Neuroinflammatory disorders occur when the internal systems meant to protect your body from harm (the immune system) start attacking healthy cells. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common and harmful types of neuroinflammatory disorders, especially since it targets the brain and central nervous system. The Multiple Sclerosis and Neurology Institute of Austin is led by highly-skilled and subspecialty-trained neurological experts who use the most up-to-date techniques to diagnose the root cause of your condition and curate personalized treatment plans to manage the disease and symptoms. Please schedule a consultation with our multiple sclerosis specialist in Austin to explore your treatment options.
Multiple Sclerosis FAQs
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory disorder wherein the immune system attacks the protective cover of the nerve fibers, leading to ineffective communication between the brain and the central nervous system. People with multiple sclerosis can lose control over their ability to walk independently. Over time, the immune system can also cause irreparable harm to the nerve endings responsible for essential bodily movements. There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis, but the symptoms and disease can be managed with proactive care.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis differ from one individual to the next, depending on which nerve fibers are damaged. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis:
- Numbness and weakness in one or more parts of the body
- The symptoms usually affect one side of the body
- Electric-shock like symptoms when you bend the neck forward
- Lack of coordination and instability
- Tremors
- Partial or complete loss of sight
- Pain during eye movements
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Sexual problems
- Tingling and painful sensations dizziness
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Speech slurring
What causes multiple sclerosis?
The direct cause of multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that encourages the immune system to attack the nerve fibers responsible for communications with the brain and central nervous system. The fatty coating of the nerve fibers, known as myelin, ensures the smooth transmission of messages that travel along the nerve fiber. When the myelin is damaged, the messages are slowed down or blocked. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors are the leading risk factors for multiple sclerosis.
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
The Multiple Sclerosis and Neurology Institute of Austin performs a thorough evaluation to determine if you may have multiple sclerosis. There are no specific tests for multiple sclerosis, but our medical providers run blood tests, spinal taps, MRI scans, and Evoked potential tests that record electrical signals in the nervous system. Based on the results of these tests, the medical provider can diagnose multiple sclerosis and curate a personalized treatment plan.
What are the treatments
for multiple sclerosis?
Currently, there are no known cures for multiple sclerosis but the neurological experts in our medical center offer highly personalized treatments to alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, speed up the recovery from attacks, and slow down the progression. The treatment plan may include corticosteroid injections, plasma exchange, medications, and intravenous infusion treatments. If you have the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, please schedule a consultation at our treatment center with our multiple sclerosis specialist in Austin.
