Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

With multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the myelin sheath, the myelin sheath becomes inflamed, swollen and detached from the fibers. Eventually, the detached myelin is destroyed. Sclerosed (hardened) patches of scar tissue form over the fibers. ("Multiple sclerosis" gets its name from these multiple areas of sclerotic tissue). This scarring causes either short circuiting or an impeded message. Depending where the scarring occurs in the nerves in the central nervous system (CNS)—brain or spinal cord, reflects where your problem may occur.

Memory and emotional aspects of MS are usually dismissed as related to stress or aging. The more noticeable signs of MS that bring most people to seek medical help are from localized tingling or numbness, hand or leg weakness, fatigue, dizziness and loss of coordination and balance. As MS gradually progresses and worsens, there is muscle spasm, slurred speech, vision loss, problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function and paralysis may develop. What is overlooked is the mental and mood changes such as forgetfulness, confusion and irritability.

The body's own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substances that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are distorted or interrupted, producing a variety of symptoms.

Over the course of the disease some symptoms will come and go, while others will be more lasting. Some symptoms are more common than others:

Fatigue
Numbness
Problems Walking
Balance & Coordination Problems
Bladder & Bowel Dysfunction
Vision Problems
Dizziness & Vertigo
Sexual Dysfunction
Cognitive Dysfunction
Pain
Emotional Changes
Depression
Spasticity

Whatever MS-related symptoms you may experience, they are likely to be compounded by social, psychological factors and grieving the sense of who you once were. Because of the wax and wane progress of MS from symptoms to remission and back again, there is an overlying fear and depression that accompanies MS. Perhaps the greatest impact of having MS is psychological. An unexpected inability to function can deeply shake your sense of self.

If you are just beginning the process of being aware of your MS, you should know that it is common to feel afraid, as if you're losing your mind. After all, time has passed since you felt fine. Hopefully, you have found an understanding neurologist. More than likely that person will be concerned with your physical symptoms. It is important, as part of your diagnosis, to have a neuropsychological work-up—a diagnostic process designed to reveal problems with reasoning, memory, and other brain functions—to finally pinpoint the source, or sources, of your difficulties. Once that is accomplished, you will almost certainly feel an overwhelming sense of relief that someone understands what you've been going through. This affirmation, along with support from medical professionals, friends, and family, can help to head off many of the debilitating psychological responses to MS.

Early diagnosis is extremely important. With early identification, you can have, to a certain degree, the ability to alter the eventual progress of MS. To a great degree, you will have the tools to be able to cope with it better. With your knowledge and means of coping, you can be more resilient to be your own advocate. You can best help yourself by understanding the nature of your problems, acknowledging your limitations, and making necessary accommodations at home, school or work.

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