MS: a word to desribe the issues I have been having all of this year..

I was diagnosed with this month, I under went some Infusion therapy treatments ( yucko) and now will start weekly shots ( seriously yucko). I am changing my diet, and have started physical therapy. This wasn't a big suprise, because for 6 months Dr's have mentioned it to me, I just have a name for what is making me fall apart most days.



Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women more than men. The disorder is most commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age.

MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop.

The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. This can occur along any area of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord.

It is unknown what exactly causes this to happen. The most common thought is that a virus or gene defect, or both, are to blame. Environmental factors may play a role.

You are slightly more likely to get this condition if you have a family history of MS or live in an part of the world where MS is more common.


Symptoms

Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions).

Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks.

It is common for the disease to return (relapse). However, the disease may continue to get worse without periods of remission.

Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body.

Muscle symptoms:
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Loss of balance

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Muscle spasms

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Numbness or abnormal sensation in any area

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Problems moving arms or legs

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Problems walking

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Problems with coordination and making small movements

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Tremor in one or more arms or legs

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Weakness in one or more arms or legs


Bowel and bladder symptoms:
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Constipation and stool leakage

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Difficulty beginning to urinate

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Frequent need to urinate

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Strong urge to urinate

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Urine leakage (incontinence)


Eye symptoms:
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Double vision

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Eye discomfort

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Uncontrollable rapid eye movements

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Vision loss (usually affects one eye at a time)


Numbness, tingling, or pain
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Facial pain

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Painful muscle spasms

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Tingling, crawling, or burning feeling in the arms and legs


Other brain and nerve symptoms:
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Decreased attention span, poor judgment, and memory loss

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Difficulty reasoning and solving problems

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Depression or feelings of sadness

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Dizziness and balance problems

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Hearing loss


Sexual symptoms:
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Problems with erections

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Problems with vaginal lubrication


Speech and swallowing symptoms:
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Slurred or difficult-to-understand speech

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Trouble chewing and swallowing


Fatigue is a common and bothersome symptoms as MS progresses. It is often worse in the late afternoon.