Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is probably an autoimmune disease. What does this mean?
Note: Stay up-to-date on multiple sclerosis with my monthly MS Newsletter.
What are the Symptoms of MS?There are over 50 symptoms linked with MS, all which can vary in severity, duration and associated disability. The most common symptoms of MS are:
However, all of these symptoms are also common to many other diseases and disorders.I Think I Have MS. What Should I Do?If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed and suspect that you have MS, you should see a neurologist. You can either find a neurologist yourself, or get a referral from your primary care physician. Although this is a difficult and scary time, try not to panic and continue to take care of yourself, including getting adequate sleep and rest. While some of the MS symptoms are dramatic, MS itself is not an acute disease – there is very little that is an emergency. It is important that you see a specialist (even if it takes some time to get the appointment) and go through the tests required in a logical manner.
How is MS Diagnosed?MS is very difficult to diagnose on the basis of symptoms alone, because:
However, there is also no blood test to diagnose MS. Instead, neurologists rely on a combination of the following:
What Types of MS Are There?
Can MS be Treated?
What Causes MS?No one knows what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), only that it is probably an autoimmune disease. Four main theories have emerged to attempt to explain MS. Each of these theories can explain a piece of the MS puzzle, but none explain everything. It is likely that the cause of MS is a complicated interaction of these four factors: the immune system, the environment, infectious diseases and genetics.
What is a Relapse?A relapse is either a worsening of symptoms that you already have, or the appearance of new symptoms. Relapses are also referred to as “exacerbations,” “flares” or “attacks.”
What is my Prognosis?This is difficult to predict, because everyone’s disease course and symptoms are different. Also, the introduction of the disease-modifying therapies seems to be greatly improving the statistics over time, but they are still so new that the long-term benefits are just starting to be seen.
However, the prognosis is the best for people with the following characteristics:
MS usually has very little effect on life span, except in very severe cases.Is There Anything I Should Avoid?
Note: Stay up-to-date on multiple sclerosis with my monthly MS Newsletter.
What are the Symptoms of MS?There are over 50 symptoms linked with MS, all which can vary in severity, duration and associated disability. The most common symptoms of MS are:
However, all of these symptoms are also common to many other diseases and disorders.I Think I Have MS. What Should I Do?If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed and suspect that you have MS, you should see a neurologist. You can either find a neurologist yourself, or get a referral from your primary care physician. Although this is a difficult and scary time, try not to panic and continue to take care of yourself, including getting adequate sleep and rest. While some of the MS symptoms are dramatic, MS itself is not an acute disease – there is very little that is an emergency. It is important that you see a specialist (even if it takes some time to get the appointment) and go through the tests required in a logical manner.
How is MS Diagnosed?MS is very difficult to diagnose on the basis of symptoms alone, because:
However, there is also no blood test to diagnose MS. Instead, neurologists rely on a combination of the following:
What Types of MS Are There?
Can MS be Treated?
What Causes MS?No one knows what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), only that it is probably an autoimmune disease. Four main theories have emerged to attempt to explain MS. Each of these theories can explain a piece of the MS puzzle, but none explain everything. It is likely that the cause of MS is a complicated interaction of these four factors: the immune system, the environment, infectious diseases and genetics.
What is a Relapse?A relapse is either a worsening of symptoms that you already have, or the appearance of new symptoms. Relapses are also referred to as “exacerbations,” “flares” or “attacks.”
What is my Prognosis?This is difficult to predict, because everyone’s disease course and symptoms are different. Also, the introduction of the disease-modifying therapies seems to be greatly improving the statistics over time, but they are still so new that the long-term benefits are just starting to be seen.
However, the prognosis is the best for people with the following characteristics:
MS usually has very little effect on life span, except in very severe cases.Is There Anything I Should Avoid?