Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes vision problems, numbness and tingling, muscle weakness, and other problems. When the body’s infection-fighting system, called the “immune system,” attacks the body’s own cells, it is called an “autoimmune response”, which consequently results in autoimmune diseases. Multiple Sclerosis is one of them. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and damages nerve cells and their connections in the brain and spinal cord, causing a communication problem between the brain and rest of the body.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Aamr Arif Herekar at the Advanced Neurology epilepsy and Sleep Center, in El Paso, Texas, provides comprehensive testing to identify and assess Multiple Sclerosis. As an experienced neurologist, Dr Herekar also offers personalized treatments to control your disease.
Dr. Herekar provides customized comprehensive care to help you manage Multiple Sclerosis. Your treatment plan includes various approaches to help you manage your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Dr. Herekar might prescribe medication and different types of rehabilitation.
For example, if your balance or walking gait is affected, physical therapy can help you develop strength and flexibility to reduce your risk of falling and help you stay mobile. Additionally, some medications can suppress your immune system to prevent or minimize further damage to your central nervous system.
If you have any concerns regarding Multiple Sclerosis, call Aamr Arif Herekar MD Neurology to schedule an appointment for customized testing and treatment.
FAQs regarding Multiple Sclerosis
Are there different forms of MS?
Yes, Doctors give different names to MS, depending on how it progresses. The disease can be:
- Relapsing-remitting – This means the symptoms of MS come and go. When the symptoms flare up, it is called an “attack” or “relapse.” These attacks can last for days to weeks and usually get better slowly. In between attacks, people often feel pretty normal. But some people have problems that last even after an attack gets better. Relapsing-remitting is the most common type of MS.
- Secondary progressive – This means the symptoms come and go at first, but then begin to steadily get worse. This happens to many people who start out with relapsing-remitting disease.
- Primary progressive – This means the symptoms steadily get worse from the beginning.
- Progressive relapsing – This means the symptoms steadily get worse, and on top of that there are also attacks that come and go.
What are the symptoms of MS?
The condition can cause many symptoms, but not everyone with MS has all of them. Plus, the symptoms of MS can also be caused by problems other than MS. In general, MS symptoms can include:
- Numbness, tingling, and feeling “pins and needles”
- Muscle weakness or spasms, which can cause you to drop things or fall
- Vision problems, eye pain, and odd eye movements
- Feeling dizzy or off-balance, which can cause you to fall
- Trouble walking or speaking
- Problems controlling your bowels or bladder
- Sex problems
- Sensitivity to heat, which makes symptoms worse
- Trouble thinking clearly
Most people with MS only have a few of these symptoms. But people with severe MS can have most, or all of them.