Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that manifests as chronic inflammation of the central nervous system. There are three forms of MS: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and primary progressive MS (PPMS).
Although the symptoms of the first two forms of MS may disappear after acute treatment, each form of MS is associated with an underlying disease progression that requires treatment. Therefore, early initiation of disease-modifying immunotherapy is crucial to slow the progression of the disease, which can lead to increasing limitations and disabilities over time. Despite these challenges, there are many ways to maintain Quality Of Life .
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not yet curable. However, there are a number of treatment options, including some highly effective ones, that can slow the progression of the disease, prevent acute symptoms, and shorten or avoid relapses. It is important to work with a neurologist specializing in MS or to be treated at an MS Center Multiple Sclerosis Center at the University Hospital Zurich.
In the treatment of relapses, the treatment of MS exacerbations with methylprednisolone (MP) is an established standard. Plasmapheresis is used for therapy escalation (Wikipedia definition) or immunoadsorption (Wikipedia definition) Early initiation of disease-modifying immunotherapy may be considered. Every form of MS is associated with an underlying progression that also requires treatment. Despite intensive acute and immunosuppressive therapy, complete symptom control cannot be guaranteed. In such cases, Neurorehabilitation can be very helpful in addressing persistent impairments.
In addition to the main symptoms, MS is frequently accompanied by comorbidities such as depression, fatigue, pain, speech and Dysphagia / Swallowing Disorder , urinary retention, and digestive problems. At cereneo, these impairments are individually assessed by a multidisciplinary team using objective, standardized tests. These tests not only help to determine the precise impairment profile but, because they are repeated every two weeks, also allow for monitoring the results of intensive, individually tailored therapy.
At cereneo, we tailor therapies to the individual needs of our patients and offer personalized treatment with a therapist in a 1:1 ratio using state-of-the-art therapy equipment and Diagnosis procedures.
Cereneo works closely with the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), which proves very advantageous when adjustments to acute therapy are necessary. Furthermore, the MS Center at USZ can offer blood stem cell transplantation in specific cases.
To learn more about individual Rehabilitation at cereneo, you can Book an online consultation with one of our experienced neurologists.
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a promising and, under certain conditions, highly effective therapy for patients with highly active MS. The treatment leads to remission in 70–75% of cases. Although no large clinical trials have yet been conducted, several smaller clinical studies and observational data from several hundred MS patients suggest that aHSCT is more effective than all approved medications. However, due to the treatment risks, this procedure is only used in individual cases and after thorough pre-screening for MS. Click here for more information Information about this therapy at the USZ.
In most cases, the disease occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 and is considered the most common chronic disease of the central nervous system, affecting women more often than men.
In multiple sclerosis, the body's own inflammatory cells, known as T and B lymphocytes, destroy the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, as well as the nerve cells and their extensions in the brain and spinal cord. The myelin sheath of the nerves enables brain cells to transmit stimuli to different parts of the body. The inflammation damages the myelin, temporarily interrupting or slowing nerve conduction. This leads to various symptoms that impair movement (motor skills) and sensory perception.
Shear-remitting MS (RRMS) Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common form of the disease. Patients with RRMS experience clearly defined episodes of new or worsening symptoms, known as relapses, followed by periods of partial or complete improvement, called remissions. Typically, in RRMS, there are periods when those affected feel better and their symptoms improve, but then the symptoms reappear or new ones develop.
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) It typically develops from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Over time, the disease can progress from RRMS to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), in which it progresses more steadily and distinct relapses and remissions no longer occur. Symptoms gradually worsen, and patients may no longer experience the periods of remission they had with RRMS.
Primary progressive MS (PPMS) PPMS is a rarer form of MS. In PPMS, symptoms gradually worsen from the outset, without relapses or remissions. Affected individuals experience a steady deterioration of symptoms from the beginning, without periods of improvement or recovery.
The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary greatly from person to person and over the course of the disease, depending on the location of the affected nerve fibers. Early symptoms and signs of MS that are particularly common include:
Sensory disorders: Sensory disturbances such as numbness or tingling, initially in the fingertips or toes, which later spread to the arms or legs, are common. Tension in the joints and hips, pain, and reduced sensitivity, for example to temperature, also frequently occur. If the spinal cord is affected, the so-called neck flexion sign often appears. This involves a sudden, electric-like sensation along the spine when bending the head forward.
Visual disturbances: Visual disturbances often occur as a result of temporary inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis).
Other symptoms that can impair vision include blurred vision as if looking through a veil, impaired color vision or difficulty reading small print, double vision, flashes of light or visual field defects.
Muscle paralysis / paresis : A typical symptom of MS is reduced muscle strength, sometimes leading to Paralysis / Paresis , which can be accompanied by faster fatigue when walking, but also by tension and stiffness.
The exact causes of multiple sclerosis are not yet fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Numerous immunologically relevant genes, as well as environmental factors such as smoking, low vitamin D3 levels, infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and obesity in adolescence and early adulthood, can trigger the disease and influence its course.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue. This can happen when the body reacts incorrectly to infections that resemble its own structures. As a result, the immune system attacks myelin and nerve cells.
If a close relative has MS, your risk of also developing it is 20 to 40 times higher. MS occurs more frequently in areas farther from the equator, probably due to less sun exposure and lower vitamin D3 levels.
Certain viruses, particularly the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes infectious mononucleosis, and some intestinal bacteria have been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Other possible triggers include stress, hormonal changes, certain vaccinations, and medications, although the evidence for these is less conclusive. It is important to note that natural infections such as influenza pose a higher risk than vaccinations.
Multiple sclerosis cannot currently be prevented. However, those affected can positively influence the course of the disease by starting treatment early and taking some simple but effective measures:
No matter what stage of your recovery process you are in, we will support you on your journey.
