Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects more than 2 million people worldwide.
This article will discuss the link between inflammation and MS and how inflammation affects the body.
These overactive T cells secretecytokines(chemical messengers that regulate the inflammatory response).
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This process contributes to an inflammatory cascade that damages nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
What Is Inflammation?
Effects of MS on Your Body
Multiple sclerosis can have effects throughout your body.
Primary vs.
Secondary Symptoms
MS symptoms vary based on the location and extent of demyelination.
Fatigue and muscle weakness increase the risk ofosteopenia(low bone density) andosteoporosis(progressive bone thinning).
Older females are particularly impacted by conditions of secondary systems that affect the skeletal system.
They have a higher risk of osteoporosis than males due to reduced estrogen levels at menopause.
Your Nervous System
Multiple sclerosis affects your nervous system in many ways.
Hearing and Vision Loss
The brain stem largely controls vision and hearing.
Any damage to this part of the brain can lead to vision or hearing loss.
Optic neuritis can present as a frightening dimming or blurring of vision.
Other vision symptoms may include:
Fatigue, stress, and extreme heat are possible triggers of optic neuritis.
Vision loss is usually temporary.
Rest, cooling, and high-dose steroids are the standard treatment for optic neuritis.
Studies show that up to 6% of people with MS experience hearing loss.
As a result, slurred, nasal, or low-volume speech may occur.
Notably, many of these cranial nerves also control the muscles involved in swallowing.
Therefore dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) may also be observed.
Balance Problems
MS can impact your balance in several ways.
Your Immune System
MS is an immune-mediated condition.
Eventually, the nerve may die.
Symptoms of pain, vision loss, and organ dysfunction result from these interrupted nerve signals.
Your Circulatory System
Cardiovascular dysfunction in MS is not well understood and therefore likely underrecognized.
Your Reproductive System
In general, MS does not impact fertility.
Managing Symptoms From Head to Toe
No two presentations of MS are the same.
Remember that symptoms vary widely from person to person.
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