Symptoms Of Ms

Signs and Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis

As with many conditions or diseases the first indications that an individual is developing multiple sclerosis may go unnoticed. These signs or symptoms may appear innocuous in that they can be very mild and may only occur intermittently. It may only be in hindsight that one may be able to determine the onset of MS.

With MS a mistaken autoimmune response sends antibodies and white blood cells to attack the proteins in the fatty substance that insulates the nerve fibers. Most specifically the nerve fibers that are in our brains and spinal cords. This fatty substance is called the myelin sheath and its purpose is to protect the nerve fibers. This autoimmune response brings about an inflammation that can scar the sheath and the nerves it is protecting. The scarring produces plaques and is called sclerosis. If enough scarring occurs the nerve signals that help control our movements and sensations will be blocked and the first signs of MS will start.

These symptoms will vary with each individual as different parts of their nervous system may be affected. As well, the disease can run a varied course with intermittent episodes and remissions over a period of years. And some people may only ever suffer mild symptoms, while others unfortunately become rapidly disabled over a relatively short period of time.

Initially some of the signs include muscle fatigue and weakness, dizziness and loss of balance, eye problems such as blurriness or double vision, numbness or tingling in the extremities, slurred speech, overall fatigue and a difficulty in breathing. They may occur in combination or separately and may eventually disappear without explanation.

As the disease causes more damage to the nervous system these signs will exacerbate and the fatigue, numbness, and lack of coordination will become more evident. Some individuals have difficulty walking and will evidence a staggering type of gait. In the most advanced cases their movements may become spastic in nature. There are also bladder and bowel problems. Extreme fatigue is another hallmark sign of this disease.

Many people with MS also suffer from mood swings and will go through periods of depression. There can also be acute or chronic pain. Some experience a kind of electric shock sensation with certain head movements. And the vision problems can eventually lead to the complete loss of vision.. In some cases there are also issues with their short term memory and they may have some difficulty concentrating on things.

While most often this disease is characterized by episodes or attacks and then a period of remission - for others it may follow a very progressive pattern. For anyone fighting this condition it is without a doubt a very stressful and unpredictable situation. With experience it may become apparent that there are certain factors that may precipitate an attack - such as a stressful problem or another illness such as a cold or the flu. Some feel that spring and summer are more difficult periods of time for a person with MS. As our understanding of this disease grows through research and personal experience it will become clearer how to mitigate these episodes and thus hopefully slow the progression of its course.