Multiple Sclerosis: A Disease of the Young Adult
Autoimmune attack on the myelin sheath.
Dr. Laurent Vidal
Neurologist
Optic neuritis, limb weakness or numbness, balance problems, and fatigue. Symptoms depend on which white-matter tracts are inflamed.
Diagnosis
MRI showing lesions disseminated in space and time, combined with clinical episodes, defines relapsing-remitting MS, the most common form.
Disease-modifying therapies
- Interferons and glatiramer for milder courses
- Oral agents (dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod)
- Monoclonal antibodies (ocrelizumab, natalizumab) for active disease
Symptom management
Physiotherapy, fatigue management, bladder care, and treatment of spasticity remain pillars of long-term well-being.
Vitamin D supplementation and smoking cessation appear to reduce relapse risk.
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