MS episodes cause the body’s own immune system to attack nerve cells. These Multiple Sclerosis episodes can damage the brain and the spinal cord by causing the demyelination of nerve cells. This means that the outer covering of the cells is stripped off which makes them unable to receive electrical signals. The culprits of this are white blood cells. However, in normal conditions, the brain is off limits for these particular cells which are also called T-cells.
Cells which lose this crucial covering are unable to conduct electrical signals effectively. This particular lack of signals is what causes havoc within the body and the brain. There are many effects of multiple sclerosis but some most commonly felt symptoms are tingling, numbness, a loss of balance, a lack of coordination, the inability to think clearly, and blurred vision. However, as the disease progresses, there are other symptoms which may manifest such as fatigue, paralysis, and limited mobility.
An invaluable tool in diagnosing MS is the MRI. An MRI scan is used to reveal lesions or scarring during a relapse of MS. These scans can show the damage that already occurred to the brain. Usually, the patient is first injected by a colorless dye known as gadolinium, which causes the active lesions to glow brightly during the MRI. However, it is important to understand that damage to the brain can occur even before any symptoms are noticed. Medication provided can prevent flare-ups of the lesions and reduce the side effects of MS.
Progressive Stages of MS
The first documented account of MS was recorded in 1868. It was described by Dr. Jean Martin Charcot. However, the actual standard 4 different forms were not named until 1996. These four forms are as follows: relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive, and progressive relapsing. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society created these subgroups of MS in order to ensure both accurate prognosis and treatment. The very first type of MS usually diagnosed is RRMS. Later on it can develop into various other stages such as SPMS, PPMS, and PRMS.
The type that usually develops after RRMS is called Secondary-progressive MS. This subtype is usually defined by a standardized pattern of remission and relapse such as the first one but, it is important to note that symptoms do not disappear but instead just get worse as cycles go on. This type is usually diagnosed roughly 10 years after the initial diagnosis is made.
The next stage is Primary Progressive MS and it occurs in roughly 10 percent of all patients with MS. There are no remissions in this form of MS, only a slow and steady progression which means that the intensity of symptoms never decreases. When it comes to MS episodes, or Multiple Sclerosis episodes, those that are associated with Progressive Relapsing are the most acute and lethal, but only manifest in around 5 percent of the MS population.
