What are the primary symptoms of multiple sclerosis. How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed and treated. Can multiple sclerosis be cured or prevented. What lifestyle changes can help manage MS symptoms.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: A Complex Neurological Condition

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord. This complex condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.

MS can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person and may change over time. These symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty walking
• Vision problems
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Cognitive changes
• Pain
• Depression

The severity and progression of MS can differ significantly among individuals, with some experiencing mild symptoms and others facing more severe disability.

Causes and Risk Factors of Multiple Sclerosis

The exact cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown, but researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some potential risk factors include:

• Family history of MS
• Certain genetic variations
• Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus
• Low vitamin D levels
• Smoking
• Obesity in early life
• Living farther from the equator

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary? While MS is not directly inherited, having a close relative with the condition can increase your risk. However, most people with MS do not have a family history of the disease.

Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis: A Multifaceted Approach

Diagnosing multiple sclerosis can be challenging, as there is no single definitive test. Instead, healthcare providers use a combination of methods to reach a diagnosis:

1. Medical history and neurological examination
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
3. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
4. Evoked potential tests
5. Blood tests to rule out other conditions

How long does it take to diagnose MS? The diagnostic process can vary in length, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of test results.

Treatment Options for Multiple Sclerosis: Managing Symptoms and Slowing Progression

While there is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment approaches typically include:

Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)

These medications aim to reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses and slow the accumulation of disability. Some common DMTs include:

• Injectable medications (e.g., interferon beta, glatiramer acetate)
• Oral medications (e.g., fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate)
• Infusion therapies (e.g., natalizumab, ocrelizumab)

Symptom Management

Various treatments can help alleviate specific MS symptoms:

• Medications for pain, fatigue, and spasticity
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Psychological support and counseling

How effective are MS treatments? While individual responses vary, many people with MS experience significant benefits from current treatment options, including reduced relapse rates and slowed disease progression.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Lifestyle Modifications and Coping Strategies

Adopting certain lifestyle changes can help individuals with MS manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life:

• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Stress management techniques
• Adequate rest and sleep
• Avoiding excessive heat exposure
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining social connections and support networks

Can lifestyle changes reverse MS? While lifestyle modifications cannot cure MS, they can significantly improve symptoms, overall health, and quality of life for many individuals living with the condition.

Multiple Sclerosis Relapses: Understanding and Managing Flare-Ups

MS relapses, also known as exacerbations or flare-ups, are periods when new symptoms appear or existing symptoms worsen. Understanding and managing relapses is crucial for individuals with MS:

Characteristics of MS Relapses

• Duration of at least 24 hours
• Occurrence at least 30 days after the previous relapse
• Not explained by other factors (e.g., infection, stress, heat)

Managing Relapses

1. Contact healthcare provider promptly
2. Consider corticosteroid treatment
3. Rest and avoid overexertion
4. Manage stress levels
5. Adjust daily activities as needed

How often do MS relapses occur? The frequency of relapses varies widely among individuals, ranging from rare occurrences to several times a year. Disease-modifying therapies can help reduce the frequency and severity of relapses.

Pregnancy and Multiple Sclerosis: Planning for the Future

Many women with MS can have healthy pregnancies and children. However, careful planning and management are essential:

• Consult with healthcare providers before conception
• Discuss medication adjustments during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Monitor for potential MS symptom changes during pregnancy
• Plan for postpartum care and support

Does pregnancy affect MS progression? Interestingly, many women experience fewer MS symptoms during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. However, the risk of relapse may increase in the first few months after giving birth.

Research and Future Directions in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Ongoing research in multiple sclerosis aims to improve understanding of the disease, develop more effective treatments, and ultimately find a cure. Some promising areas of research include:

• Stem cell therapies
• Neuroprotective and remyelinating agents
• Personalized medicine approaches
• Advanced imaging techniques
• Biomarker discovery for improved diagnosis and treatment monitoring

Will there be a cure for MS in the near future? While significant progress has been made in MS research and treatment, a cure remains elusive. However, ongoing studies offer hope for more effective therapies and improved quality of life for individuals with MS.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex and challenging condition, but with proper management and support, many individuals with MS lead fulfilling and productive lives. As research continues to advance, the outlook for those affected by MS continues to improve. If you or a loved one is dealing with MS, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers, stay informed about the latest developments, and actively participate in your care to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Multiple Sclerosis FAQs: Your Questions Answered

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What is it like to have MS?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. It can cause:

• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance
• Poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Tremors
• Numbness
• Extreme fatigue
• Memory and concentration problems
• Mood changes
• Dizziness

What causes multiple sclerosis?

The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. Research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors playing a role. Possible risk factors include:

• A family history of MS
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Vitamin D deficiency
• History of infectious mononucleosis
• Past concussions
• Where you live

Who gets multiple sclerosis?

MS occurs more often in women than in men. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 50 years. It can also occur in children and older adults.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

No single test exists to diagnose this condition. Instead, neurologists and MS specialists make a diagnosis by gathering information from your medical history, physical exams, imaging and lab test results.

What is a multiple sclerosis relapse?

Commonly called “attacks,” “exacerbations,” or “flare-ups,” MS relapses happen when new symptoms suddenly appear or old symptoms worsen for more than 24 hours. Relapses can last from several days up to several weeks.

How do I know if I’m having a relapse?

MS symptoms can come and go. You may feel worse than normal if you do too much, get too hot, get overtired or sick, or have surgery. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having a relapse. You will likely improve.

What do I do if I have a relapse?

Contact your provider, who may want to order blood tests or imaging and prescribe steroid treatment.

Is there a cure for multiple sclerosis?

Not yet. We currently have several FDA-approved medications that can improve your well-being by reducing the number of relapses you have. Medicine can also slow down the progression of the disease. In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances can help people manage their symptoms. Research advances every year, including research, to find a cure.

How is multiple sclerosis treated?

Having MS means a lifetime of treatment. This can include both medication and other approaches, like rehab.

Medication reduces inflammation in the brain and spinal cord by targeting your immune system. This approach:

• Lessens the number of MS attacks
• Can slow the worsening of the disease

How do I choose a treatment?

We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account your unique history and needs. When choosing a treatment, we’ll discuss:

• Effectiveness. How well does the therapy work, both as you begin therapy and over time?
• Side effects. Nearly every medication has some kind of side effect. Review the side effects of each treatment option with your medical provider.
• Lifestyle. Consider how the treatment will fit with your responsibilities (work, travel, family).
• Medication type. Which delivery method works best for you? Options include injection, oral medications and infusions through an IV.

What if I become pregnant?

If you learn that you are pregnant, contact your MS provider, especially if you’re on treatment. Some treatments are safer during pregnancy and breastfeeding than others.

Will I be on a treatment for the rest of my life?

We don’t know. Current research is looking at outcomes in stable patients who stop treatment.

What can I do to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Set up care with a primary care provider to maintain good general health, get your vaccinations and develop strategies for maintaining low stress levels, conserving energy and reducing your risk of illness. Incorporating healthy diets and physical activity into your lifestyle plays a large role in management of MS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• 1. What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
• 2. What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?
• 3. What Are the Symptoms?
• 4. Can You Catch Multiple Sclerosis From Someone Else? Can You Die From It?
• 5. Is There a Cure?
• 6. Am I Going to Need a Wheelchair?
• 7. Which Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Is Best for Me?
• 8. How Does Deep Brain Stimulation Help?
• 9. What Else Can Help Me?
• 10. What Is Optic Neuritis?
• More

MS is problem with the immune system called an autoimmune disease. Instead of targeting only bacteria, viruses, and other invaders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. In MS, it attacks the brain and spinal cord.

Doctors still don’t understand why people get the disease, but genetics, a person’s environment, and possibly even viruses may play a role.

Researchers think MS may be a condition that parents can pass to their children through genes. First-, second- and third-degree relatives of people with the disease have a higher risk of getting it.

Some scientists think people might get multiple sclerosis because they’re born with genes that make their bodies react to a trigger in the environment. Once they’re exposed to it, their immune system starts targeting their own tissues.

Some studies also have suggested that many viruses — such as those for measles, herpes, and the flu — may be linked with MS. But there’s no clear proof of a connection so far.

The first warning signs of MS can be dramatic — or so mild that a person doesn’t even notice them.

The most common early symptoms include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Loss of balance
• Weakness in one or more limbs
• Blurred or double vision

Less-common warning signs may be:

• Slurred speech
• Suddenly not being able to move part of your body, called paralysis
• Lack of coordination
• Problems with thinking and processing information

As the disease gets worse, other symptoms may include heat sensitivity, fatigue, and changes in thinking.

MS is not considered a fatal disease. And you can’t catch it from someone else.

If other people in your family have the disease, you may be more likely to get it at some point.

No, but there are many drugs that can keep the disease from getting worse for a while. Along with medications, other treatments like physical therapy, rehab, and speech therapy can help you keep your symptoms under control and live an active life.

Most people who have MS usually get around without help. But there may be a time when you’ll need to use a cane or a walker to make it easier. About 25% of people with the condition eventually need a wheelchair.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different medications and therapies that can help people with MS.

The first step is to learn about your treatment options and talk about them with your doctor. Think about how well the treatment is supposed to work, any possible side effects, how you’ll take the therapy, and how it fits with your lifestyle.

Your doctor is a good source for information about the different types of treatments. They also can recommend MS support groups and other professionals who can help you.

The main goal of deep brain stimulation for MS is to ease tremors, or shaking you can’t control. It won’t help with other problems, such as loss of vision, feeling, or strength.

A positive attitude can lower your stress and help you feel better.

Exercise techniques like tai chi and yoga can relax you and give you more energy, balance, and flexibility. Always check with your doctor before you start a new fitness routine. Don’t exercise so hard that you feel exhausted. If you smoke, quit.

It’s always a good idea to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, too. Ask your doctor what foods are right for you.

It’s the inflammation of the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. It can cause:

• Pain in the eye
• Blurred vision
• Graying of vision
• Blindness in one eye

If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. The key to protecting your eyesight is to catch the problem early. Your doctor can treat you with steroids to fight the inflammation in the nerve.

Optic neuritis usually happens to one eye at a time, though it can affect both at once. It’s often the first symptom that someone has MS. About half of people with the condition will have optic neuritis at least once.

But it can happen to people who have other health problems, too, so it doesn’t automatically mean that someone has or will get MS.

Most people with optic neuritis recover fully, sometimes without any treatment.

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Article 17. Powers of local governments to resolve issues of local importance \ ConsultantPlus

Article 17. Powers of local governments to resolve issues of local importance

Prospects and risks of disputes in a court of general jurisdiction. Situations related to Art. 17

– The administrative plaintiff does not agree with the failure to take measures to improve (repair) the road

the following powers:

N 87-FZ)

(see the text in the previous version)

1) adoption of the charter of the municipality and introduction of amendments and additions to it, publication of municipal legal acts;

2) establishing the official symbols of the municipality;

3) the creation of municipal enterprises and institutions, the implementation of financial support for the activities of municipal government institutions and financial support for the implementation of municipal tasks by budgetary and autonomous municipal institutions, as well as the procurement of goods, works, services to meet municipal needs;

(as amended by Federal Laws No. 83-FZ of 08.05.2010, No. 396-FZ of 28.12.2013)

(see the text in the previous edition)

4) setting tariffs for services provided by municipal enterprises and institutions , and work performed by municipal enterprises and institutions, unless otherwise provided by federal laws;

(as amended by the Federal Law of November 30, 2011 N 361-FZ)

(see the text in the previous edition)

4.1) is no longer valid. – Federal Law of 01.05.2019N 87-FZ;

(see the text in the previous wording)

4.2) authority to organize heat supply provided for by the Federal Law “On Heat Supply”;

(Clause 4.2 was introduced by Federal Law No. 191-FZ of July 27, 2010)

(Clause 4.3 was introduced by Federal Law No. 417-FZ of 07.12.2011)

(Clause 4.4 was introduced by Federal Law No. 299-FZ of October 30, 2017)

persons of local self-government, voting on issues of changing the boundaries of the municipality, transformation of the municipality;

6) organizing the collection of statistical indicators characterizing the state of the economy and social sphere of the municipality, and providing the said data to public authorities in the manner prescribed by the Government of the Russian Federation;

(Clause 6 as amended by Federal Law No. 299-FZ dated October 30, 2017)

(see the text in the previous edition)

development of the transport infrastructure of settlements, urban districts, programs for the integrated development of the social infrastructure of settlements, urban districts, the requirements for which are established by the Government of the Russian Federation;

(Clause 6.1 was introduced by Federal Law No. 289-FZ of December 30, 2012, as amended by Federal Law No. 456-FZ of December 29, 2014)

(see the text in the previous version)

7) establishment of a print media information for the publication of municipal legal acts, discussion of draft municipal legal acts on issues of local importance, bringing to the attention of residents of the municipality official information about the socio-economic and cultural development of the municipality, the development of its public infrastructure and other official information;

(clause 7 as amended by Federal Law No. 199-FZ of December 31, 2005)

(see the text in the previous edition)

8) implementation of international and foreign economic relations in accordance with federal laws;

8. 1) organization of vocational education and additional vocational education for elected officials of local self-government, members of elected bodies of local self-government, deputies of representative bodies of municipalities, municipal employees and employees of municipal institutions, organization of training for municipal service in the manner prescribed by the legislation of the Russian Federation on education and legislation of the Russian Federation on municipal service;

(as amended by Federal Laws No. 185-FZ of 02.07.2013, No. 63-FZ of 30.03.2015)

(see the text in the previous edition)

energy efficiency, organization of an energy inspection of apartment buildings, the premises in which constitute the municipal housing stock within the boundaries of the municipality, organization and conduct of other activities provided for by the legislation on energy saving and on improving energy efficiency;

(Clause 8.2 was introduced by Federal Law No. 261-FZ of November 23, 2009)

9) other powers in accordance with this Federal Law, charters of municipalities.

1.1. On issues referred in accordance with Articles 14, 15 and 16 of this Federal Law to issues of local importance, federal laws, charters of municipalities may establish the powers of local governments to resolve these issues of local importance, and in the case provided for by Part 3 of Article 16.2 of this Federal law, these powers may be established by the laws of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

In the territories of cities of federal significance, organization of improvement, approval of improvement rules, assignment of powers to exercise municipal control in the area of ​​improvement, the subject of which is compliance with the improvement rules, including requirements for ensuring accessibility for the disabled of social, engineering and transport infrastructure facilities and services provided , to the powers of local governments on issues of local importance or to the powers of executive authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation – cities of federal significance as powers to exercise the type of regional state control (supervision) are regulated by the laws of the subjects of the Russian Federation – cities of federal significance.

(as amended by Federal Law No. 170-FZ of 11.06.2021)

(see the text in the previous edition)

(Part 1.1 was introduced by Federal Law No. 230-FZ of 18.10.2007; as amended by Federal Law of 05/27/2014 N 136-FZ)

(see the text in the previous edition)

1.2. The laws of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation, in cases established by federal laws, may redistribute powers between local self-government bodies and state authorities of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation. The redistribution of powers is allowed for a period not less than the term of office of the legislative (representative) body of state power of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation. Such laws of the subject of the Russian Federation shall enter into force from the beginning of the next financial year.

(as amended by the Federal Law of December 28, 2016 N 494-FZ)

(see the text in the previous edition)

formation, approval and execution of the local budget, protection of public order, establishment of the structure of local governments, changes in the boundaries of the territory of the municipality, as well as the powers provided for in clauses 1, 2, 7, 8 of part 1 of article 17 and part 10 of article 35 of this Federal Law .

(Part 1.2 was introduced by Federal Law No. 136-FZ of May 27, 2014)

citizens to perform, on a voluntary basis, socially significant for the settlement, municipal district, urban district, urban district with intracity division, intracity district of work (including duty) in order to resolve issues of local importance of settlements, provided for in paragraphs 7.1 – 9, 15 and 19 of Part 1 of Article 14 of this Federal Law, issues of local importance of municipal, urban districts, urban districts with intracity division, provided for by paragraphs 7.1 – 11, 20 and 25 of Part 1 of Article 16 of this Federal Law, issues of local significance of intracity districts provided for Clauses 4, 8 and 10 of Part 1 of Article 16.2 of this Federal Law.

(as amended by Federal Law No. 87-FZ of May 1, 2019)

(see text in previous edition)

Only works that do not require special professional training can be classified as socially significant work.

Adult able-bodied residents of settlements and urban districts may be involved in the performance of socially significant work in their free time from their main work or study free of charge no more than once every three months. At the same time, the duration of socially significant work cannot be more than four hours in a row.

Consultant Plus: note.

See Federal Law No. 454-FZ dated December 29, 2014 on the procedure for providing citizens resettled from ZATOs with social payments for housing.

2.1. Local self-government bodies of municipalities in the event that their boundaries include territories that were previously part of closed administrative-territorial formations, in respect of which the President of the Russian Federation decided to transform or abolish, in the manner established by the Law of the Russian Federation of July 14, 1992 N 3297-1 “On a closed administrative-territorial formation”, keep records of citizens who have retained the right to receive social payments for the purchase of housing outside the boundaries of these territories, determine the amount of this payment, exercise control over compliance by citizens with the conditions for receiving it, and also have the right to pay the cost of travel of citizens and members of their families from the previous place of residence to the new place of residence and the cost of baggage.

(Part 2.1 introduced by the Federal Law of 29.12.2014 N 454-FZ)

3. The powers of local governments established by this article shall be exercised by local governments of municipalities independently. Subordination of a body of local self-government or an official of local self-government of one municipal formation to a body of local self-government or an official of local self-government of another municipal formation is not allowed.

(as amended by Federal Law No. 136-FZ of May 27, 2014)

(see the text in the previous wording)

acts of executive authorities of the RSFSR, legal acts of federal executive authorities, legal acts of territorial, regional, city (cities of republican subordination) Councils of People’s Deputies or their executive committees, territorial, regional, city (federal cities) administrations, legal acts of state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the powers to adopt which have been transferred to local governments, are valid in the part that does not contradict the legislation of the Russian Federation, until the adoption by local governments and the entry into force of municipal legal acts regulating the relevant legal relations. From the date of entry into force of municipal legal acts regulating the relevant legal relations, previously adopted legal acts of executive bodies of the RSFSR, legal acts of federal executive bodies, legal acts of territorial, regional, city (cities of republican subordination) Councils of People’s Deputies or their executive committees, regional , regional, city (cities of federal significance) administrations, legal acts of state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, which regulate such legal relations, do not apply.

In the event that, in accordance with federal law or the laws of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the powers of local self-government bodies are transferred to federal state authorities or state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, legal acts of the executive authorities of the RSFSR, legal acts of federal executive authorities, legal acts territorial, regional, city (cities of republican subordination) Councils of People’s Deputies or their executive committees, regional, regional, city (federal cities) administrations, legal acts of state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, legal acts of local Councils of People’s Deputies and local administrations of districts, cities, districts in cities, towns, village councils, rural settlements, municipal legal acts, the powers to adopt which have been transferred to the federal government bodies, government bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, are valid in the part that does not contradict the legislation of the Russian Federation, until the adoption by the federal authorities state authorities, public authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and the entry into force of legal acts of the Russian Federation, legal acts of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation regulating the relevant legal relations.