity of the fluid. MRI is an advanced imaging technique using magnetic forces. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Often a contrast material in injected intravenously which helps to identify the lesions in the brain and on the spinal cord.