What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, immune-mediated disorder. That means the system designed to keep your body healthy mistakenly attacks the protective coverings of nerve cells, leading to diminished function in the brain and spinal cord.

Common early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) include:

Vision problems are the most common symptoms of MS, including blurred vision or double vision.

Tingling and numbness follow after the damage to the nerve in the brain and spinal cord and the resulting conflicting signals that are sent around the body.

Chronic pain and involuntary muscle spasms are also common with MS.

Unexplained fatigue and weakness affects 80% of MS sufferers in the early stages. The weakness is most noticeable in the legs at first.

Balance and coordination problems and dizziness.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction includes frequent urination, strong urges to urinate and the inability to hold in urine.

Sexual dysfunction

Cognitive problems can be seen in almost 50% of MS sufferers. This includes memory problems, shortened attention span, language problems and difficulty staying organised.

Changes in emotional health: major depression is a common finding. The stresses of MS can also cause irritability, mood swings, and a condition called pseudobulbar affect. This involves bouts of uncontrollable crying and laughing.

Not everyone with MS will have the same symptoms. Different symptoms can manifest during relapses or attacks.

Along with the above-mentioned symptoms, MS can also cause:

hearing loss seizures uncontrollable shaking breathing problems slurred speech trouble swallowing

As one can see, MS has multiple nonspecific symptoms and thus a neurologist is usually the one to make the final diagnosis. Doctors are often astounded by how much MS can vary in both severity and the ways that it affects people. Attacks can last a few weeks and then disappear. However, relapses can get progressively worse, more unpredictable, and come with different symptoms. Early detection may help prevent MS from progressing quickly.

Source: Healthline

This article is for informative purposes only. Please see your doctor if you experience any of these simptoms. Questions can be forwarded to questions@walkindoctor.co.za

Walk in doctor | Walk in Dentist 0861 943 943