Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where foci of sclerosis are located throughout the central nervous system. As a result, the myelin (protective) sheath of nerves of the spinal cord and brain is affected, which breaks their connection with different parts of the body. Nerves damaging is an irreversible process, which is why the disease is still considered as incurable.
What causes the disease?
Scientists have not yet clarified the proper causes of the disease. Allegedly, the cause is a combination of pediatric diseases with a genetic disposition.
Who is at risk?
- People aged 20 to 40 y.o.
- People whose relatives have a disease: the chance to get sick increases from 0.1% to 3%
- Patients with viruses, for instance, the Epstein-Barr virus can increase the incidence of the disease
- Northern Europeans
- People with autoimmune diseases (thyroid problems, type 1 diabetes).
Symptoms:
- Weakness and pain in the muscles
- Muscle convulsions
- Visual impairment
- Anxiety and depression
- Numb fingers
- Loss of sensitivity
- Nervous trembling
- Tingling feeling.
How to help people with MS?
60% people with MS become disabled. There is no panacea for multiple sclerosis, but fortunately, there is a treatment that prolongs remission and significantly improves a person's general condition and quality of life.
In case of suspicion of multiple sclerosis, it is essential to conduct a qualitative diagnosis. After all, there is no specific method to show that a patient has MS. In this case it is important to exclude other diseases. The appropriate MS diagnostics includes a wide range of the tests:
- Complete blood count
- Spinal puncture
- MRI
- Evoked response potential
- Visual fields exams
- Immunological test
- Consultation with a neurologist
- Consultation with a neuro-ophthalmologist consultation.
The total bill for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in hospitals in Israel, Germany, and Korea is about $5000-6000, in Spain is about $8,000.
What is the treatment of multiple sclerosis?
Ukrainian doctors treat multiple sclerosis with fetal stem cells. It is an innovative technique significantly improves patient's quality of life. Treatment of MS with bone marrow stem cells are available in India, Korea, Turkey.