Multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems. Specific symptoms can include double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, trouble with sensation, or trouble with coordination. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely; however, permanent neurological problems often remain, especially as the disease advances.

Multiple sclerosis causation and treatment
Multiple Sclerosis is an auto-immune disease that involves the immune system's T cells, B cells, and antibodies.

In 1997, it was discovered that B cell therapy (eg Rituximab) which reduces the number of B cells, brings immediate improvement in MS symptoms. This treatment is more effective for the relapsing-remitting variant of MS, and less effective for the primary progressive variant.

Specific changes in the gut microbiome might increase the risk of MS, and the risk might be reduced using probiotics, antibiotics, a combination, or a change of diet. An 'International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study' commenced in 2015.

Another discovery was that a commonly available and inexpensive antihistamine, can be used to induce remyelination of the nerve cells.

Dietary tryptophan can help reduce brain inflammation and 'cognitive fog'.

Comparison of Multiple Sclerosis and ME/CFS
Multiple Sclerosis is often used as a control group in ME/CFS research.

There are many similar features in Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, including: severe disabling fatigue that worsens after exercise; debilitating autonomic symptoms, including orthostatic intolerance; illness course may be relapsing-remitting or progressive; infections and psychosocial stress causing exacerbation; auto-immunity and auto-inflammatory processes; mitochondrial dysfunction; and decreased cerebral blood flow, atrophy of some brain structures.

ME/CFS is twice as prevalent as MS, but is not accompanied by the visible physical deterioration or clear progressive pathway to death.

A 2015 study found a markedly disturbed immune signature in the cerebrospinal fluid that is consistent with immune activation in the central nervous system, and autoimmunity. The MS and ME/CFS groups had markedly different immune signatures, and the ME/CFS group had a greater degree of CNS immune activation than the MS group.

In December 2016, Ohanian, et al, published a study identifying two key immune symptoms that physicians could use to differentiate Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from Multiple Sclerosis: flu-like symptoms and tender lymph nodes. Subjects included 106 people with MS and 354 people with ME or CFS who completed the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire. The data was analyzed using data mining techniques and machine learning that resulted in correctly categorizing MS and ME or CFS 81.2% of the time. The authors conclude that "because ME or CFS and MS have similar presentations recognizing the importance of immune dysfunction for ME or CFS might be important for healthcare providers."

Learn more

 * Wikipedia - Multiple Sclerosis