One of the most common neurological diseases, characterised by gradual damage to the nervous system.
In this disease, an autoimmune response damages the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves, leading to severe nerve damage.
Because the disease manifests differently in each patient and causes a wide range of neurological symptoms, diagnosing it is quite challenging and often occurs at relatively late stages.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

It is likely an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath covering the nerve fibres.
Damage to the myelin slows or blocks electrical signals along the nerve, causing the typical symptoms of the disease.

A combination of factors such as genetics, environment, infections, and more likely leads to the onset of the autoimmune damage.

Symptoms:

• Sudden, complete or partial vision impairment accompanied by pain when moving the eyes.
• Double vision or blurred vision, which may develop with or without strabismus.
• Muscle weakness in the limbs accompanied by sensory disturbances. These symptoms appear when lesions are present in the motor centres of the brain and parts of the spinal cord responsible for limb movement.
• Sensory disturbances including pain, tingling, numbness, burning sensations, electric shocks, and more.

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis appear suddenly and develop gradually, depending on the location of the lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
The more critical the areas affected by the lesions, the more severe the symptoms and the more significant the resulting disability.
For example, while lesions in less important areas may not cause symptoms, lesions in crucial areas like the brain’s motor centres can lead to paralysis, muscle weakness, and severe disability.
Ultimately, multiple sclerosis patients suffer from severe disabilities due to the numerous lesions disrupting the function of many systems.

Diagnosis

Usually conducted through scanning imaging that shows the sclerosis lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
These tests are ordered by a doctor following the appearance of characteristic symptoms such as pain when moving the eyes or other unexplained neurological symptoms.
To diagnose multiple sclerosis, a progressive process must be observed, with new lesions appearing over time in different parts of the brain and spinal cord.
If suspected, an MRI is performed to provide the most accurate and definitive test.
In addition to imaging, lumbar punctures, blood tests, and other tests may be performed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

The goals of treatment are:

• Immediate relief of acute symptoms
• Extending the time between attacks
• Modifying the disease course to slow its progression
• Reducing the severity of attacks
• Treating associated symptoms
• Adapting lifestyle to functional limitations

Medications

Large doses of steroids are given in order to try and help reduce symptoms, ease the pain, extend the time between attacks and to slow the disease’s progression.

Reflexology Treatment

Reflexology treatment for individuals suffering from Multiple Sclerosis aims to provide relaxation and help reduce pain levels.
The techniques used are tailored to the specific areas affected by the disease, ensuring a focused and effective approach.

Key aspects of the treatment include:

Targeted Focus
The work is concentrated on the specific areas impacted by Multiple Sclerosis, applying techniques that address the unique symptoms and challenges faced by each patient.
This personalised approach ensures that the most affected regions receive the necessary attention and care.

Maintenance and Preservation
A significant emphasis is placed on maintaining and preserving the function of the relevant and affected systems and organs.
Regular reflexology sessions work to “maintain” these systems, helping to prevent further deterioration and support overall well-being.

Pain Management
Reflexology techniques aim to drain pain and discomfort from the body.
By stimulating specific reflex points, the treatment helps alleviate pain and promote relaxation, making it an essential part of the therapeutic process for those with Multiple Sclerosis.

Physiological Relaxation
The initial focus is on achieving physiological relaxation, which helps reduce stress and tension in the body.
This relaxation is crucial for improving the patient’s overall quality of life and enhancing their ability to cope with the disease.

In summary, reflexology treatment for Multiple Sclerosis is a holistic approach that not only targets the immediate symptoms but also works on long-term maintenance and preservation of the body’s systems.
This comprehensive strategy helps improve the patient’s overall health and quality of life as much as possible.