Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. It can be divided into 4 types, or disease courses, as defined by the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials of MS in 1996. They are:
Clinically isolated syndrome
Relapsing-remitting MS
Secondary progressive MS
Primary progressive MS
These are the descriptors currently in use. An international committee organized by the National MS Society and the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) has proposed a new way of classifying MS. This new method would describe MS as a continuous disease process that is influenced and driven by underlying mechanisms of nervous system damage. This damage is counter-balanced by how well an individual’s body can repair or compensate for that damage.
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) refers to a first episode of neurologic symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system. Symptoms of CIS vary from person to person but commonly include:
Vision problems (optic neuritis)
Vertigo
Loss of sensation in the face
Weakness in the arms and legs, with one side of the body affected more than the other
Loss of control of bodily movements (ataxia)
Bladder problems
To meet the definition of CIS, the episode must last at least 24 hours. Though an episode like this is typical of MS, not all people who have CIS go on to develop MS. A person with CIS has a high likelihood of a second episode of neurologic symptoms and a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS if an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) shows brain lesions that are similar to those seen in MS. Without those lesions, the likelihood of an MS diagnosis is much lower. According to the 2017 diagnostic criteria for MS, a person with CIS may be diagnosed with MS if a brain MRI shows:
Specific signs of an earlier episode of damage in a different location and
Active inflammation in a region other than the one causing the current symptoms
As MRI technology improves, diagnosing MS will be quicker and easier. In the meantime, people with CIS who are considered at high risk for developing MS may be treated with a disease-modifying therapy with approval for that purpose from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Studies show that early treatment of CIS delays the onset of MS.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) — the most common disease course — shows clearly defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms. These attacks are also called relapses or exacerbations. They are followed by periods of partial or complete recovery, or remission. In remissions, all symptoms may disappear or some symptoms may continue and become permanent. However, during those periods, the disease does not seem to progress. RRMS may also be:
Not active or
Active, with relapses or signs of new MRI activity over a specified period of time
Not worsening or
Worsening, with a confirmed increase in disability after a relapse
Approximately 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS. (When the disease course progresses, it is considered to be secondary progressive MS.)
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) follows the initial relapsing-remitting course. Some people diagnosed with RRMS eventually go on to have a secondary progressive course, in which neurologic function worsens progressively or disability accumulates over time. SPMS may be:
Not active or
Active, with relapses or signs of new MRI activity during a specified period of time
Without progression or
With progression or signs of disability accumulation over time, with or without relapses or new MRI activity
Primary progressive MS (PPMS)
With PPMS, neurologic function worsens or disability accumulates as soon as symptoms appear, without early relapses or remissions. PPMS may be:
Not active or
Active, with an occasional relapse or signs of new MRI activity over a specified period of time
Without progression or
With progression or signs of accumulating disability over time, with or without relapse or new MRI activity
Approximately 15% of people with MS are diagnosed with PPMS.
Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS)
Although not considered a course of MS, radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) has been used to classify those with:
Lesions on the brain or spinal cord — not explained by another diagnosis — consistent with lesions of MS and
No past or current neurological symptoms or abnormalities found on a neurological exam
Often these individuals have had an MRI because of other symptoms, such as headache, and the results showed lesions similar to those seen in MS.
A 2020 study found that little more than half of those with RIS go on to develop MS within 10 years. There are no specific treatment guidelines for RIS. Additional research is needed to further define what factors increase the likelihood that someone with RIS will develop MS. Monitoring of MRI and neurological symptoms, as well as neurological examination, are generally recommended to quickly identify changes. If the diagnosis is MS, you can begin treatment early.
Research interest in RIS is high, and several studies are ongoing that could provide more guidance for monitoring and treatment. In fact, a 2022 study showed that dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera®, Biogen) extended the time before the development of a first neurological symptom significantly more than a placebo. This adds to the idea that early treatment is protective and supports the idea that MS can begin well before symptoms emerge. Further study is needed, in larger numbers of people with RIS. Additional trials are underway.
Vedavidhya treatments for MS
1. Three doses specific high potency herbal medicines if there is an autoimmune disorder originated MS.
2. High potency herbal medicine for any chronic condition.
3. Regular mid potency medicines with organ related remedies.
4. Remedies to regain the sensation slowly by working at Spinal nerve injury level. Nutrition to be provided at Sensory & Motor nerve levels.
5. Head Oil
6. Spinal Oil
Note:- Medicines are selected, prepared and administered based on assessment of patient condition only. So please don't book this product directly. Drop a message to us about your condition. We will run a clinical analysis & prepare the suitable medicine.
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