Symptoms of MS

Nearly one million Americans are living with MS – a potentially disabling disease, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and each person’s experience with MS is unique. Comforting Home Care by Phoebe’s Multiple Sclerosis Specialists can help individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) live more independently.

What is MS?

“Multiple sclerosis [MS] is a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do,” the National Multiple Sclerosis Society explains. “The exact cause of MS is unknown, but we do know that something triggers the immune system to attack the [central nervous system] CNS. The resulting damage to myelin, the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibers, disrupts signals to and from the brain. This interruption of communication signals causes unpredictable symptoms.”

There are four types (or disease courses – the progress of a disease from its inception to eventual resolution) of MS:

• Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) refers to a first episode of neurologic symptoms caused by inflammation and loss of myelin (the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibers) in the central nervous system. Not everyone who has CIS develops MS, but they are more likely to have a second episode and be diagnosed with Relapsing-remitting MS.
• Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common MS disease course. Someone with RRMS experiences attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms.
• For some people, secondary progressive MS (SPMS) follows the initial RRMS course, in which neurologic function worsens progressively or disability accumulates over time.
• With Primary progressive MS (PPMS), neurologic function worsens, or disability accumulates as soon as symptoms appear, without early relapses or remissions.

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

The symptoms of MS are unpredictable. For some, their symptoms continue to worsen over time. For others, the symptoms come and go. When symptoms get worse, it is considered a relapse; when symptoms improve or disappear, it’s known as a remission.

People with MS may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue – One of the most common symptoms (Up to 80% of people with MS) is fatigue (described as an overwhelming sense of tiredness).
• Vision problems, such as vision loss, color blindness, eye pain, etc.
• Abnormal sensations, such as tingling or numbness in different parts of the body
• Mobility issues, such as shaking (tremors), dizziness, balance, or difficulty with coordination
• Muscle spasms, stiffness, and weakness
• Pain – more than half of all individuals with MS experience pain
• Cognitive issues, such as difficulty learning or remembering new things, shortened attention spans, and difficulty problem-solving
• Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) – “A neurological condition that is characterized by sudden, uncontrollable expressions of laughter or crying,” according to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). “This type of emotional behavior is difficult to control voluntarily and can be extremely distressing to those who experience it.”
• The MS hug is “an unpredictable and often frightening symptom experienced by many people with MS. The MS hug typically feels like a very strong and sometimes painful squeezing around the torso, although the types of sensations it causes, the severity, and the duration, can all vary greatly,” according to MSAA.
• Uhthoff’s syndrome dims or reduces vision, typically when the individual is exercising or overheating.
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bladder issues, such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, etc.
• Bowel issues, such as constipation
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Speech difficulties
• Sleeping issues

We Can Help Create the Best Possible Living Arrangement for Someone With MS

Comforting Home Care by Phoebe works with your family to create the best possible living arrangement for your family members. We are committed to helping our clients manage their MS and live on their own terms. We help make it possible for individuals suffering from MS to maintain their independence, stay in their own homes, and get out of their houses from time to time with the proper help.

Call us today at 610-625-5206 to learn more about our in-home care services, or connect with us online.