What is multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and degenerative illness of the nerve system and it mainly affects the brain and the spinal cord.
It occurs when the myelin sheath is damaged. This sheath is the covering that protects and surrounds neurons. When our body´s autoimmune system attacks it, it ends up being damaged, inflammation occurs and there is a reduction of the nerve impulses that circulate around the neurons, or they may even be interrupted.
At present, we still have little information about the autoimmune origin of multiple sclerosis. It may be caused by a genetic defect, a virus or both. Environmental factors may also have an influence.
Who does multiple sclerosis multiple
Known as the disease of a thousand faces, multiple sclerosis is, after traffic accidents, the second biggest cause of disability among young adults aged between 20 and 40, especially among women, and there is no cure for it. Also, the fact that it has such a wide range of symptoms makes it hard to diagnose.
Juan, our Wiemspro warrior
Today, we are sharing the happy story of our friend, Juan. A tireless fighter, he suffers from multiple sclerosis which limits electrical stimulation in his nerves. He was diagnosed with this illness more than 10 years ago and he acknowledges that, after including Wiemspro in his programme of electrostimulation training, his body has noted the benefits provided by electrical impulses”.
Highly satisfactory results in a very short time
Among the improvements that our patient experienced, our Scientific Department highlights:
Stability and balance:
- Significant improvement in postural hygiene.
- Improved joint mobility.
- Enhanced stabilising musculature.
- Strengthening of mobile and stable joints.
Functionality in daily life:
- Increased sensation of strength.
- Improved resistance.
- Increased agility and movement speed.
- Qualitative and quantitative increase in movement over medium-long distances.
Improved body composition:
- Improved muscle tone.
- Increase muscle mass.
- Reduction in percentage of fat.
- Reduction in waste and hip measurements.
Self-perception of state of health and quality of life:
- Increased self-esteem and personal motivation.
- Improved exercise adherence.
- Improved sleep quality.
- Reduction stress levels in daily life.
If you want to know all the benefits of electrostimulation, click here.
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Depending on the location and seriousness, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary, and are different for each person. These injuries can occur in any area of the central nervous system; therefore, they can manifest themselves in multiple ways. The most frequent are sensorial, motor and fatigue symptoms.
Sight problems
This is one of the most common symptoms. Degeneration of vision can be slow; it may be accompanied by pain when looking to one side or upwards. It takes place when inflammation damages the optical nerve, causing blurred vision, double vision or loss of sight.
Fatigue and weakness
Fatigue is the most common symptom and may become one of the worst. It affects approximately 80% of patients.
When the nerves of the spinal cord are damaged, chronic fatigue emerges and it may last for weeks. Weakness normally occurs in the legs.
Problems with balance and dizziness
When there is an interruption in neuronal communication, the transmission of information that needs to reach the brain is interrupted, and dizziness and light-headedness occur, thus hindering the ability to walk.
Tingling and numbness
It is one of the most common warning signs, and can be felt on the face, arms, legs and fingers. Some people with serious multiple sclerosis can lose the ability to walk without assistance, or lose the complete ability to walk, which can result in a loss of motor skills.
Pain and spasms
Almost two thirds of people with multiple sclerosis suffer at least one episode of pain throughout the illness. It normally affects legs and causes back pain.
Dysfunction of the intestines and bladder
Although urinary symptoms are normally treatable, 60% of people around the world are affected by this symptom, especially in industrialised countries.
Sexual dysfunction
As it originates in the central nervous system, sexual dysfunction becomes a symptom in people who suffer from multiple sclerosis.
Cognitive problems
Sadness and depression are the most common in patients with multiple sclerosis, but the illness can also cause memory problems, an attention deficit, problems with language and organisational ability and other emotional problems.
Changes in emotional state
From irritability and changes in mood to a condition known as emotional lability, characterised by outbursts of crying and uncontrollable laughter.
Other symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Seizures, uncontrollable epileptic seizures, problems with breathing, hearing, swallowing and stammering.
Types of multiple sclerosis
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is more common among women. After an outbreak, symptoms reduce or disappear for a period of time which may last from days to months, depending on the type of person and seriousness of the illness. It normally occurs in the early stages of the illness.
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
As the name correctly suggests, the symptoms appear progressively. It affects men and women in equal measure, and hinders motor strength and the ability to walk.
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis occurs when a patient affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis suffers progressive neurological impairment. 25% of people end up having this impairment.
Progressive-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis is the least common form, and is characterised by a constant progression of the condition, with no remissions.
Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
The best defence against multiple sclerosis is to immediately go to the doctor after the first signs. A doctor, probably a neurologist, will carry out a study using a neurological or ophthalmological examination or MRI scan (however in more extreme cases it can also be diagnosed through a spinal tap or lumbar puncture). Early detection can help to prevent the rapid progression of multiple sclerosis.
Treatments for multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a real challenge and there is no cure as such, however there are several treatments that can delay its progression.
- High doses of steroids in order to quickly alleviate outbreaks.
- Interferons and other substances for changing the natural progression of the illness and reducing the incidence and seriousness of outbreaks.
- Rehabilitation and psychological support in order to increase the quality of life of those affected.
- And now, electrostimulation thanks to electrical stimulation in the affected areas. Below, we have shared the success story that we developed at Wiems Lab.
Conclusion
At Wiemspro and, in particular, at our scientific laboratory specialising in the study of WB-EMS, WiemsLab, we meticulously analyse the condition of each client, and according to each person, we apply personalised techniques that adapt to their needs, always using methods based on scientific evidence.
We hope that this content is useful and serves as a reference for your day-to-day work if you have patients who suffer from this disease or other similar diseases. We will publish more soon.
