World Multiple Sclerosis Day

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that results in damaging the central nervous system also referred to as the spinal cord, and brain.

In the course of this disease, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, and this results in communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. All these culminates to a permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.

The disease has a remission and relapse periods. The experience can vary from periods of new symptoms or relapses that develop over days or weeks and usually improve partially or completely, followed by quiet periods of remission that can last months or even years.

Note: A slight increase in body temperature can worsen signs and symptoms of MS temporarily, but this is not referred to as remission.

Causes:

Multiple Sclerosis is said to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, this results in the abnormal destruction of the fatty layer that coats and protects the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).

But the actual cause of Multiple Sclerosis is unknown.

Risk factors:

· Age: MS can occur at any age, but onset usually occurs around 20 and 40 years of age.

· Sex: Affects both men and women, but mostly women. But men do experience more relapse than women.

· Family history

· Certain infections: A variety of viruses have been traced to Multiple Sclerosis example: Epstein-Barr virus.

· Race: White people, most especially those of Northern European descent, are at highest risk of developing multiple Sclerosis. Whereas people of Asian, African or Native American descent have the lowest risk.

· Climate: Multiple Sclerosis is more common in countries with temperate climates.

· Vitamin D: Having low levels of vitamin D and low exposure to sunlight.

· Certain autoimmune diseases.

· Smoking.

Symptoms:

In multiple Sclerosis, the signs and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis varies and depend on the amount of nerve damage and the type of nerve affected.

· Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs.

· Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements.

· Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait.

· Partial or complete loss of vision.

· Prolonged double vision.

· Blurry vision.

· Slurred speech

· Fatigue

· Dizziness

· Tingling or pain in parts of your body

· Problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function.

Complications:

Some complications associated with multiple Sclerosis include:

· Muscle stiffness or spasms

· Paralysis, typically in the legs

· Problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function

· Mental changes, such as forgetfulness or mood swings

· Depression

· Epilepsy

The theme for this years' world Multiple Sclerosis Day is tagged “Connections” and it is aimed at building community connection, self-connection and connections to quality care, with respect to patients.

The Multiple Sclerosis Connections campaign challenges social barriers that leave people affected by Multiple Sclerosis feeling lonely and socially isolated.

As individuals, we can achieve this aim by adopting the following practices:

1) Encouraging and convincing decision makers for better services and effective treatment of people with Multiple Sclerosis.

2) Encourage self-care and healthy living with Multiple Sclerosis.

3) Discouraging social barriers and stigma that can leave people affected by Multiple Sclerosis feeling lonely and isolated.

4) Setup communities and organizations that support and nurture people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

5) Connecting people with Multiple Sclerosis to health facilities for proper management and easy access to medication and consultancy and counseling.

6) Public education and sensitization on the lifestyle modification for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis and also their family members.