What you need to know about multiple sclerosis: primary symptoms named

The central nervous system is one of the most important in the human body. Specifically, it coordinates the communication of all human organs and systems among themselves. Violations of its work lead to numerous disorders and chronic conditions. One of these is Multiple sclerosis is a progressive immune-mediated disease in which the defense system mistakenly attacks its own parts of the body.

Severe forms of multiple sclerosis can lead to vision loss, paralysis, and decreased brain function. Fortunately, with early diagnosis, the disease undergoes correction. Healthline, after consulting with a neurologist, MD Heidi Moawad, told what to look for in order not to miss the disease.

In fact, multiple sclerosis is a complex disease whose symptoms can vary and be unpredictable, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial manifestations are usually associated with damage to the nerve’s protective covering, myelin. This condition is exposed to drugs, occupational and physical therapy.

In addition, doctors name other main complaints that may indicate its development.

Tingling and numbness

Since multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord and affects sensory nerves, there is a decrease in sensitivity to touch, which can affect the ability to walk and do things with your hands.

In order not to miss the onset of the disease, do not ignore the numbness and tingling that usually appear on the face, fingers and toes.

vision problems

Inflammation can develop on the optic nerve and lead to eye problems such as blurred vision or loss of vision. If the disease has affected the cranial nerves or brain stem, double vision or problems with their mobility may occur.

Before main symptoms multiple sclerosis include:

Neuritis – inflammation of the optic nerve;

Nystagmus – unstable eye movements;

Diplopia – double vision.

You may not immediately notice a change in vision, so you should consult a doctor for examination if you have the first complaints.

balance and dizziness

People with multiple sclerosis often feel a little dizzy, especially when they change position. This can cause them problems with balance and coordination and contribute to impaired gait.

Weakness and fatigue

Fatigue is due to lesions in the brain and inflammation, while weakness develops due to demyelination or muscle atrophy.

Weakness usually begins in the legs and may come on suddenly and persist for several weeks before improving. Fatigue can occur intermittently or develop into a chronic syndrome.

Pain and spasms

Chronic pain and spasms may occur due to demyelination. In addition, multiple sclerosis can cause neuropathic pain, an acute condition that occurs when signals to the brain are not sent correctly. Examples of such a condition are itching and pain in the limbs, trigeminal neuralgia, etc.

In multiple sclerosis, the muscles become stiff and tense, which leads to spasms and uncontrollable painful movements, or vice versa, to the inability to straighten the limbs. In the later stages of the disease, problems with motor skills, swallowing, and speech may occur.

Cognitive disorders and emotional changes

Many patients with multiple sclerosis experience over time and disease progression:

memory problems;

Reduced attention span;

Organizational difficulties.

In addition, such people are prone to depression. There may also be excessive irritability, mood swings, and sometimes bouts of uncontrollable laughter and crying.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction

This symptom is often common in people with multiple sclerosis and includes:

Frequent urination and strong urge;

Inability to contain urine;

Inability to urinate.

Bowel problems are less common, but may present with constipation, diarrhea, and loss of bowel control.

sexual dysfunction

Disorders in the genital area can also occur against the background of the development of multiple sclerosis. This is due to the fact that physical attraction is formed in the central nervous system, which is attacked by the disease. In addition, it is affected by constant fatigue, spasticity and emotional state.

These symptoms, without additional examination, cannot indicate the development of multiple sclerosis. Since the ailment manifests itself in many ways, besides these, some patients will have complaints of hearing loss, tremors, seizures, breathing problems and loss of taste.

Diagnosis requires consultation with a neurologist and a thorough examination. In addition to the face-to-face review and conversation, it may include:

Neurological review to evaluate brain function:

Conducting visual tests;

magnetic resonance imaging to obtain an image of the brain;

Spinal tap to examine the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

As you can see, multiple sclerosis is a serious disease, which today is completely incurable. Symptoms may appear suddenly and disappear for a long time, but relapses are unpredictable. That is why, in the presence of alarming signs, do not hesitate to go to the doctor, because early diagnosis gives a good chance of successfully preventing the rapid progression of the disease.

Earlier, GLOBAL HAPPENINGS spoke about the need for timely diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Ekaterina Misiura, founder of the patient organization “Ukrainian Community of People with Multiple Sclerosis” UCMS “, noted that life with an illness can and should be full.