Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a disease that affects the brain and the central nervous system. When a person has MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath covers nerve fibers, and when the immune system attacks, it causes problems for the communication center of the brain and the rest of the body. Unfortunately, this disease can cause deterioration of the nerves and permanent damage. Symptoms of MS will vary depending on nerve damage and how the body has been affected. For some people, the symptoms may be mild, while others may lose the ability to walk, speak, and function at the disease's onset. Signs and symptoms can increase as the disease progresses. At this time, there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis. Several treatment options can help with symptoms from this disease. Diagnosis is critical to help manage and mitigate the symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Many symptoms can be associated with this disease. A person who believes that they have symptoms that coincide with this disorder needs to see their physician as soon as possible.
- Numbness or weakness - Some people may experience numbness or weakness in one or more limbs. Typically it will only be on one side of the body at a time.
- Lack of coordination - Unsteady gait and lack of coordination skills are typical with this disease.
- Vision loss - A complete loss of vision and partial vision loss can be a sign of MS.
- Electric shock sensation - If a person moves their neck and feels an electric shock sensation, this may be a sign of MS. This is known as the Lhermitte sign.
- Slurred speech. - For some people, slurred speech may be a symptom of this disease.
- Fatigue and dizziness - If a person suffers from constant fatigue and dizziness, this may be a sign of MS.
- Bowel and bladder functions - A common symptom of MS is issues with bladder control and bowel function.
- Sexual issues - A person with MS may have erectile dysfunction as well as other sexual problems.
How Does Multiple Sclerosis Progress?
As time goes on, the symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis will become more severe. For some people, this may take several years, while other people will experience a more rapid onset of the severity of symptoms. In many cases, people will go through waves of illness. They may go into remission for some time, come out of remission, and have more severe symptoms of their condition. This will all depend on how fast the myelin sheath of the nerves have been affected. A patient suffering from multiple sclerosis should let their doctor know immediately of any worsening symptoms. With proper medication and diet changes, some of these problems can be addressed before they worsen. Fortunately, the medical world has progressed in the area of multiple sclerosis. There are many treatment options available to help people who suffer from this disease. In times past, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was an immediate death sentence that ended with a slow, painful death. Thankfully, modern medicine has alleviated that fear.
Treatment and Outlook
Treatment options for multiple sclerosis will vary depending on the severity of the disease and the symptoms that the patient is currently having. There are many different oral medications and infusions that a patient can take to help alleviate the symptoms. Many of these medications showed great promise in keeping a person free of their symptoms of MS. Other treatment options include physical therapy to help with stiff muscles and walking issues, diet changes, and other lifestyle changes. A person suffering from MS must take time to take care of themselves. Some studies have shown that stress and an unhealthy lifestyle can help to exasperate symptoms. A person should be doing all they can to live a stress-free and clean lifestyle. There are also other treatment options that a doctor will discuss with the patient who has multiple sclerosis. The outlook for a patient with multiple sclerosis is good as long as the patient works closely with their doctor.