Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of MS

Although nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), there's still so much about the disease that we don’t understand, including its exact cause. If you’re concerned about you or your loved one developing MS, here’s what you should know about the condition. 

What is Multiple Sclerosis? 

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts a person’s nervous system. MS causes a person’s immune system to attack the myelin sheath in their brain, which is a protective barrier that covers nerve fibers. This results in the creation of lesions that disrupt signals to and from the individual’s brain. 

While multiple sclerosis is usually diagnosed in adults between the ages of 20 and 40, late onset MS can occur to those 50 and above. 

The Most Common Symptoms of MS

It’s important to keep in mind that MS symptoms present differently depending on the person. Additionally, most symptoms fluctuate over time, and may worsen based on environmental factors like weather or infection. An MS “relapse” or exacerbation can bring on new symptoms.

Here are some of the most common signs to watch out for: 

• Fatigue: The majority of people with MS will experience fatigue that interferes with everyday activities. 
• Pain: Almost half of the people living with the disease report having chronic pain. 
• Numbness, tingling, and itching: A pins and needles sensation in the hands or feet is often the first sign of nerve damage from MS. A persistent itching feeling can also occur. 
• Vision problems: Blurred vision, optic neuritis, eye pain, and poor contrast are usually early symptoms of the disease. 
• Emotional changes: Neurologic and immune changes can cause anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and even episodes of uncontrollable laughter or crying. Anxiety and depression may also result from the stress of living with the disease over time. 
• MS Hug or dysesthesia: A squeezing sensation in the person’s torso that feels similar to a blood pressure cuff tightening. This is often an early sign of MS or of a relapse. 
• Vertigo and dizziness: The individual may experience a feeling of spinning or feel unusually lightheaded. 
• Walking difficulties: Loss of spasticity and balance can make it hard for the person to walk normally. 
• Bladder dysfunction: 80 percent of MS patients experience some sort of bladder issue, such as going to the bathroom frequently. 

Visiting Angels Farmington is Here to Help 

If your family member has multiple sclerosis, in-home care services with Visiting Angels could be beneficial for them. MS symptoms can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish. Our experienced caregivers are able to transport your relative to doctor’s appointments, grocery shop and prepare healthy meals, provide light housekeeping, help with hygiene routines, and perform other essential duties as needed. 

For more information about our flexible service options, reach out to Visiting Angels Farmington/Cape Girardeau, MO for more information. You can contact us via our online form or by calling 573-664-1722.