Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: According to WebMD, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually the symptoms get better, but then they come back. Some come and go, while others linger. No two people have exactly the same symptoms. You may have a single symptom, and then go months or years without any others. A problem can also happen just one time, go away, and never return. For some people, the symptoms get worse within weeks or months. Keep track of what’s happening to you. It’ll help your doctor monitor your disease and help her understand how well your treatment works. (1)

Early Signs of MS:For many people, the first brush with what’s later diagnosed as MS is what doctors call clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) as noted by WebMD. This episode of neurological symptoms usually lasts 24 hours. It happens when your immune system mistakenly tells your body to attack myelin, the protective sheath over nerve cells in your brain and spine. You may hear your doctor call this demyelination. It causes scars, or lesions, that make it harder for signals to travel between your brain and your body. (1)

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Medications:According to the doctors at MayoClinic, multiple sclerosis treatment will vary from patient to patient, and sometimes includes natural care and lifestyle changes, while at other times may require medicinal or surgical procedures to ease the symptoms and slow the progress of the disease.

As mentioned by Mayoclinic, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms. Some people have such mild symptoms that no treatment is necessary. (2)

Treatment for MS Signs and Symptoms:

  • Physical therapy. A physical or occupational therapist can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises and show you how to use devices to make it easier to perform daily tasks. (2)Physical therapy along with the use of a mobility aid when necessary can also help manage leg weakness and other gait problems often associated with MS. (2)
  • Muscle relaxants. You may experience painful or uncontrollable muscle stiffness or spasms, particularly in your legs. Muscle relaxants such as baclofen (Lioresal) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) may help. (2)
  • Medications to reduce fatigue.
  • Other medications. Medications also may be prescribed for depression, pain, sexual dysfunction, and bladder or bowel control problems that are associated with MS. (2)

Sources:

1.) https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms

2.) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350274