Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease affecting your central nervous system. It can be a relatively benign disease or it can be devastatingly disabling, as the communication between your brain and other parts of the body is disrupted. An estimated 300,000 people in the United States are affected by MS – including twice as many women as men.
According to Dr. Rebecca Crenshaw, a neurologist with WTMA, “Many investigators believe MS to be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.” In the case of MS, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fivers in your brain and spinal cord, called the myelin sheath, is attacked by your own antibodies and white blood cells which results in inflammation and injury to the sheath and finally to the nerves that it surrounds. Usually the disease is mild, but some people lose the ability to write, speak or walk and often begins between the ages of 20 and 40.
Some of the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis can include:
- Visual disturbances
- Muscle weakness
- Balance and coordination problems
- Sensations of numbness or “pins and needles”
- Thinking or memory problems
As yet, there is no cure for MS, but medicines may slow it down and help control symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy may also help. If you have any questions or concerns regarding MS, please consult with your healthcare provider. You may contact Dr. Rebecca Crenshaw for an appointment at 325-224-5751.
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