Multiple sclerosis or commonly known as MS disease; It is a disease characterized by the damage of the sheath called myelin, which covers the outer part of the extensions of the cells in the nervous system. If we compare the cells in the nervous system to electrical generators, the electricity produced by this generator reaches the motor via a cable. If the outer plastic part that provides the insulation of the cable is destroyed, less current will flow to the motor due to leaks and the motor's power will weaken. Even if the cable is completely destroyed, no current will flow to the motor, and in this case the motor will not start. Likewise, in MS disease, if the nerve fibers coming to the structure are damaged, the functioning of that structure will slow down or stop.
Who Gets MS Disease?
MS is frequently seen in young women, especially between the ages of 20-40. As a geographical region, it is frequently seen in northern Europe, America and Canada. It is extremely rare in tropical regions.
What Causes MS Disease?
Although MS is affected by many different causes, it is a disease that does not occur due to a definite cause. Although many things such as environmental factors, genetic causes, some viruses, hormones, and some toxic substances have been blamed in the formation of the disease, these could not be demonstrated in all patients.
What is the Problem in MS Disease?
Why? MS disease begins, we don't know yet. But what happens after the disease starts? We know quite a bit about the answer to this question. Soldiers (leukocyte-white blood cells), who take on the body's defense in a way we don't know yet, accept the sheath called myelin that surrounds the outside of the nerve cells as foreign, and wage a war against it. Normally, this disease is an immune system disease because the body fights against the foreigners coming from outside, but it is an immune system disease.
Is There Any This Type of Immune System Disease Apart from MS?
Of course. MS is just one of them. Likewise, when the thyroid gland is considered foreign, "autoimmune thyroiditis-Hashimoto's thyroiditis" becomes "articular rheumatism" when it is against the articular cartilage. These examples can be multiplied further.
MS Disease� What are the Findings of This?
The most common initial complaints are loss of sensation, weakness, blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye, double vision, imbalance, slurring in speech, which usually occurs in an arm or leg. Rarely, it can start with urinary incontinence, epileptic seizures, and facial pain called trigeminal neuralgia.
What Does Attack Mean in MS Disease?
Attack when the symptoms we just mentioned about MS disease occur in a person. name is given. The most important point here is that all these complaints have been going on for more than 24 hours. This criterion is very important, especially in patients newly diagnosed with MS, since all kinds of complaints are thought to be attacks. In other words, the complaint of numbness in the arm that lasts for 15 minutes and passes is not an attack.
How is MS Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of the disease; the patient's own statements, neurological examination and laboratory tests are evaluated together. These alone are not sufficient for diagnosis.
It says "Compatible with MS" in the Brain MRI Report. Is This True?
It is extremely wrong. Of course, MRI is a very important examination in diagnosis. However, a definite diagnosis of MS cannot be made by MRI to a person who does not have any complaints.
What is seen in MS in MRI examination?
The nerve damage of MS disease is seen in the form of white patches called plaques in the MR film.
p>Do All the White Spots in the MR Movie Mean MS Plaque?
No. White spots on MRI can also appear for other reasons. MS plaques are very different in appearance and location. Therefore, it is very important that it be evaluated by a familiar eye.
Which Tests Other than MRI are Used in Diagnosis?
Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) test to evaluate the visual nerve, and lumbar spine test to evaluate nervous system damage water examination (CSF test) can be done.
Is There Different Types of MS Disease as a Clinical Course?
Yes. The most common type is the one characterized by exacerbations and extinctions. MS sometimes has a sudden onset and severe course, and sometimes it can progress continuously. is These forms are rarer.
What Does “MS Disease Is Individual” Mean?
No MS patient is alike. Complaints may vary depending on the distribution and prevalence of plaques in the brain. For this reason, it is extremely wrong for patients to compare by looking at each other.
There Are Many Plaques in My MR Film, But I Have No Complaints. How Does This Happen?
If plaques are in non-functional areas, it may not cause any complaints. These are called silent plaques.
Is there anything that MS Patients Need to Watch Out for?
Since MS is an immune system disease, anything that will distress this system is inconvenient for MS patients. Conditions such as extreme stress, fatigue, heavy diet, and long-term insomnia increase the risk of attacks. In addition, thermal baths and saunas are not suitable, as hot MS patients can cause severe fatigue. The risk of attack may increase in febrile diseases, traumas, and surgical interventions.
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