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MS symptoms are not usually recognized by people with MS. They believe they are unrelated and ignore them. If left undiagnosed, these symptoms can worsen. MS is an inflammatory condition that affects the central nervous system and results in the loss of memory, thinking abilities and other functions.
There are four kinds of MS:
Clinically segregable: When a person has his first episode of MS symptoms, medical health professionals often categorize him as having CIS. If the person continues to have remits of MS, then he is said to have relapsing-relapsing MS. Relapsing-relapsing MS is a difficult-to-categorize disease because there are many people who have never had any of the classic symptoms of MS and yet still continue to have relapses. MS sufferers who have undergone MRI scans and had biopsy tests sometimes find out that their MS symptoms may be caused by another disorder or by a misalignment of the brain's structure.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is a disorder of the central nervous system and results in the destruction of brain cells. When multiple sclerosis occurs in a person whose age is over 60, it is known as primary MS. A patient with primary MS has no identifiable central nervous system symptoms and may have any one of the other MS symptoms. Healthcare providers use several different methods to diagnose MS. Some MS diagnostic tests require a patient to repeatedly perform some tasks, so a healthcare provider may order a series of tests to look for certain signs of relapsing or remitting MS.
Spasticity: MS is often associated with atrophy of muscles (spasticity), including reflexes and muscle tone. MS often produces an increased number of spasticity fibres in the brain and affects areas of vision. When the MS spasticity is detected through an MRI test, the healthcare provider will ask the patient to complete a visual task (such as recognizing a car) while standing or sitting. If there is a marked loss or distortion of the patient's vision, the healthcare provider will conduct additional testing.
Sexual dysfunction: MS often produces changes in the brain's neurological signals which impact on the sexual functions of a person. MS is often the result of spinal cord lesions, which can cause sexual dysfunction. The affected area in the brain will produce less nerve impulses (neurotransmitters) and the nerves in the spinal cord are damaged or destroyed. When the MS symptoms interfere with sexual function, the affected part of the brain has difficulty in connecting messages from the nerves and the brain. MS spasticity can also result in bladder and bowel incontinence.
Dysesthesia: MS frequently produces dysesthesia, which is the unpleasant sensations caused by numbness, tingling, or lack of sensation in a specific area of the body. When the MS symptoms worsen, this can cause discomfort when the area is touched, handled, or used. Sometimes, MS can worsen over time and produce more permanent damage to nerve tissue in the body (neurotoxic) which can further impair a person's ability to move. When MS become progressive, it can have devastating results on a person's quality of life.
These MS symptoms should be considered when planning for your walk - your gait, your balance, and your perception of touch. Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider regularly, particularly if you're having difficulty walking, especially since MS can progress over time. Remember that these issues can worsen and become more disabling as you age. If you suspect that your MS has worsened, it is important that you consult your healthcare provider quickly so that you can start taking action to slow down the progression of your disease and improve your quality of life.
Oren Zarif - Psychokinesis