by
Multiple Sclerosis News Today
In Social
Clips.
September 19, 2017
Multiple sclerosis
(MS) is a chronic
illness that presents many different symptoms since it can affect any
part of the human body. While no two people living with MS will experience
the same symptoms, according to healthline.com, there are some more
common ways the condition affects the body.
Brain
Cognitive
issues such as brain fog, memory and concentration problems are common for
people living with MS and many experience vertigo or dizziness. In rare cases,
patients may also suffer from tremors or seizures.
Eyes
Vision
problems are often one of the first signs of MS. Double vision, blurred vision
and eye pain can come on suddenly but in most cases, they are temporary and are
due to inflammation of the muscles around the eye and can be rectified with
medication.
Ears
In rare
cases of MS, damage to the brainstem may result in hearing problems or
deafness. Again, the majority of cases are temporary but some may suffer
permanent damage to hearing.
Mouth and throat
Around
40 percent of people living with MS may experience problems with speech,
usually slurred speech or trouble articulating. Some may also have trouble
controlling the volume of their speech. Rarer still, some people may experience
problems with swallowing which can be serious as it can lead to choking.
Speech and language therapists can help with both speech and swallowing
problems.
Arms and legs
The
limbs are most likely to be affected by multiple sclerosis, with patients
suffering from a variety of ailments such as pain, numbness, and tingling. Both
fine and gross motor skills are involved as hand-to-eye coordination may be
affected and many will suffer from balance problems or have difficulty walking
as the disease progresses.
Bladder and bowel
Nerve
damage can lead to problems controlling the bladder and bowel. Bladder problems
are extremely common in MS affecting around 80 percent of patients. Bowel
problems such as constipation, diarrhea and lack of bowel control can sometimes
be managed through diet and exercise but in some cases, medication or surgery
may be required.
Reproductive system
There
is no evidence that suggests MS affects fertility in men or women. And for
women, many find that their MS goes into remission during pregnancy. However,
between 20 percent and 40 percent will relapse after they have given birth.
Sexual
dysfunction is common in MS, this could be due to a variety of reasons both
physical and emotional. Nerve damage, fatigue, general pain and the effects of depression
can all have an effect on a person’s libido. However, these can often be
overcome with some medication or a little bit of planning.
Skeletal Structure
The
regular use of steroids and lack of exercise puts multiple sclerosis patients
at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Exercise is important to help keep bones
strong and healthy and to avoid excess bone density loss. People with
multiple sclerosis are also more likely to be deficient in vitamin D, which
plays a vital role in bone health.
Heart
Researchers
have discovered that women with MS are more likely to suffer from
cardiovascular problems than those without the condition. Regular exercise and
a good diet are essential to help avoid problems such as stroke, heart disease
or heart failure.
Multiple
Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the
disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This
content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical
condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it
because of something you have read on this website.
In
support of Multiple Sclerosis research:
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hashtags:
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NEVER GIVE UP!
