Mulitple sclerosis disease with 1000 faces 1acare

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own cells are attacked. Approximately 2.5 million people worldwide are affected, 70% of whom are women. It usually develops at a young age, i.e. between 20 and 40 years of age.

The exact causes of this disease are still unclear. However, it is amed that the patient's own immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own structures due to a viral infection during puberty or hereditary factors. There are also ethnic variations, with people of European-Caucasian descent being the most likely to develop the disease, while Japanese people are the least likely to be affected.

The disease is initially caused by inflammation of the myelin sheaths of certain nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain. The sheaths surrounding the nerve fibers are destroyed and prevent the transmission of nerve signals. This causes disturbances in body movements. To disabilities in the later course forms.

If you or your loved one is already in an advanced stage and dependent on help with daily living, you may be eligible for hourly or 24-hour care . The caregivers can perform household tasks as well as simple nursing (not medical) tasks!) take over tasks. We will be happy to find a suitable care service for you. You can contact us at 0800 122 273 0. We help you find a caregiver in your area completely free of charge. Important: Caregivers do not replace medical or nursing treatment!

Attention: This article is for information only, it does not replace a visit to the doctor and is not suitable for diagnosis.

Author: Prof. Dr. Martin Przewloka

Last edited on 16.02.2022 by: Bettina Morich (Editor)

– Symptoms and variants – Care and treatment – Special features – Documents – FAQ

What are the symptoms and course of multiple sclerosis (MS)??

Multiple sclerosis has different courses, in which various symptoms occur. These forms of progression are basically divided into relapsing. Chronic-progressive courses divided up. Because of the different course of the disease, MS is also called "the disease with a thousand faces". The relapsing-remitting course is common in young patients. Is the first stage of the disease in 80% of sufferers. This course is characterized by the symptoms occurring in episodes, which can arise due to infections, fever or even stressful situations. More than 30 days usually elapse between episodes, in which symptoms completely or partially subside. New symptoms appear with each episode, although in some cases older symptoms may accompany the new ones. The duration of these relapses depends on the person. For example, they can last for a few days in some patients, while in others they can last for weeks. In the later stages of the disease, the symptoms do not subside completely. Thus, residual symptoms remain, due to which a permanent dysfunction develops.

In the later stages or in older patients, the disease is usually chronic and progressive. This leads to a slow progression of the disease. Continuous progression of the disease. This may occur with or without additional relapses.

The following symptoms are typical of MS:

– Visual disturbances – Muscle paralysis usually starting in the arm or leg – Sensory disturbances, such as z.B. Numbness, tingling and pain – Fatigue and dizziness – Movement disorders and coordination problems – Speech disorders – Bladder weakness or constipation – Urinary and digestive disorders and anxiety disorders

What is the treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS)??

The course of the disease is different for each affected person. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is particularly important. The treatment of MS is aimed at maintaining a high quality of life for the person affected for as long as possible and prolonging life expectancy. Counseling and education as well as emotional support for the person affected can also be helpful.

The treatment of MS mainly involves the use of drugs that strengthen the immune system and thus prevent or treat relapses. There are three different types of treatment.

– Treatment for acute relapses: This involves the use of dosed glucocorticoids such as z.B. Cortisone used to suppress inflammation. In severe relapses, blood washing (plasmapharesis) can be performed. – Treatment for relapse prophylaxis: This treatment is used to slow down the course of the disease. Thus, it is to be seen as a basic treatment in which drugs are administered to strengthen the immune system.

Treatment of symptoms: This is where the accompanying symptoms are treated with various medications. However, this treatment also includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy but also psychotherapeutic care.

What is the course of multiple sclerosis (MS)??

The course and symptoms of multiple sclerosis are person-dependent. The setting of secondary diseases also depends, among other things, on the medical treatment, the response to it and the rehabilitation measures. However, it is important to add that life expectancy in MS is hardly shortened unless there is severe physical disability. In addition, about two thirds of the affected persons live with a very slight impairment.

Multiple sclerosis, MS – documents

Frequently asked questions about the course, symptoms and treatment of multiple sclerosis and MS

Which age group is affected by MS?

MS occurs most frequently between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

What are the causes of MS?

These are not yet completely known. However, MS is thought to be inherited or triggered by a viral infection during puberty.

What forms does MS take??

MS is characterized by a relapsing or chronic progressive course.

How long does a relapse last? Relapses can last between a few days. Last for several weeks. However, it is not called a relapse until the symptoms (z.B. numbness of a body part) last longer than 24 hours.

How much time passes between relapses?

Usually at least 30 days pass between relapses. Sometimes even years can pass before a new relapse occurs.

What are the symptoms of MS?

MS has many symptoms. These are:

o muscle paralysis, usually starting in the arm or leg

o Sensory disturbances such as.B. numbness, tingling and pain

o fatigue and dizziness

o Movement disorders and coordination problems

o Bladder weakness or constipation

o Disorders of the urinary tract and digestive organs

o Depression and anxiety disorders

How MS is treated?

In MS, drug treatment is used to suppress inflammation, slow down the course of the disease and cure accompanying symptoms.

What is the life expectancy in higher-grade MS??

Statistically, it is six to ten years less than the general life expectancy.

Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Martin Przewloka has gained extensive experience with the subject of care in his own family environment. Shares knowledge with other family caregivers through various channels. Dr. Martin Przewloka has gained extensive experience with the topic of care in his own family environment. Shares his knowledge with other family caregivers through various channels. Martin Przewloka has gained extensive experience with caregiving in his own family environment. Shares his knowledge with other caregivers through various channels. Thanks to his university degree in medical physics (University of Kaiserslautern), he also understands the health background of the various diseases and can put himself in the position of those in need of care.