What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, chronic disease that can be disabling to the brain and central nervous system (spinal cord). MS occurs when the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheaths that surround your nerves.
Without myelin sheaths, your nerves cannot send signals from your brain to the rest of your body. The disease can damage any of your nerves, so symptoms are widespread.
The cause of MS is unknown, though a combination of genetics and environmental factors appears to be responsible. You can experience flare-ups and remission due to a variety of factors.
What are symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Common symptoms include:
- Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs on the same side of the body, or the legs and trunk
- Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, with pain during eye movement
- Prolonged double vision
- Tingling or pain in parts of your body
- Electric shock sensations with certain neck movements
- Tremor, lack of coordination, or poor balance
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Problems with bowel and bladder function
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
MS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes must be ruled out before making a confirmed conclusion. Testing involves blood work, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), MRI, and evoked potential tests which check nerve signals based on visual or electrical stimuli.
At NeuroCare of Texas, Dr. Ata provides all necessary lab work and imaging in-house, which is more convenient for you and leads to a faster diagnosis.
How is multiple sclerosis treated?
While there is no cure for MS, treatment aims to speed healing after attacks, slow the progression of the disease, and manage symptoms.
Dr. Ata prescribes corticosteroids to decrease inflammation during attacks or plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) to cleanse the blood of inflammatory chemicals made by your immune system.
Other options at NeuroCare of Texas include FDA-approved Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) for both progressive and remitting MS types. There are many types of medications available for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Dr. Ata has the knowledge and experience to find the right solution for you.
Dr. Ata provides other non-pharmaceutical treatments, including physical therapy and lifestyle advice, to reduce your symptoms.
If you’re looking for a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and desire expert treatment for multiple sclerosis, call NeuroCare of Texas or schedule online now.
