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Today, 11 February 2012

Yesterday, 10 February 2012

Question

Please may I have some information on multiple sclerosis?

Answer

This is a disease of the nervous system. The protective coat of nerves degenerates, which is called demyelinization. The cause is unknown, although an immune or viral cause is postulated.

Women are the main sufferers, and the disease usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age.

The nerves in the brain and spinal chord are affected. The disease is characterized by attacks and remissions following an unpredictable, but declining course.

Symptoms during acute attacks vary from loss of feeling in the arms, legs, trunk or face, weakness of the arms or legs, visual disturbances, speech problems, incontinence or emotional disturbances. Memory losses, attention deficits, euphoria, uncontrolled laughter or crying are all symptoms that are especially difficult to cope with.

The life span is usually not shortened, and the illness lasts 25 years on average. Remissions tend to be frequent and lengthy in the beginning of the disease, but become infrequent during late stages of the disease. Remissions lasting more than 20 years have been reported. However, in a small number of people, the disease progresses more rapidly, and could lead to death within a year of diagnosis. Treatment is with cortisone, antispasmodics and beta inteferon injections, with varying success.

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