Multiple sclerosis

MS symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the location and severity of nerve damage. They may appear progressively or suddenly. Among the most common manifestations are :

• Intense fatigue: Chronic fatigue is often described as one of the most incapacitating symptoms. It occurs unrelated to physical activity and can be extremely difficult to manage.
• Numbness and tingling: These sensations can occur in the limbs or face, and are often the result of nerve damage in the spinal cord or brain.
• Visual disturbances: Partial or complete loss of vision in one eye, blurred or double vision, often a sign of optic neuritis.
• Muscle weakness: often concentrated on one side of the body. It occurs mainly in the legs, making it difficult to walk or maintain balance. In some patients, this weakness can lead to partial paralysis.
• Coordination and balance problems: difficulty walking or standing.
• Muscle pain and spasms: Stiffness, spasms or involuntary contractions of muscles.
• Cognitive disorders: Problems with memory, concentration and decision-making.

These symptoms may occur intermittently or become permanent, and sometimes worsen during relapses.

Relapses are one of the main characteristics of multiple sclerosis, particularly in its most common form, “relapsing-remitting” MS, also known as “relapsing-remitting”. The other form is “progressive” MS. A relapse is a sudden onset of new symptoms, or a worsening of pre-existing symptoms. These episodes generally occur unpredictably, can last from a few days to several weeks, and are often followed by periods of remission during which symptoms partially or totally disappear.
Relapses are caused by a new attack by the immune system on the myelin*fatty membrane acting as insulation and bulwark to protect the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord, leading to the formation of new lesions on the central nervous system. Symptoms vary according to the location of the lesions.

Although the exact causes of MS remain unknown, several hypotheses have been put forward, involving both genetic and environmental factors.

MS mainly affects young adults, with women two to three times more affected than men. Risk factors include :

Diagnosing MS is a complex process, as symptoms can be similar to those of other neurological conditions. It relies on a combination of clinical and imaging tests:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This detects lesions in the brain and spinal cord, revealing areas where myelin has been destroyed.
Lumbar puncture: This test involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to look for signs of inflammation or specific proteins associated with MS.
Evoked potential tests: These measure the speed of electrical signals in the nerves, in response to visual or tactile stimuli. Slower signals may indicate demyelination.

It is often necessary to proceed by exclusion, as several diseases can present similar symptoms.

Although there is no cure for MS, a number of therapies can slow disease progression and reduce the frequency of relapses. Treatments fall into three main categories:

Disease-modifying therapies: aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of relapses, as well as slowing disease progression. These treatments include injectable, oral or intravenous infusions.
Treatments for relapses : Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and speed symptom recovery during acute flare-ups. However, long-term side effects need to be monitored.
Physical rehabilitation and complementary therapies: In addition to medication, physical and rehabilitation therapies are essential to maintain mobility and reduce the complications associated with motor disorders.

The course of MS can be unpredictable. Some patients experience periods of remission, while others see their symptoms progressively worsen. Long-term complications can include impaired mobility, loss of cognitive function, and bladder and bowel problems.

It is recommended to consult a doctor in the event of unexplained neurological symptoms, such as blurred vision, sudden muscle weakness or persistent numbness. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin as soon as possible, and improves the chances of slowing disease progression.

Hôpital de La Tour offers specialized care for people with MS. With a dedicated team of neurologists, a modern infrastructure and cutting-edge treatments, the hospital focuses on improving patients' quality of life, with personalized support at every stage of the disease.

What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to various neurological disturbances.

What are the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Symptoms include fatigue, numbness, visual disturbances, muscle weakness and coordination problems.

Who is most at risk of developing multiple sclerosis?
Young adults, particularly women, are most likely to develop MS, especially if they live in areas far from the equator.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical tests, MRI imaging and sometimes lumbar punctures.

Can multiple sclerosis be cured?
There is no cure, but depending on the form of multiple sclerosis, there are treatments to slow disease progression and manage symptoms.

What treatments are available for certain forms of multiple sclerosis?
Treatments include disease-modifying therapies, corticosteroids for relapses, and interventions to manage symptoms.

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary?
MS is not directly hereditary, but a family history increases the risk of developing the disease.

How can multiple sclerosis relapses be prevented?
A healthy diet, regular exercise and the use of disease-modifying therapies can help reduce relapses.