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Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease of the central nervous system, that is thought to be of an autoimmune origin. It occurs when the myelin sheath of neurons is destroyed, leaving behind lesions. As of today, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, and people diagnosed with the disease face numerous symptoms, that are both unpredictable and debilitating. Depending on an individual’s disease course, these symptoms may go away, or they may remain.

Most all multiple sclerosis patients will face sensory symptoms. One of the most common is numbness in the limbs, trunk and face. The severity may range from slight sensory disruption, to a complete loss of sensation. Tingling, often referred to as pins and needles, is also very common. Individuals may complain of a buzzing feeling, similar to that of a vibrating cell phone. These symptoms, while considered minor, can be very devastating to patients. One sensory symptom that causes pain is a burning sensation, often described as feeling like an intense sunburn. Most sensory symptoms are considered invisible, meaning that others can not visually see the effects of the disease.

Motor symptoms are also very common in multiple sclerosis. Muscle weakness often occurs in the limbs, especially the legs, making patients dependent on canes or wheelchairs. In addition to weakness, individuals also suffer from bladder and bowel problems. Both constipation and incontinence are common. Others may develop deficiencies in the facial muscles, leading to problems with both speech and swallowing. As with sensory symptoms, motor issues may go away completely or progressively get worse.

The majority of multiple sclerosis patients will also complain of visual and cognitive problems. Optic neuritis is often the first symptom of the disease. It is caused by inflammation of the optic nerve, resulting in acute vision loss. Individuals will also experience brain fog, or the inability to process information quickly and easily.

Multiple sclerosis is mainly diagnosed in young adults. While the disease course varies from person to person, the prognosis is usually better for those who are younger, mainly have sensory symptoms and have fewer relapses in a short time. Symptoms are usually treated with a course of intravenous steroids, and most multiple sclerosis patients will choose to take one of the disease modifying drugs currently on the market.

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15y ago

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