Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, mainly affecting the brain and spinal cord. At Estudio Aequus, this disease affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the central nervous system. This leads to the appearance of lesions or plaques in the brain and spinal cord, which can interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, degenerative disease that mainly affects young adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Although its exact cause is not yet known, it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may trigger its onset.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary widely from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, balance and coordination problems, walking difficulties, vision problems and cognitive problems.
Multiple sclerosis can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life . In addition to the physical symptoms, it can also affect the emotional and mental health of sufferers. Uncertainty about disease progression and the need to adapt to changes in body function can generate stress and anxiety.
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. There is no cure for the disease, but there are treatments that can help control symptoms and slow its progression.
Main symptoms of this type of sclerosis
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary widely from person to person, and will depend on the location and extent of the lesion in the central nervous system. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of muscle strength
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Coordination and balance problems
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities
- Difficulty in concentrating or remembering information
- Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision
These symptoms may appear and disappear unpredictably, making diagnosis and management of the disease difficult. It is important to note that each person may experience different symptoms at different stages of the disease.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, multiple sclerosis can also manifest itself with other less common but equally relevant signs and symptoms.
Some people may experience speech problems, such as difficulty articulating words or voice changes. Other less frequent symptoms may include bladder or bowel control problems, difficulty swallowing, dizziness and vertigo.
Types of multiple sclerosis
There are different types of multiple sclerosis, which are classified according to the pattern of disease progression. The main types are:
Isolated clinical syndrome (ACS)
Isolated Clinical Isolated Syndrome refers to a single episode of multiple sclerosis-like symptoms. In this case, symptoms may last for days or weeks, but a definitive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis cannot yet be made. An ACS may be an early warning sign of the disease and may or may not progress to multiple sclerosis in the future.
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is the most common type of multiple sclerosis. People with RRMS experience periods of exacerbations or flare-ups, during which symptoms worsen, followed by periods of remission, when symptoms decrease or disappear completely. These episodes can last for weeks, months or even years, and symptoms can be unpredictable.
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis is less common than RRMS and is characterized by a gradual and irreversible worsening of symptoms from the onset. People with PPMS experience a steady progression of the disease without significant periods of remission.
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)
In some cases, RRMS may progress to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. In this type of multiple sclerosis, initial exacerbations followed by remissions become less frequent or even non-existent, and symptoms progressively worsen.
How does Estudio Aequus treat multiple sclerosis?
At Estudio Aequus, we understand that each person is unique and requires a personalized approach to the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and specialists work closely together to develop a comprehensive plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Our approach is based on a combination of pharmacological treatments and complementary therapies. Medications can help control symptoms and slow disease progression, while complementary therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation therapy, can improve quality of life and promote independence.
In addition, at Estudio Aequus we encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management techniques.
• Licenciada en educación física INEF por la Universidad de Lleida.
• Maestría en aerobic.
• Maestría en Fitness.
• Maestría en gimnasia rítmica y deportiva.
• Instructor BTS de Body Balance y Body Pump.
• Tonificación, Step y Aerobic de Fitness Pentatlón.
• Instructor de ciclismo Indoor y Tot Cycling.