Important Information on MS Disease

Istanbul Okan University Hospital Department of Neurology Chair Prof. Dr. Okan Bölükbaşı provided important information about MS disease on 29 May World MS Day. MS (Multiple Sclerosis), manifests with symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, gait disturbance and vision problems. MS disease, otherwise known as Multiple Sclerosis, is an important central nervous system disease. Optic neuritis is a disorder that typically causes one-sided vision problems lasting days or months. Rarely, it can also lead to blindness. What makes it important is the risk of developing into MS over the years. Corticosteroids are the basic treatment option. However, it should never be taken orally. The intravenous form should definitely be preferred. Otherwise, it increases the risk of developing MS. Regular lifestyle, appropriate nutrition, stress reduction and good sleep can have positive effects on MS attack frequency. The most important attack-reducing method is adherence to appropriate treatment. However, currently there is no method that completely prevents MS attacks.

MS Diagnosis Can Be Made Without Lumbar Puncture

Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid that circulates throughout the brain and spinal cord and provides nourishment to the brain. By inserting a needle into the spine and withdrawing a small amount of this fluid, the most feared diagnostic method in MS disease is applied. In fact, there is nothing to fear. When performed by a specialist and following proper procedures, it is not much different from blood draws. However, it does not provide 100% MS diagnosis. Although diagnostic accuracy approaches 90%, results may be negative in early stages of the disease or rarely in a group of MS patients. For this reason, outside of special circumstances, there is no need to force patients who do not want this test to undergo it. MS diagnosis can also be made using other methods.

Depression Often Accompanies MS Disease

Forgetfulness is common in MS. Approximately half of MS patients may experience one of the following: forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating or decline in cognitive abilities. Depression frequently accompanies MS disease. Depression is also an important cause of forgetfulness. Difficulty with urination is the initial symptom in 5% of MS disease cases. In the progressive stages of the disease, 80% of MS patients develop some type of urinary problem. Urinary tract infection, difficulty storing urine and bladder emptying problems are the most commonly observed disorders.

Damage Affecting the Brainstem, Depression, Conditions Causing Impairment in Respiratory Function

MS frequently causes sexual dysfunction. While this sometimes stems directly from nervous system disorders, it sometimes develops due to psycho-social problems. Lack of self-confidence created by the disease frequently leads to sexual dysfunction. In the chronic stage, approximately 77% of women with MS and nearly 90% of men will develop sexual dysfunction. These problems are frequently related to erectile function in men, while in women they are frequently related to orgasm. All problems should definitely be discussed with the relevant specialist in the early stages. Although swallowing difficulties are rare at the onset of MS disease, in the chronic stages of the disease, a type of swallowing disorder may develop in 50% of patients. Damage affecting the brainstem, depression and conditions causing impairment in respiratory function can be the primary causes of swallowing-related problems.