It can be scary being diagnosed with any disease, but it’s important to stay educated, realistic, and proactive. While multiple sclerosis may not be curable by traditional terms, it’s treatable in the sense that it’s possible to lessen the symptoms and live a healthy, normal life. So, if you or someone you know have been diagnosed with MS, it’s best to learn facts and coping mechanisms sooner than later.
Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary from numbness, tingling, blurry vision and a decrease in mental acuity. While these can seem rather ambiguous because they occur in other illnesses, muscle weakness and stiffness accompanied with urination problems indicate the most common MS symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is no single medical test that provides a conclusive diagnosis of MS. In order to properly diagnose multiple sclerosis, a combination of tests like MRI, spinal tap and brain testing are conducted to assess whether or not a patient has the disease. Early detection is essential to slowing the disease's progression.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Many ailments can cause lesions on the brain. For example, patients with Lyme Disease often have symptoms that mimic common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. When their brain activity is tested, brain lesions often appear in the same way lesions appear on the brain tests of those suffering from multiple sclerosis. The reason for this is the inflammation of the cells of the brain caused by Lyme disease which is bacteriological in nature. As patients of Lyme begin to recover, these lesions disappear.
In multiple sclerosis patients, the lesions remain and can increase over time. They can cause blurry vision, loss of certain motor skills and muscle weakness. Slurred speech is also a common symptom in advanced cases of multiple sclerosis. It's important for patients with MS to clearly understand the disease. The more they study the symptoms and treatments available, the more likely they will be able to eliminate certain symptoms.
Resources for MS Patients
When those living with MS seek help and information, they should be certain their source is fully qualified. It's also important for MS patients to be connected to others suffering from the disease, as feelings of isolation are common among newly-diagnosed patients. Online support groups and self-help books can also prove beneficial for those struggling with MS. MS – Living Symptom Free offers a wealth of information about the disease and personal experiences on how to live a happy, fulfilled life regardless of circumstances.
There are a lot of ways patients can relieve their symptoms and learn to live symptom free for as long as possible. Proper diet and nutrition that are said to relieve symptoms, and many of them start with proper diet and nutrition. MS resources are the best place to gain such information, as the insights provided come from either physicians or fellow patients. Above all else, it’s important that patients seek out positive resources and maintain an optimistic outlook. Negativity is detrimental to healing.
MS and Remission
MS, like many diseases, can go in and out of remission. This often creates frustration among MS patients. Feeling well for weeks or months and suddenly reverting back to illness causes stress. Similarly, many patients notice an increase in episodes of symptoms while under prolonged stress. This is why it’s crucial to maintain optimal mental and physical health when living with MS. While going into remission isn’t a choice, living a healthy lifestyle is. Only you can make the best of your circumstances.