Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the immune system turns against itself. Immune cells attack the coating of the nerves, brain and spinal cord. This coating or myelin is unable to communicate body messages very well as it’s being attacked.
Symptoms of MS
- Numbness
- Vision problems
- Vertigo that lasts for days
- Bad balance
- Chronic fatigue
- Bladder urgency or weakness
The first step of diagnosis is an MRI to check for spots on the brain and spinal cord. Blood testing can rule out other diagnoses. As roughly ninety percent of people with MS have abnormal spinal fluid, spinal taps are sometimes used to check for antibodies.
Risk for MS is increased by smoking. Childhood obesity is another trigger. Additionally, exposure to the Epstein Barr virus (mononucleosis) may lead to MS.
Listen as Dr. Barry Singer joins Dr. Susanne Bennett to discuss diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis.
