Properly diagnosing and treating multiple sclerosis is the best way to manage its symptoms and progression. Bharat Tolia, MD, provides care for neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis at Comprehensive Neurology Headache and Sleep Center in Pontiac, Michigan. If you have a multiple sclerosis diagnosis or are looking for an experienced neurologist, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. These nerves are insulated and protected by a myelin sheath.
When you have MS, your immune system malfunctions and attacks the myelin covering. The resulting demyelination causes the nerves to become damaged and leads to communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary depending on the person and the progression of the disease.
Common symptoms include:
It is also common to experience muscle coordination issues and spasms.
While the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, it may be triggered by genes in combination with environmental factors. Women are twice as likely as men to develop MS.
In addition to genetics and gender, risk factors associated with multiple sclerosis include:
Autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and thyroid disease can also increase your risk of developing MS.
There isn’t a single test to diagnose multiple sclerosis.
To make a diagnosis, Dr. Tolia performs a full medical evaluation that includes tests to evaluate physical, emotional, and mental aspects of your health. He might also recommend:
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but effective treatments exist to manage symptoms and the progression of the disease. A few of these medications include oral or IV corticosteroids, plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), and muscle relaxants.
Treatment of MS is individualized for each patient’s needs, and often includes physical therapy and wellness recommendations to improve diet, sleep quality, and exercise.
To learn more about multiple sclerosis treatments, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Tolia online today.