Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic progressive disease of the nervous system that affects the spinal cord and brain. In most cases, the onset of the disease is asymptomatic. The first signs of multiple sclerosis include impaired coordination, sensitivity, and vision. Timely detection and treatment will make it possible to maintain working capacity for a long time and avoid disability.
Factors provoking the disease:
- autoimmune disorders;
- vascular diseases;
- infectious and allergic diseases;
- improper nutrition, obesity, smoking;
- northern country of residence;
- heredity.
It is worth noting that women suffer from multiple sclerosis much more often than men. The age of most patients is from 20 to 40 years. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis in women will be discussed in the next section.
The first symptoms of the disease
Damage of the optic nerve. The patient complains of cloudiness and a veil before the eyes, vague contours. In addition, a decrease in visual acuity in one eye, a lack of perception of one color and a change in visual fields are possible.
Cerebellar disorders:
- unsteadiness when walking, which passes during the day;
- episodic dizziness not related to weather changes;
- nystagmus (uncontrolled movement of the eyeballs);
- double vision;
- disturbance of balance;
- change in handwriting and hand tremors.
Disruption of sensitivity is characteristic of the second stage of the course of multiple sclerosis. The main manifestations: tightening of the skin and a feeling of crawling ants, numbness and tingling in the hands, "cotton legs" and a slight feeling of heartburn. In most cases, everything passes by itself.
Pelvic disorders. Delayed urination, impossibility of complete emptying of the bladder, frequent urination are grounds for examination.
Movement disorders. These include discomfort in movements, slight muscle weakness, and night cramps lasting no more than 5-10 seconds.
Emotional disorders:
- bad mood and irritability;
- emotional lability (from euphoria to depression);
- apathy;
- aggressiveness towards the environment.
The doctor will tell you about the methods of diagnosing multiple sclerosis at a personal appointment. Registration for consultation with specialists is carried out on our website Dobrobut.com.
Causes of multiple sclerosis in men
As mentioned above, this disease is diagnosed less often in men. Characteristic signs of multiple sclerosis in men are the rapid development of the disease, pronounced symptoms and frequent exacerbations.
Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
There is no specific diagnosis, so specialists use the following methods: spinal tap, nuclear magnetic resonance and VP (evoked potentials).
Spinal puncture is performed to detect the increased content of erythrocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid and the presence of specific antibodies.
Nuclear magnetic resonance will help the specialist to identify plaques (scars) characteristic of the disease.
After collecting the anamnesis and the necessary examination, the patient will be prescribed treatment for multiple sclerosis. The course of drug therapy is selected individually, taking into account the symptoms and general condition of the patient.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis
Since the disease is incurable, only symptomatic therapy aimed at reducing clinical manifestations and improving the patient's quality of life is justified.
Immunomodulators relieve symptoms and prolong the period of remission. Immunosuppressants suppress immunity. Steroid hormones reduce the severity of clinical symptoms and reduce the duration of the exacerbation period. A specialist will tell you about how to treat an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis during a consultation.
In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, pain relievers, etc. are used as part of symptomatic therapy. We remind you that there are no effective drugs for multiple sclerosis that would guarantee a full recovery.
Possible complications and prognosis
Respiratory and cardiac disorders, pneumonia, sepsis, deep bedsores are the most serious complications, which in many cases cause death.
There is no unequivocal answer to the question of how long patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis live. The disease is incurable with clear progression. Everything depends on the stage, severity of symptoms, general condition of the patient and timeliness of treatment. The most favorable prognosis is in patients with monosymptoms (the presence of one characteristic symptom). In most cases, the patient will be disabled.
If you still have questions, make an appointment for a consultation. Our doctors will provide complete information about the disease and the causes of multiple sclerosis in men. You can make an appointment on the website.
Related services:
Computer tomography
Encephalogram of the brain
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