4 things to know about multiple sclerosis and its symptoms

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated disorder that is progressive in nature. This disease affects the central nervous system and leads to a potentially disabling effect. In this condition, the system designed to promote good health of the body goes on to strike and attack body parts that carry out imperative daily functions. Multiple sclerosis is a serious condition damages the protective coverings of the nervous cells and thus, there is a detrimental effect on the spinal cord and the brain.

This issue can have varied effects on an individual and the same completely depends on which nerves are damaged. Moreover, the symptoms experienced will also vary from one individual to another. Here are some factors that will enable one to get a deeper understanding of the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis and the relating factors.

Which are the early signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Typically, the initial multiple sclerosis symptoms will include visual changes such as the following:

• Inflammation of the optic nerve: One of the earliest symptoms that an individual is likely to experience is loss of vision. This change is caused by the development of optic neuritis that has a painful effect. Inflammation of the optic nerve may be experienced by most people and must be immediately addressed by getting the right treatment.
• Unusual visual changes: Multiple sclerosis is found to cause changes in the vision. Some prominent symptoms one experiences include hazy and blurred images, alteration in the color of object, and a feeling of lights flashing.
• Painful eye tissues: One experiences pain in the tissues surrounding the eyes. This pain further aggravates and can leave the individual with permanent defects of the vision. Moreover, double vision may occur when one looks in different directions. This is one of the most commonly reported initial symptoms experienced among people suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Which are the symptoms experienced after the development of multiple sclerosis?
As the condition progresses, patients begin to suffer from more serious symptoms that can alter one’s lifestyle and cause immense weakness.

• The patient will experience urinary retention, and this can, in turn, have further damaging effects on the kidneys.
• There may be frequent instances of constipation.
• An electrical-shock sensation is felt in the various parts of the body including the legs, arms, chest, and the abdomen.
• There may be slow yet noticeable differences noticed in the loss of hearing. One may find it difficult to listen to even clear conversations.
• A sensation and pain is felt in the facial muscles.
• An individual is likely to feel tired and fatigued even when they haven’t undertaken straining activities.

Who is at the risk for developing multiple sclerosis?

• It has been found that women are at a greater risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
• Typically, people in the age group from 20 to 50 years are more likely to be affected by the condition. The onset is found to be at an average of 34 years.
• There is a possibility of the formation of pediatric multiple sclerosis occurring among children and teens. A small but significant percentage of individuals are found to exhibit symptoms of this disease before turning 18 years of age.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

The process of diagnosing multiple sclerosis can be extremely difficult as the symptoms are associated with several other conditions. In case one experiences any of the above-mentioned symptoms, a physician will advise an individual to visit a neurology specialist who can undertake the following diagnostic tests.

• Complete body checkup and tests: The individual will have to undergo several laboratory tests such as blood chemistry, urinalysis, evaluation of spinal fluids, and a complete blood count test. The several tests are found to be effective in diagnosing multiple sclerosis.
• MRI: The neurology specialist is likely to conduct an MRI to obtain a clear image of the brain and spinal cord. This scan aids in tracing any unique changes within the brain and spinal cord.

As of now, there is no new treatment identified to cure multiple sclerosis. However, there are several medications that work as modifying agents and can reduce the severity and occurrence of symptoms, bring about a delay in the disability, and further reduce the development or progress of the condition.