Multiple sclerosis

What multiple sclerosis is

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibres. Communication between the brain and the rest of the body is then interrupted or slowed down.

It is the most common disabling neurological disease in young adults. Diagnosis usually comes between the ages of 20 and 40, and an estimated 10,000 people in Romania live with it.

What the symptoms are

Symptoms vary a great deal from one person to another, depending on which areas are affected. The most common include severe fatigue, vision problems, numbness or tingling, difficulties with balance and coordination, muscle weakness and trouble concentrating.

Many of them are invisible to those around you. Someone can look perfectly healthy and at the same time feel a fatigue that makes an ordinary working day impossible.

How it is diagnosed

The diagnosis is made by a neurologist, based on your history, a clinical examination and imaging, mainly an MRI scan. In some cases an analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid or evoked potentials is recommended. The process can take time, because the symptoms overlap with those of other conditions.

How it is treated

There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis. There are, however, disease-modifying therapies that reduce the frequency of relapses and slow the build-up of lesions. How well they work depends greatly on when they are started: the earlier, the better.

Alongside medication, physiotherapy, psychological counselling and lifestyle changes all play an important role.

Living with multiple sclerosis

A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis does not mean the end of your plans. Many people carry on working, travelling, playing sport and starting families.

What helps most: starting treatment early, a neurologist you can speak to openly, adapted exercise, enough rest, and people around you who understand what is happening.