What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibres, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. India has an estimated 200,000 MS patients. Neurological specialists at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi provide comprehensive MS management.
Types of MS
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS, 85%): Attacks of new or worsening symptoms followed by partial or complete recovery
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): Continuous neurological deterioration from onset
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): After initial relapsing course, steady progression begins
Common Symptoms
- Visual disturbances: optic neuritis (painful vision loss)
- Fatigue (most common symptom)
- Numbness or tingling in limbs
- Weakness in limbs
- Balance and coordination problems
- Bladder dysfunction
- Cognitive impairment
- Lhermitte’s sign: electric shock down the spine on neck flexion
Diagnosis (McDonald Criteria)
MRI brain and spine (periventricular lesions, “black holes”), Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs), CSF analysis (oligoclonal bands, elevated IgG index), Clinical history showing dissemination in time and space.
Treatment
Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)
- Interferons and Glatiramer Acetate: First-line injectables
- Oral DMTs: Fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide
- High-efficacy DMTs: Natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab
Acute Relapse Treatment
IV methylprednisolone for significant relapses.
Symptom Management
- Fatigue: amantadine, modafinil
- Spasticity: baclofen, tizanidine
- Bladder: anticholinergics, botox
Expert MS management at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
