Multiple Sklerose (MS): Symptome, Ursachen & Pflege

Multiple sclerosis, often abbreviated as MS, is an autoimmune condition in which the body's own immune system attacks the protective layer (myelin sheaths) of nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to inflammation and scarring (sclerosis) that disrupts signal transmission between the brain and body.

MS primarily affects young adults between 20 and 40 years old and is twice as common in women as in men. What exactly is MS? It is a disease with many faces — the course and symptoms vary greatly from person to person.

MS symptoms are varied and depend on which areas of the nervous system are affected. Symptoms can occur in episodes or develop gradually.

First signs and early symptoms

The early symptoms and first signs of MS are often not initially associated with the disease. Typical symptoms at the beginning are:

• Visual disturbances: Blurred vision, double vision or pain behind the eye (optic neuritis)
• Sensory disturbances: Tingling, numbness or a 'pins and needles' sensation in arms and legs
• MS symptoms in the legs: Weakness, stiffness or gait disorders
• Fatigue: Pronounced, persistent tiredness that goes beyond normal exhaustion
• Coordination problems: Unsteady gait, dizziness or balance disorders

MS relapse symptoms

An MS relapse is a sudden deterioration in which new symptoms appear or existing ones worsen. MS relapse symptoms last at least 24 hours and then partially or fully subside. Typical signs of a relapse include sudden visual disturbances, new paralysis symptoms or severe sensory disturbances.

The exact causes of multiple sclerosis are still not fully understood. Researchers assume an interplay of various factors:

• Genetic predisposition: Those with MS sufferers in the family carry a slightly increased risk
• Environmental factors: Vitamin D deficiency, smoking and certain viral infections (e.g. Epstein-Barr virus)
• Immune system: A dysregulation of the immune system that attacks the body's own tissue

MS diagnosis

The MS diagnosis is based on several examinations: neurological examination, MRI to visualise inflammation sites, cerebrospinal fluid examination and evoked potentials. The MS diagnosis is made according to the McDonald criteria.

MS course

The course of MS varies from person to person. The main types are:

• Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): The most common form (~85%). Relapses alternate with recovery phases
• Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): Often develops from the relapsing form. Disability steadily increases
• Primary progressive MS (PPMS): Rarer form (~15%). Gradual deterioration from the beginning without relapses

MS treatment

MS treatment comprises three pillars: relapse therapy (high-dose cortisone), disease-modifying therapy (immunomodulators and immunosuppressants) and symptomatic therapy (e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain therapy). A cure is not yet possible, but modern medications can slow the progression.

If you care for and support someone with MS at home, you do valuable work. In Switzerland, family caregivers have various entitlements:

• Compensation for care: Depending on the canton and care needs, you can receive compensation as a family caregiver
• Helplessness allowance: MS patients with regular need for assistance can apply for a helplessness allowance from AHV/IV
• Care credits: Family caregivers can claim AHV care credits
• Spitex support: Professional care through Spitex can complement family caregiving