Multiple sclerosis or plaques: causes, symptoms and innovative treatments

When facing diseases that can seriously compromise health, it is crucial to look for the best medical centers available. These centers not only offer cutting-edge technology, but also have excellent professionals capable of providing an accurate diagnosis from the first moment and adequate treatment that improves the prognosis.

What is multiple sclerosis or plaque sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, also known as multiple sclerosis, is a chronic central nervous system diseaseIt occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, a substance that covers and protects nerve fibers, causing disruptions in communication between the brain and the body. This creates lesions or scars in the affected areas, causing a wide variety of symptoms that vary from person to person.

There are different forms of multiple sclerosis, including relapsing-remitting disease (RRMS), primary progressive disease (PPMS), and secondary progressive disease (SPMS). Each of these forms presents unique symptoms and challenges in terms of management and treatment.

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Causes of multiple sclerosis

The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is not yet known for certain, but it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Possible causes and risk factors include:

• Genetic factors: Although multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, having a close relative with the disease increases the risk of developing it.
• Environmental factors: It has been suggested that some viral diseases, such as mononucleosis, could trigger this disease. In addition, it has been linked to lack of sun exposure and low levels of vitamin D.
• Gender and ageMultiple sclerosis is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common in women than men.
• Geography: This disease is more common in people who live in regions far from the equator.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary widely depending on the location and extent of myelin damage in the central nervous system. Common symptoms of this disease include:

• Muscle symptoms: Muscular symptoms include loss of balance, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, coordination problems, walking problems, and tremors in the limbs.
• Bladder and bowel symptoms: These symptoms include an urgent need to urinate, urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder completely, constipation, diarrhea, and loss of bowel control.
• Eye symptoms: These symptoms may include blurred vision, double vision, partial or complete vision loss, and eye pain.
• Neurological symptoms: Neurological symptoms include severe fatigue, cognitive problems, speech problems, and swallowing problems such as difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
• Pain, tingling and numbness: This disease can present symptoms such as acute or chronic pain in any part of the body, tingling sensation in the extremities or face, and numbness in different parts of the body.

If these symptoms occur, it is crucial that people seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How is MS diagnosed?

Diagnosing multiple sclerosis can be complicated by the variability of its symptoms. Different diagnostic studies are used to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• Blood test: This type of study is performed to rule out other diseases that may present similar symptoms.
• Magnetic Resonance ImagingThis test allows for the creation of detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, detecting lesions or plaques characteristic of multiple sclerosis.
• Evoked potential test: It is performed to measure the response of the nervous system to visual, auditory or tactile stimuli, detecting nerve conduction and possible myelin damage.
• Lumbar puncture: This test may be done to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid and look for signs of inflammation in the central nervous system.

An early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is crucial to start appropriate treatment early and improve disease management.

Multiple sclerosis treatments

Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are various treatments that vary depending on the stage of the disease and the symptoms of each patient. Treatments used include:

• Treatments for multiple sclerosis flares: Corticosteroids and plasmapheresis are used to treat flare-ups caused by this disease to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Corticosteroids, such as oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone, help reduce the duration and severity of flare-ups. Plasmapheresis is used when symptoms are severe and do not respond to steroids.
• Treatments to modify the course of the disease: Treatments such as interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, monoclonal antibodies, infusion medications, and various oral medications are used to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses. These treatments help reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and decrease the risk of brain atrophy.
• Treatments for symptoms: Various therapies can be used to address symptoms, including physical therapy, fatigue medications, and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants, such as baclofen and tizanidine, help reduce spasticity and painful muscle spasms.

Advances in the treatment and management of symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that is constantly being investigated, allowing for the development of new treatments to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Some of the latest advances include:

• Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor: This inhibitor is currently being investigated as a potential treatment for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. This treatment works by modulating B lymphocytes and microglia, which are key immune cells in the central nervous system.
• Stem cell transplant: This investigational therapy aims to destroy the faulty immune system and replace it with healthy stem cells, which could help reboot the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Although current research is promising, further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy, side effects, and long-term safety of these new treatments.

Clinic in Madrid with innovative treatments for multiple sclerosis

Receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can be an extremely difficult and stressful process. Therefore, it is essential to find a medical center of excellence that has the experience and professionals necessary to accompany you and provide you with an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. Specialized centers can make a big difference when it comes to beginning treatment for this disease, offering innovative treatments that improve the prognosis.

If you are looking for a Clinic of excellence in Madrid, do not hesitate to choose Clínica Elgeadi. At our center, you will find cutting-edge technology that allows you to obtain an accurate diagnosis, along with a team of highly trained professionals to treat your illness in the best possible way.