Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the nervous system and can provide mild or devastating depending on the speed and severity of scar tissue development. Lesions and scars appear on the nerves and within the brain, eventually destroying the protective covering and providing a wide variety of symptoms that are chronic in nature. Here are some interesting facts about this disease that can be seem awfully scary to some people.
1. Life expectancy rates with multiple sclerosis are actually normal.
Even though the brain forms lesions and the myelin coating of the nerves is affected, the overall life expectancy of those with this disease is comparable to that of the general population. Only in very rare, very severe instances have people had a shortened life span as a direct results of this ease. Most people are able to control their MS symptoms with simple lifestyle changes and a few prescription medications.
2. No two cases of multiple sclerosis are exactly alike.
The problem that doctors face when looking at MS is that the nerves can be affected in unique ways, even for two people that a similar lesion at the same place in the central nervous system. Some people have vision issues, while others might fight that they have slurred speech. Vision issues are common complaints, as are tingling and numbness. There is no pattern to the symptoms, however, and the get better or worse depending on what the immune system tries to do.
3. Remission periods of multiple sclerosis can last several years.
With drug therapies and lifestyle changes, it is entirely possible to put MS into remission. The only problem is that the disease is still present within the body, even though there isn’t any noticeable progression of the disease. Sometimes remission can last for several years. In the end, however, there will always be a relapse that occurs if enough time goes by.
4. People with multiple sclerosis have difficulties with warm environments.
Most doctors advise patients with multiple sclerosis to avoid environments or exercises where they could overheat themselves. Becoming too hot seems to trigger the symptoms of MS and make them feel worse. Even something as simple as the heat from a hot shower can be enough to trigger more symptoms. Hot temperatures, however, do not cause enhanced disease progression.
5. Vitamin D might be the best treatment of all.
Recent research suggests that there is a direct correlation to the amount of Vitamin D a person is able to obtain and how fast MS can develop. This might explain why more people tend to have MS at the northern latitudes of the planet. By getting sunshine, eating lots of seafood, and increasing the amount of fortified grains, many people find that they can naturally reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis might be a scary diagnosis to receive at first, but most people can quickly adapt to the problems and move on with life. It isn’t a death sentence and that’s probably the most important fact of all.