Signs & Symptoms of Multiple Scelerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and debilitating disorder that attacks the central nervous system (CNS). MS is an autoimmune disease that can present symptoms similar to other disorders. Specialized testing is required to diagnose MS accurately.
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Motor Skills
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MS is often associated with muscle pain and weakness, leading to paralysis in some instances. Patients may suffer from slurred speech as well as other speech-related problems. Involuntary movements of the limbs and body are common symptoms of MS, leaving patients with jerking reactions and stiffness of the muscles.
Sensory Symptoms
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The sensory system is affected by MS because of the damage to the CNS. Numbness or tingling of the limbs is common among MS patients, and this tingling can lead to complete numbness of parts of the body. Facial pain as well as pain in other areas of the body, without any other cause, often are associated with MS.
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Congnative Symptoms
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MS patients show signs of depression, such as a loss in interest in activities and abnormally sad feelings and behavior. This can be exacerbated by the initial diagnosis and ongoing physical symptoms. Patients may suffer from mood swings and anxiety, as well as short- and long-term memory loss, to the point of dementia.
Visual Symptoms
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The CNS controls eye movements and the muscles in the eye, and patients often suffer vision problems. Visual problems associated with MS include blurred vision, abnormal eye movements and double vision. A lack of coordination between the eyes is also present.
Diagnosis
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The criteria for a diagnosis of MS consists of damage in two areas of the CNS as well as evidence that this damage occurred one month or more apart. A physician must rule out any other possible diagnosis.
Common tests performed during the course of an MS diagnosis are an MRI and VEP testing (visual evoked potential), which are recordings of the nervous electrical pathways. According to the MS Society, visual evoked results are the most effective when making a diagnosis of MS. A spinal tap is also an effective diagnostic tool, using the sample for a cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Treatment
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While there is not a cure for MS, more effective treatment options have been developed in recent years. Medications can treat flare-ups and change the course of direction of the disease. Rebif, Avonex and Copaxone are some of the most prescribed medications for MS.
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References
- Photo Credit Healthopedia.com
