World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2024: Effects of this disorder on patient’s brain and overall body

As multiple sclerosis (MS) worsens, patients may find it harder to walk and stay balanced because of muscle weakness, stiffness, and coordination issues. This makes using mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes more common. (Image: Canva)

World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2024: The central nervous system (CNS) is affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune illness that mostly affects the brain and spinal cord. In this disorder, the protective covering of nerve fibres called the myelin sheath is mistakenly attacked by the immune system, causing inflammation and subsequent injury. Depending on where and how much breakdown there is in the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis can have a wide range of effects on our mind and body.

Here are few effects of multiple sclerosis on your mind and overall body

Neurological effects

Brain lesions and demyelination: In multiple sclerosis (MS), the brain and spinal cord develop lesions or scar tissue as a result of the immune system attacking the myelin sheath, says Dr Vipul Gupta, director of neurointervention and co-chief of the stroke unit at Artemis hospital, Gurugram. Numerous neurological symptoms are brought on by these lesions, which interfere with the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, he says. Common symptoms include balance and coordination issues, as well as limb weakness, tingling, and numbness.

Vision problems: One typical early sign of multiple sclerosis is optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve. This may result in double vision, blurry vision, or even an interim loss of one eye's vision. Although these vision problems frequently go better with time, many patients may continue to have them, says Dr Gupta.

Physical effects

Dr Gupta says that one common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is muscle spasticity, which is characterised by involuntary muscle stiffness and spasms. It produces severe discomfort and hinders mobility, making daily activities difficult. Chronic tiredness is one of the most crippling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is intense and continuous, making it difficult for a patient to work or participate in social activities. As multiple sclerosis (MS) worsens, patients may find it harder to walk and stay balanced because of muscle weakness, stiffness, and coordination issues. This makes using mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes more common.

Cognitive effects

Patients with multiple sclerosis frequently experience cognitive impairment, which impairs memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills, says Dr Gupta. This can cause problems with daily activities, productivity at work, and general quality of life. Furthermore, MS patients may experience impairments in executive functions including organising, planning, and multitasking, which can make it challenging for them to successfully manage their daily obligations and routines.

Psychological effects

MS patients frequently experience cognitive impairment, which impairs memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills and can interfere with daily activities, job performance, and general quality of life. Furthermore, MS patients may have difficulties with planning, organising, and multitasking, which makes it challenging for them to properly manage their daily obligations and routines.