Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that is characterised by inflammation and scarring of the myelin sheaths in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin is a lipid substance that serves to insulate nerves and improve their conduction velocities. In MS, the body produces antibodies that attack the myelin sheath and damage them. The resultant scar tissue that develops in place of the myelin leads to abhorrent nervous communication. The disease has a pattern of exacerbations and remissions. The onset can be slow and progressive over decades or rapid and disabling over months.
Contributing factors: a virus (yet to be identified), stress, malnutrition, heredity, food allergies, chemical poisoning, mercury poisoning, high fat diets and environmental toxins.
Symptoms: earlier symptoms – dizziness, fatigue, eye problems, numbness in the extremities, muscular stiffness, slurred speech, tremors and bladder dysfunction. Secondary symptoms that arise because of the primary symptoms are bone loss, paralysis, muscle wasting, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction and weak respiration.
Who to consult: Allergist, dietician, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, massage therapist, naturopath, neurologist, pharmacist, psychologist.
