Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers. This disrupts the electric signals traveling along the nerve fibers from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa, leading to symptoms such as numbness and tingling, muscle spasms, walking difficulties, and pain.
MS symptoms usually appear when a person is between the ages of 20 and 50. However, the disease can also occur in young children and the elderly.
MS is more common in women than men, with recent studies suggesting that women are three times as likely as men to have MS. The disease is estimated to affect about 1 million people in the U.S. and about 2.5 million worldwide.
As is the case with most autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of MS is not known. Several types of immune cells, including B-cells and T-cells, are thought to participate in the autoimmune attack.
Multiple factors likely contribute to the development and progression of MS. It is probable that both genetic and environmental factors play a role, scientists say.
Early Signs of MS
A definitive list of the early signs of MS does not exist, because different people experience different symptoms at different times. A number of symptoms, however, are common to the disease and may be considered early signs of MS, although their appearance depends on what areas of the brain and/or spinal cord are affected.
The most common initial MS symptoms are excessive fatigue, difficulties with walking or frequent stumbling, numbness or tingling (a feeling of pins and needles), problems with concentration or not thinking as quickly as you normally would, and vision problems.
Some symptoms may worsen over time, so they may not be as apparent in the early stages of the disease. In addition, other diseases also may share some of these same symptoms, and only a medical professional, such as a neurologist specialized in nervous system disorders — using a number of tests — can correctly diagnose MS.
How Is MS Diagnosed?
An early and accurate diagnosis is very important, as it can allow for earlier treatment, which, in turn, tends to yield better clinical outcomes. However, there is no single test to diagnose MS. Most people seek medical attention more frequently before being diagnosed with MS, which may be due to a distinct period of unspecific and mild symptoms seen prior to the onset of the actual disease.
Researchers are continuing to work to improve methods of early detection of MS. Several studies have examined new approaches, from different MRI signals that may indicate early disease, to new radiotracers used in PET imaging that might identify MS before symptoms are visible, to artificial intelligence models.
An early and accurate diagnosis is very important, as it can allow for earlier treatment, which, in turn, tends to yield better clinical outcomes. However, there is no single test to diagnose MS. Most people seek medical attention more frequently before being diagnosed with MS, which may be due to a distinct period of unspecific and mild symptoms seen prior to the onset of the actual disease.
Researchers are continuing to work to improve methods of early detection of MS. Several studies have examined new approaches, from different MRI signals that may indicate early disease, to new radiotracers used in PET imaging that might identify MS before symptoms are visible, to artificial intelligence models.
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