|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Diagnosis & Treatment for Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system turns on the body causing a deterioration of nerves. It interferes with the brain's ability to communicate with the rest of the body and can be potentially debilitating. Multiple sclerosis has no cure but can be treated to help improve patient's lives.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include dizziness, fatigue, double or blurry vision, vision loss, eye pain, lack of coordination and tingling or numbness in parts of the body.

    Causes

    • Multiple sclerosis is caused by the body's immune system attacking the body's tissues. Contributing factors include genetics and childhood infections.

    Diagnosis

    • Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed through tests to rule out other conditions. Tests include blood tests, MRI, spinal tap in which spinal fluid is examined, and an evoked potential test in which the brain is electrically stimulated.

    Treatment

    • Treatment of multiple sclerosis includes medication to manage symptoms. They include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, interferons for symptom relief, and glatiramer, natalizumab and mitoxantrone to stop damaged cells and treat symptoms.

    Other Treatment

    • Other treatment for multiple sclerosis includes physical and occupational therapy for help with daily tasks, and plasma exchange to separate blood cells from plasma and combat severe symptoms.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles