Multiple sclerosis causes a deficiency in movement, cognition, and sensation. From muscle weakness, seizures, breathing problems to double-vision, multiple sclerosis can negatively affect your life quality. The condition affects the functioning of your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The worst part is that there is no cure for permanent neurological damage, so visiting a neurologist in Marlboro Township during the early stages of the disease is vital.
What is Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurodegenerative condition. The disease damages the neuron’s myelin sheath, which interferes with how signals are conducted.
Types of MS
Clinically Isolated Syndrome
This is usually the first stage of MS, and the condition may not develop into MS. Episodes may last for 24 hours. Your doctor will manage your condition at this stage using a disease-modifying therapy. breathing problems to double-vision, multiple sclerosis can negatively affect your life quality.
Relapsing-Remitting MS
About 85% of people with MS are first diagnosed with RRMS. You will experience relapses at times, which will then disappear for months. The deficiencies exhibited during attacks can be solved without medication (benign MS) or can escalate to new problems if you have been living with MS for some time. Malignant multiple sclerosis is when the condition causes a significant level of disability within a short time.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
If you suffer from PPMS, there is a progressive neurological decline from when symptoms begin to show. Most people experience this in their 40s. 15% of people diagnosed with MS test positive for PPMS.
MS Symptoms
Cognitive Problems
Multiple sclerosis affects the brain and as such, you will show signs of cognitive decline if you are diagnosed with the condition. Examples include slurred speech, reduced attention spans, memory loss, and limited focus. Do not ignore these symptoms since they might be indicative of an underlying problem. You may also experience numbness and tingling in the face due to the inability of the nerves to send signals to the brain. Multiple sclerosis can lead to permanent loss of sight.
Chronic Pain and Muscle Spasms
This is a common sign, which affects 50% of MS patients. Your legs will feel fatigued during the early stages of the disease, and these episodes can last for weeks. It is also common for your muscles to feel stiff and experience pain in the back and in your legs. The deficiencies exhibited during attacks can be solved without medication (benign MS) or can escalate to new problems if you have been living with MS for some time.
Poor Vision
The optic nerve can be affected by the spinal cord’s inflammation, causing you to have blurred vision and pain in the front part of the head. You may also experience numbness and tingling in the face due to the inability of the nerves to send signals to the brain. Multiple sclerosis can lead to permanent loss of sight.
Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
You may have problems related to a dysfunctional bladder including incontinence, frequent urination, and sensation if you have MS. Even though most of these conditions can be managed, it is vital to have a comprehensive examination to help inform your treatment plan.
Incomprehensible Change in Mental Health
MS can make you have mood swings and worsens other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder. You may be overwhelmed by emotions of happiness or grief without any reason.
Contact Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures today to help prevent multiple sclerosis from bringing you down.
