Multiple sclerosis

It is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system caused by the autoimmune destruction of the protective myelin sheath of nerve fibers. In mild cases, long periods of remission can occur, while severe cases can be very limiting due to permanent nerve damage. An estimated global incidence is 2.1 cases per 100,000 people per year.

It is unclear what causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath; however, studies suggest that in addition to the genetic component, various external factors may contribute to triggering the disease.

• Age: its onset is most common between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur at any age.
• Gender: women are 2-3 times more likely to develop relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
• Viral infections: among them, Epstein-Barr virus is associated with a higher risk of multiple sclerosis.
• Race: people of Northern European descent are at higher risk compared to those of Asian, African, or Native American descent.
• Climate: it is more common in countries with temperate climates such as Europe, Canada, the northern United States, or southeastern Australia.
• Vitamin D: lower levels of vitamin D and sun exposure are associated with a higher risk.
• Other autoimmune disorders: thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease increase the risk.
• Smoking: smokers have an increased risk of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
• Childhood obesity: individuals who were obese during adolescence are at increased risk.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause a wide range of symptoms and affect any part of the body. Each person is affected differently depending on the location of the affected nerve fibers. The symptoms are unpredictable; sometimes they develop and worsen steadily, while other times they appear and disappear. Periods when symptoms worsen are known as relapses, while periods when they improve or disappear are known as remissions.

Most people with MS only experience some of these symptoms, which are the most common:

• Fatigue, numbness, tingling, pain.
• Muscle spasms, stiffness, and weakness.
• Tremors, lack of coordination or unsteady gait, mobility problems.
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing.
• Problems with thinking, learning, and planning.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Vision, sexual, urinary, and bowel problems.

There are no effective preventive measures since the causes that trigger the autoimmune attack against the central nervous system are unknown. However, as with almost all pathologies, there are certain recommendations that could be useful, mainly related to a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking, following a healthy diet low in saturated fats, keeping stress levels low, and exercising regularly. Additionally, sun exposure is recommended, and vitamin D supplementation if necessary.