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The most common symptoms of MS are: dry, itchy eyes, decreased ability to focus or remember, difficulty sleeping, and muscle and joint pain. MS symptoms can vary and come and go from day to day. They may be light, subtle, or severe. Some people have no symptoms at all, while others have major issues with their MS that significantly diminishes their quality of life. In addition, there are those who have no symptoms at all and yet still find that their MS has worsened since the beginning of their MS diagnosis. MS is no laughing matter, and everyone with MS should do everything in their power to avoid making themselves susceptible to any further deterioration.
Some symptoms are less severe and easily curable than others. Some can simply be improved by making small lifestyle changes, such as increasing humidity and decreasing air pollution. Some medications can also lessen or even eliminate your MS symptoms. One such medication is an anti-inflammatory called ibuprofen, which can help to decrease inflammation of your brain and spinal cord, thereby decreasing the effects of tingling and numbness that often accompany multiple sclerosis symptoms. In addition to these medicines, certain changes in diet and lifestyle can help you live a more comfortable and active life, without ever experiencing any MS symptoms.
If your MS symptoms have worsened or become unbearable, you need to make an appointment with a multiple sclerosis specialist. Your primary doctor may not be able to determine the root cause of your symptoms, so he or she will likely refer you to an interventional specialist, like a neurosurgeon, a neurologist, an arthritis or orthopedic specialist, an internal medicine specialist, or a psychiatrist. Since MS is a complex disease that is difficult to diagnose, it is important that you see a specialist who understands multiple sclerosis and its treatments. Your healthcare provider needs to know what is causing your attacks, when they started, how long they last, where they are affecting your day to day functioning, and if you are able to control the reoccurrences of your attacks.
MS symptoms tend to vary from person to person. Common symptoms include short term memory loss, blurred vision, decreased concentration, headaches, fatigue, depression, irritability, speech problems, loss of balance and coordination, sensitivity to light and sound, and increased sensitivity to pain. In addition, you may experience weakness in one or several of the limbs, a flaccid appearance, or a limp. Since the symptoms of MS are different for everyone, the exact treatment that works for one person may not work for another. The key is to understand your unique situation and learn how to properly address your MS symptoms.
When looking at the various ways that multiple sclerosis affects the body, doctors have identified that it is a chronic progressive inflammatory disorder. It does not affect the muscles or the nerves, but it affects the brain and the central nervous system. It is not contagious nor passed genetically, but it can be inherited through generations. The disease often begins in the twenties or thirties, with periods of remissions followed by flare ups of symptoms.
With advancements in the treatment of many other diseases, doctors are becoming more open to the possibility of multiple sclerosis being the culprit. They often prescribe medications that help to control the inflammation and the pain, allowing people to live normal lives. The medications may need to be taken on a daily basis, though, and many people find that living a normal life with multiple sclerosis may be impossible. In these cases, doctors may need to consider the option of trying to manage the symptoms so that the patient can live a full and productive life.
The first steps in managing MS include recognizing the presence of the disease in its early stages. The most common symptoms are muscle weakness and stiffness, difficulty walking, and having a hard time getting up. Along with these symptoms, there are other less common ones such as numbness in the extremities, blurred vision, problems with balance, bladder and bowel problems, and difficulty swallowing food or water. Because MS affects the body's neurological system, the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) may also indicate that the affected person is suffering from another condition, such as diabetes, kidney problems, or an infection. Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible when you begin to experience any of the early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. The sooner a physician can diagnose MS, the sooner treatments can begin to improve the patient's quality of life.
Once a doctor has determined the existence of Multiple Sclerosis, he or she will be able to conduct a series of tests in order to determine if the condition is actually causing the symptoms that are presenting. These tests include performing a battery of lab tests, examining the nerve tissue with a magnet, checking for calcium deposits on the brain and spine, looking at eye muscle functions, performing blood tests, and scanning the face using MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). Sometimes doctors also recommend medical procedures in order to rule out other conditions, such as tumors. For patients who do have a negative MS diagnosis, they may be offered alternative treatments, such as nutritional supplements, lifestyle changes, or surgery. No matter what form of treatment is chosen, the first step is accepting one's condition and seeing a doctor.
Oren Zarif - Psychokinesis