Category Archives: MS Symptoms
Profile: Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is the most common autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which causes are yet to be known even as researchers and scientists carry on their quest for solutions. It is not a contagious disease, and treatments to delay its progression are readily available.
Although multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect other populations, people living outside the 40-degree mark north or south of the equator are more prone to the disease than those living in warmer climates, maybe because of their reduced vitamin D levels and/or less exposure to the sun. The disease usually begins to show signs and symptoms around the age of 20 up to the age of 50, affecting mostly women at twice the rate of men. Although scientists have seen multiple sclerosis cases among young children and the elderly, they claimed that they have not yet encountered symptoms among people below 15 years old or above age 60. Experts have also found that women possess a higher level of protein known as the interferon gamma, which could possibly explain why they are more prone to multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition, the disease has a genetic component. Having a father or mother who contracted MS runs a 3 to 5 percent risk of acquiring the same disease; while having an identical twin raises the risk to 30 percent.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms:
The multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms are so numerous, but the more salient ones include: numbness and tingling sensation; vision problems or optic neuritis; loss of coordination; fatigue; dizziness; bowel and bladder dysfunction; alteration in sexual ability or erectile dysfunction; depression; emotional changes, and; muscle tremors. There are also other MS symptoms that seldom occur, such as: headaches, difficulty in swallowing, problem with breathing, speech deficiency, seizures, loss of hearing, and itching.
Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS)
Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS), therefore, is very difficult, and practitioners cite some reasons, like:
- It exhibits numerous symptoms, and every patient reacts differently to each symptom. Some patients may start with only a single symptom followed by a period without progression; while others may demonstrate multiple symptoms all at the same time;
- Many of the symptoms imitate conditions that are characteristics of other ailments;
- There has been no blood test for multiple sclerosis;
- Symptoms occur intermittently and follows an unpredictable course;
- Many symptoms are vague and difficult to gauge, such as fatigue, erectile dysfunction, depression, and cognitive problems, and which general practitioners may attribute to stress; hence, patients may never get to be referred to a specialist.
Nevertheless, experts were able to lay down some accepted criteria for making diagnosis, albeit imperfect, such as:
- Multiple Sclerosis commonly starts between 20 and 50 years old;
- Multiple Sclerosis symptoms and signs that indicate disease of the brain or spinal cord;
- Evidence of two or more lesions in the brain;
- Objective evidence of disease of the brain or spinal cord upon doctor’s examination;
- Two or more episodes that last at least 24 hours, and occur at least one month apart, and;
- No other explanation for the symptoms
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an individual disease, and therefore, it is pointless to compare cases of one patient with another.
MS Treatment Options
Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an incurable condition of the central nervous system that adversely affects the sensory information system between the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves, and which consequently causes the weakening of muscles in the arms and legs, and making it difficult for coordination and balance. Since it is incurable, MS can only be treated either by drug therapy, which alleviates particular symptoms, minimizes the periods of attacks, and delays the advancement of the condition, or; by alternative therapies to control the symptoms. MS symptoms usually manifest in color blindness, blindness in one eye, or hazy vision. In severe cases, however, the symptoms may even result to complete paralysis, speech problem, and dizziness.
The drugs used for treatment depend largely on the type or classification of multiple sclerosis the person has, although there could be other factors for administering such drugs. Drug treatments may be administered through injection, which means either inserting the medication subcutaneously, or introducing it intramuscularly. This type of drug treatment is called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy drugs, which are prescribed for those having the Relapsing-Remitting type of MS, cut down on the frequency and severity of MS attacks, and therefore affecting only minimal damage to the myelin sheaths. Examples of immunotherapy drugs are interferons and copaxone, among others.
In addition, MS drug treatment can also be given intravenously through infusion, or orally. These corticosteroids medication decrease the periods of multiple sclerosis bouts.
MS patients have to be aware, however, that just like any other medications, opting for drug therapy has its accompanying side effects, like drowsiness, gastrointestinal disturbance, fluid retention, swelling, flu-like symptoms, mood swings, and skin irritation at the infection site. It is advisable for them, therefore, to consult and discuss with their doctor should they encounter any of these signs or experience any discomfort while under drug therapy.
MS Treatment Options
On the other hand, there are a number of proven alternative therapies that can help alleviate multiple sclerosis conditions, including: acupuncture, chiropractic, biofeedback therapy, hypnosis, massage, meditation, relaxation techniques, tai chi, and yoga. Acupuncture, a popular element in traditional Chinese medicine, has become a popular therapy to alleviate multiple sclerosis symptoms. It is even proven to balance the sensory information between the brain and the body since acupuncture has the capacity to release endorphins and peptides in the brain.
Moreover, through constant studies, it has been found that chiropractic therapy can also help alleviate the pain of MS sufferers since it focuses on the adjustment of the spine and neck to provide relief. Therefore, if an MS patient suffers from spine and leg pains, he can benefit from chiropractic therapy.
Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune condition, and therefore, anything that can boost the body’s natural immunity is helpful. One way of increasing the body’s immunity is through exercise. That is why it is no surprise why the Multiple Sclerosis Society points out that those MS patients, who stay inactive consequently allow their muscles to weaken more and develop soreness more than those who engage themselves in exercise programs. Likewise, the National Institutes of Health even propose that MS patients avail of physical and occupational therapies to help them control their symptoms, as professionals in these fields can advise appropriate exercise programs and design necessary adjustments to make their daily routines manageable.
Another essential element that MS patients should watch out for is their core body temperature, which should be kept cool as much as possible to avoid relapses in the future. It is advisable that MS sufferer speak to their doctor on using available MS treatment options.
