We’ve probably all heard about the immune-mediated disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but do we really know what it is and how it attacks the body? According to the National MS Society, Multiple Sclerosis is considered to be an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks myelin in the central nervous system that is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
Multiple sclerosis was defined after researchers discovered that the damaged areas formed multiple areas of scar tissues when inflammation flared up within the immune system. The disease causes damage to the myelin, which is the fatty substance that covers the nerve fibers and keeps them insulated.
Once the myelin and the nerve fibers are under attack and destroyed, the central nervous system may cause neurological symptoms that would vary among people who have MS and vary in type and severity. If you are living with MS at this present time, researchers do not know what causes MS but some people believe genetics and environmental factors may play a part in developing multiple sclerosis.
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Early Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Although MS can vary in intensity some of the symptoms can also be unpredictable. The top ten common early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
1. Cognitive difficulties
Research says nearly more than half of all people with MS will develop cognitive difficulties which will affect your memory when it comes to retaining and retrieving new information and your attention span. You will also have difficulties with job performance, including informal or formal disciplinary action, remembering what to do on the job or during daily routines at home, and keeping up with tasks or conversations.
2. Vision complications
Optic neuritis which is the inflammation of the optic nerve is a common visual symptom of MS. This is usually accompanied by pain with eye movement, blurred vision, dim vision or loss of color in your vision.
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3. Bladder troubles
At least 80 percent of people with MS experience bladder dysfunction. You will feel as if you have the inability to hold your bladder or empty it completely. If you delay seeking treatment for your bladder issues your symptoms could cause kidney stones, Urinary tract infections and cause embarrassment if you become unable to hold your urine.
4. Tingling and numbness
Numbness can be mild or severe and can occur anywhere within the face, arms or legs which is the most common symptom of MS. The numbness is a loss in sensation and gives you the feeling of your limb falling asleep. Currently, there are no medications to alleviate numbness within MS.
5. Sexual dysfunction
MS can put a huge drag on your sex life and these difficulties can lead to a decline in your libido and challenges when it comes to achieving orgasm in both men and women. Women may experience extreme vaginal dryness and men may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. This can also be accompanied by reduced sensation and ejaculation issues.
6. Spasms and pains
There is nothing like getting a Charlie Horse in your legs! But when you are suffering from MS the involuntary muscle tight spasms that range from mild to severe could also occur within your lower back too. The most common spasms usually happen in your leg muscles but research says to some degree if you experience leg weakness having these sharp, tight joint pains can benefit you. The spasticity gives your legs some rigidity and makes it easier for you to walk.
7. Fatigue and weakness
If you are experiencing fatigue, the National MS Society says to make sure you speak to your physician to ensure your fatigue is not a vitamin deficiency or another medical condition. The cause of fatigue is unknown and about 80 percent of patients experience this symptom. If you are fatigued, you may notice the symptom could be associated with different types of fatigue. For example, if you experience bladder difficulties, waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom could make you sleep deprived. Or if you have nocturnal muscle spasms these frequent occurrences could make you experience fatigue.
8. Dizziness and balance issues
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded or perhaps feeling as if the room is spinning is a common symptom and is due to tumors or lesions of the acoustic nerve that connects the ear to the brain. Consult with your doctor because having this sensation can be corrected with anti-motion sickness drugs.
9. Slurred speech and trouble swallowing
Your speech is controlled by many areas within your brain and MS lesions can cause the brain to change your normal speech patterns and can range from mild to severe difficulties within speech. This symptom is specifically called dysarthria which can be helped by a speech pathologist who can help improve speech patterns and oral communication to relieve these problems.
10. Uncontrollable shaking
Tremors or uncontrollable shaking in Ms is an involuntary movement of the body, limbs or head and it can occur in other conditions such as Parkinson's Disease. The tumors occur when there is damage in nerves responsible for movement. There are three types of tremors intention tremors, which occurs when you try to reach for something and your hand shakes; postural tremor, this occurs the most when your limb or body is being supported against gravity and your body may shake when you’re sitting or standing but not if you’re lying down; and resting tremor which occurs when your body is at rest and is diminished with movement similar to those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
Although managing MS is an ongoing process that may impact your overall quality of life, many of the symptoms you experience can be treated with medication and with support from your medical team. If you have been recently diagnosed with MS you can learn to manage your symptoms and maintain your health challenges with the right doctors and resources.
For more information about Multiple Sclerosis click here.
