Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin that covers nerve fibers in the nervous system. As a result, people who have this illness will experience a myriad of symptoms associated with miscommunication between the brain and the rest of the body. While these symptoms can vary from one person to the other, there are a few common ones that you should know about.
It’s common for people with MS to have recurring vision problems in one eye. This can mean blurry vision, double vision, color blindness, twitching, and temporary vision loss. The affected eye may also hurt.
With MS, different parts of your body can experience numbness or tingling. These sensations tend to affect your trunk, arms, or legs. They can also start in one area of the body and spread over time.
Depending on the person, muscle problems can be one of the first symptoms or they can develop over time. If you have MS, you may have muscle spasms, stiffness in your muscles, and feel weak.
There are two types of pain associated with MS. The first kind is directly caused by the disease. It usually results in stabbing pain in the face and a burning sensation in the extremities. The second type of pain is musculoskeletal so there can be some pain in the back, neck, or joints.
Sometimes, people with MS can deal with cognitive problems. This means that they’ll have trouble concentrating, learning new things, processing information, finding the right words, and solving problems.
As MS affects your nervous system, you may find that there is a loss of sensation in some parts of your body. That can lead to erectile dysfunction and delayed sexual satisfaction.
As a result of the muscle problems that MS causes, you may find that you have difficulty maintaining your balance. Many people with the illness struggle to hold a steady gait and can’t walk for long distances. MS can also give you chronic vertigo.
This issue is also tied to your muscle problems. In this case, you may have the frequent urge to urinate while not being able to fully empty your bladder. Some people have recurring urinary tract infections. It can also affect your bowel control, though this is less common.
One of the earliest signs of MS is unexplained fatigue. Some people with MS are tired all the time even when they’ve gotten a full night’s sleep.
MS can cause a speech problem known as dysarthria. The main effect is that your speech can be slurred or other people may have trouble understanding you. Another possibility is dysphagia, where you have trouble swallowing.
A key part of managing MS is sticking to your medical regimen. In addition, there are a few things that doctors recommend to help ease your symptoms. It’s important to get enough rest because sleeping well helps your body recuperate. If you exercise regularly, it can help with building your strength and muscle tone, which is good for your balance. While doctors haven’t identified a specific diet for MS, they have found that it’s beneficial for your overall health if you eat well.
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The treatment for MS typically includes a multi-prong approach. Your doctor will likely recommend drugs that slow the disease’s progression, manages your symptoms, reduces the likelihood of relapses, and promotes recuperation. These medications can vary but entail corticosteroids, monoclonal antibodies, plasma exchange, muscle relaxants, and interferon beta drugs. Additionally, physical therapy can help you with balance and motor problems.
Though MS can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. What’s important is that you get a diagnosis as soon as possible. If you recognize any of the symptoms on this list, see your doctor quickly for an assessment.
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