Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis have their central nervous system distributed with lesions, some of which are hard to detect in the hidden areas of the brain. Inflammation is a prominent feature. The lesions affect axonal conduction and lead to loss of function. The inflammation and the demyelination are the contributory factors that lead to a blockage of salutatory conduction. Due to the effect on the sodium channels that are responsible for conduction of nerve impulses, even when function returns it is usually slow (Smith, 2006).

Several symptoms accompany the disease. These are numbness, fatigue, muscle weakness, diminished brain function, muscle paralysis, loss of vision, and tingling. The disease is also accompanied by muscle spasms and muscle pain which is often chronic. Patients have also been noticed to have dizziness and balance problems. Some of the patients have problems with gait. Bladder, bowel and sexual arousal also presents as problematic features of the disease. People with the disease have a problem being aroused sexually. Finally, thinking and memory problems are also present (Dean, Claudia and John, 2001).

Currently, the treatment for the disease aims at controlling the symptoms. The measures are drugs to reduce muscle spasms, and anti-depressants. Also supportive measures are taken which include preventing falls, physical therapy, good nutrition, speech and nutritional therapy. The patient is also guided into having enough rest and a healthy lifestyle. To reinforce the treatment, the services of a social worker are sought. Currently, scientists are working on a number of options for treating multiple sclerosis including beta-interferon, and clinical trials like ocrelizumab trials.

References

Smith, J.K. (2006). Pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. Europe PubMed Central, 56 (12): 1299-1303

Dean, M.W., Claudia, F.L., & John, N.H. (2001). Multiple sclerosis: current pathophysiological concepts. Laboratory Investigation, 81: 263-281.