Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Common symptoms include fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, sexual problems, pain, cognitive and mood changes such as depression, muscular changes and visual changes.
What are usually the first signs of MS?
Common early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) include:
- vision problems.
- tingling and numbness.
- pains and spasms.
- weakness or fatigue.
- balance problems or dizziness.
- bladder issues.
- sexual dysfunction.
- cognitive problems.
What are the four stages of MS?
What are the 4 stages of MS?
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) This is the first episode of symptoms caused by inflammation and damage to the myelin covering on nerves in the brain or spinal cord.
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
- Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)
- Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)
How long does MS take to disable you?
Most symptoms develop abruptly, within hours or days. These attacks or relapses of MS typically reach their peak within a few days at most and then resolve slowly over the next several days or weeks so that a typical relapse will be symptomatic for about eight weeks from onset to recovery. Resolution is often complete.
What age does MS usually start?
Age. MS can occur at any age, but onset usually occurs around 20 and 40 years of age. However, younger and older people can be affected.
Where does MS usually start?
Here’s where MS (typically) starts Optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve, is usually the most common, Shoemaker says. You may experience eye pain, blurred vision and headache.
Can MS come on later in life?
Most people start to get MS symptoms between 20 and 40 years old. But sometimes, you won’t have any MS symptoms until you’re 50 or older. When this happens, doctors call it later-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS).
What happens with untreated MS?
And if left untreated, MS can result in more nerve damage and an increase in symptoms. Starting treatment soon after you’re diagnosed and sticking with it may also help delay the potential progression from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary-progressive MS (SPMS).
Is MS considered a disability?
If you have Multiple Sclerosis, often known as MS, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if your condition has limited your ability to work. To qualify and be approved for disability benefits with MS, you will need to meet the SSA’s Blue Book listing 11.09.
What is end stage MS?
When a patient with multiple sclerosis begins to experience more pronounced complications, this is considered end-stage MS. Some of the end-stage MS symptoms patients may experience include: Limited Mobility – Patient may no longer be able to perform daily activities without assistance.
Do all MS patients end up in a wheelchair?
MS does affect gait, mobility, muscle strength, and flexibility, but not for everyone. Research shows that only one in three people with MS use wheelchairs two decades following diagnosis.
Does MS get worse with age?
Over time, symptoms stop coming and going and begin getting steadily worse. The change may happen shortly after MS symptoms appear, or it may take years or decades. Primary-progressive MS: In this type, symptoms gradually get worse without any obvious relapses or remissions.
How can I stop my MS from progressing?
Lifestyle Changes That May Help Slow MS Progression
- Stick With Your Treatment.
- Exercise.
- Eat a Healthy Diet.
- Vitamin D.
- Get Restful Sleep.
- Don’t Smoke.
- Get Vaccinated.