Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative and chronic disease of the nervous system, of autoimmune origin, which affects the brain and the spinal cord
The immune system attacks the myelin, which is the substance that envelops the nerve fibers or neurons. Myelin deteriorates and presents scars, known as sclerosis, then inflammation appears. The nervous impulses that circulate around the neurons are then hindered or directly interrupted, with the consequent effects on the body.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are variable depending on the location, extent, severity and number of lesions. They are different for each person, so it is often referred to as “the thousand faces disease”.
The most common symptoms are of motor, sensorial and fatigue type.
Some manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis, such as cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, pain and fatigue, are often underestimated, however, they may be the main factors of disability.
The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is unknown, but current studies indicate that it may have a dual origin, a genetic component associated with environmental factors.
It is a disease that appears between 20 and 40 years and is more frequent in women than in men, usually there are two women for each affected man.
Multiple Sclerosis is the second cause of disability among young people, after traffic accidents, and has no cure.
Current treatments improve the clinical course, but they are not effective in all people, and in some cases have important side effects that must be valued together with the doctor.
The illness usually begins to manifest in young adults, who then are forced to refocus their vital projects and work expectations.
The social and labor aspects, the personal and family repercussions, can produce a significant reduction in the quality of life of the patients, so it is important to address the disease not only from the medical point of view, but also from a social, familiar and psychological perspective.
