Understanding Multiple Sclerosis with Our Best Neurologist Dr Sandeep Goel.

Multiple sclerosis or MS is a condition where the immune system destroys the nerves’ protective covering. It is a brain and spinal cord condition that could be incapacitating (central nervous system)

In this blog we have discussed, how exercises are beneficial for MS and if there are any risks involved for MS patients. If you live in or around Jalandhar, Punjab, Multiple sclerosis you will be able to find NHS Neuro Care, a unit of NHS Hospital, Jalandhar through a web search for Multiple sclerosis specialists near me or the Best Multiple sclerosis specialist near me where you can consult with our expert and get the right treatment plan for this condition.

What kinds of exercises are suggested for Multiple sclerosis patients?

Conventional exercise techniques include aerobic training, progressive resistance training, and flexibility training (stretching, range of motion) & strength training.

To improve movements or functions, task-specific training can also be carried out, typically under the close supervision of a rehabilitation therapist:

• Gait training exercises are performed to optimize a person’s gait pattern, with the goal of improving mobility
• A vestibular rehabilitation programme has been demonstrated to positively impact balance deficits, a very common issue, in MS patients.
• In addition to balance deficits, many individuals with MS report dizziness or vertigo that can negatively impact their daily lives. Balance issues can be improved, and dizziness or vertigo complaints can be decreased with structured intervention from a vestibular rehabilitation specialist.

The superiority of one training method over the others is not clearly demonstrated by the available data. According to each person’s demands, several forms of exercise are typically blended in fitness programmes. Based on the patient’s symptoms and unique needs, a rehabilitation therapist can assist in developing an appropriate exercise regimen.

Even though the frequency, duration, and intensity of training sessions are frequently lower in MS than in the general population, many of the exercises are the same as those advised for the general populace. However, the contents may need to be modified to ensure feasibility and safety in the presence of neurologic impairments. The same is true for fitness equipment: for people who have gait and balance issues, using a stationary bike instead of a treadmill for aerobic training is frequently advised.

Virtual reality gaming technology that is readily available on the market can serve as a motivating tool for fitness by offering quick feedback and quantifiable, attainable goals.

Why is exercise necessary for MS patients, and is it effective?

Exercise is advised for everyone to maintain and enhance fitness and overall wellness, and those with MS are no different. People with MS are physically inactive, much less than the general population, according to research. Fatigability and frailty are exacerbated by physical deconditioning brought on by low exercise levels.

Also, a growing body of research indicates that exercise improves walking and balance, lessens the intensity of many MS symptoms like fatigue and depressive symptoms, and improves quality of life. Many reviews and meta-analyses have been published, and while methodological flaws in the exercise studies under examination are acknowledged, overall, the magnitude of change attributable to exercise is minor but significant. Also, most exercise research includes participants who have mild to severe physical impairments. According to several research and evidence from various demographics, exercise may enhance cognitive function.

Comorbidities, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal conditions, have been linked to increased levels of impairment in MS patients. Exercise is advised in the treatment of several of these comorbidities, which may hence indirectly aid in the management of MS.

Do exercises pose a safety risk for people with MS?

Exercise does not worsen MS symptoms, as is now widely accepted. Exercise may, however, temporarily exacerbate pre-existing MS symptoms like weakness, paresthesia, or visual disruption. An increase in body temperature, which can be reduced by utilizing fans or cooling clothing, may contribute to this deterioration. If it takes the person more than 2 hours to return to baseline after an exercise session, it can also be essential to reduce the intensity and duration of the exercise.

Musculoskeletal pain brought on by exercise may also call for a change in the exercise programme. The training regimen should be modified to lessen the chance of falling. Schedule your appointment with one of the best doctor for multiple sclerosis in India at NHS Neuro Care A Unit of  NHS hospital.

Do MS patients have any workout recommendations?

There aren’t enough regulations for those with severe disabilities, especially non-ambulatory people. The exercise programme must be created and recommended on an individual basis to take an individual’s capabilities, impairments, and environmental restrictions into consideration. At NHS Neuro Care, we have a team of Multiple sclerosis specialists in Jalandhar and are reliable to assist you in the same.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS in which activated immune cells invade the central nervous system and cause inflammation, neurodegeneration, and tissue damage. The underlying cause is currently unknown. The resulting damage to myelin, the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibres, disrupts signals to and from the brain. Recent research indicates that people with MS may live an average of about seven years less than the general population because of disease complications or other medical conditions.

WHAT IS MS

MS is thought to be an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibres of the central nervous system. Often the nerve fiber is also damaged.

TYPES OF MS AND STAGES

There are four types of multiple sclerosis:

• Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): When someone has a first episode of MS symptoms, healthcare providers often categorize it as CIS. Not everyone who has CIS goes on to develop multiple sclerosis.
• Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common form of multiple sclerosis. People with RRMS have flare-ups, also called relapse or exacerbation, of new or worsening symptoms. Periods of remission follow (when symptoms stabilize or go away).
• Primary progressive MS (PPMS): People diagnosed with PPMS have symptoms that slowly and gradually worsen without any periods of relapse or remission.
• Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): In many cases, people originally diagnosed with RRMS eventually progress to SPMS. With secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis, you continue to accumulate nerve damage. Your symptoms progressively worsen. While you may still experience some relapses or flares (when symptoms increase), you no longer have periods of remission afterward (when symptoms stabilize or go away).

EARLY SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
• Vision problems- such as optic neuritis (blurriness and pain in one eye) are often one of the first signs of multiple sclerosis
•  People may develop muscle weakness due to lack of use or stimulation due to nerve damage.
• A pins type sensation is felt which can affect the face, body, arms, and legs.
• Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait
• Damage to nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain can cause painful muscle spasms, including in the legs.
• Problems with bladder, bowel, sexual function or mood (particularly depression and anxiety)
•  reduced activity, and loss of mobility. These can impact a person’s work and social life.
• Blurry vision
• Double vision

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

There’s no such cause but some reports suggest that viral infection caused by virus such as Epstein barr virus could trigger the disease whereas sunlight could strengthen immune system and lower the risk of multiple sclerosis.

Risk factors include:

• Age: It occurs between 15-55
• Sex: females are more predilected than males
• Family history: if the disease is followed in family the risk is higher. 
• Certain infections: viral infections caused by Epstein barr virus 
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Vitamin D: Having low levels of vitamin D and low exposure to sunlight is associated with a greater risk of MS.
• Certain autoimmune diseases.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS DIAGNOSIS

• Medical imaging, particularly MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), helps to clarify the diagnosis
• Tests (called evoked potentials) that measure the electrical activity in your brain.

MULTIPLE SCLERROSIS SPECIALISTS

They are primarily Neurologists who have an understanding of diseases that involve your nervous system. There are nurse practicioners and physical  assistants to help along with them. In addition to them, there is a MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SPECIALIST who takes extra care of your condition, care for your emotional health and rehabilitation and provide you information about alternative medicines.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TREATMENT

• Certain drugs may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis. They are as follows:

• Intravenous corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone, is the usual therapy
• Siponimod and Cladribine

• Cognitive behavioral therapy is moderately effective for reducing MS fatigue
• Physical therapy including vibration interventions, electrical stimulation, exercise therapy, standing therapy, and radial shock wave therapy (RSWT), were beneficial for limiting spasticity, helping limit excitability, or increasing range of motion
•  Yoga, Cannabis, Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, Self-infection with Hookworms, Reflexology, Acupuncture, and Mindfulness. 

The best consultation and the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment could be provided at  NHS Neuro Care , as they provide specialized neurological care and solutions and personalized approach and care. Their  aim   is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care. The specialists focuses on the advanced, latest procedures & programs to achieve excellence in neurological care to  provide their best towards their patients.