Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis and Movement Disorders in LA
Multiple sclerosis is a long-lasting and potentially disabling disease that affects the spinal cord, optic nerves, and brain. It causes problems with balance, muscle control, vision, and other body functions.
The effects usually differ from one person to another. Sometimes, the symptoms are mild and don’t require treatment whereas in other cases patients face difficulty carrying out simple and routine tasks.
While it’s difficult to estimate the exact number of people living with multiple sclerosis, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates the figure to be 250,000-350,000 in the United States. However, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates the numbers to be closer to a million.
In multiple sclerosis, the body’s immune system attacks the myelin (protective sheath) that covers the nerve fibers. This results in communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Over time, the disease can end up causing permanent damage or nerve deterioration.
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis depend on the location of the nerve damage and include weakness or numbness in the limbs that usually occurs on one side of the body, unsteady gait, electric-shock like sensations when moving certain limbs, slurred speech, dizziness, fatigue, and problems with the bowel, bladder, and sexual functioning.
Vision problems include prolonged double vision, blurry vision, pain associated with eye movement, and a partial or total loss of vision.
The causes of MS are unknown but there are certain things that seem to increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These include smoking and viral infections such as herpes and Epstein-barr.
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis but there are several treatments that help maintain proper body function.
Dr.Farzin Pedouim is a board certified neurologist based in Huntington Beach and Los Angeles. He makes use of physical therapy, immune modulating medications, and muscle relaxants that help patients overcome debilitating MS symptoms.