Diagnosing and Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is possibly the most difficult disease to diagnose. The symptoms are vague and widespread, mimicking other diseases. The cause of MS is unknown and there is no cure.

Some Symptoms include:

1) Blurring or Double Vision (usually in one eye)

2) Patches of Body Numbness

3) General Weakness (usually one side of body)

4) Muscle Spasms

5) Fatigue

6) 'Pins and Needles' in extremities

7) Loss of Balance and Coordination

8) Cognitive (ability to think) difficulties

9) Overall Sensitivity to Extreme Heat or Cold

10) Loss of Sensation in Affected Extremity

There are several tests for Multiple Sclerosis. No two people experience the same symptoms, nor do they share the exact same test results. The tests for MS include:

1) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the Brain and Spine

2) Spinal Tap

3) Sed Rate (Lab work to show Inflammation)

4) Nerve Conduction tests (Done in your Neurologists' Office)

Your history of symptoms, family history and physical exam are also considered. You will also be checked for strength, coordination, response to stimuli and how you walk.

Once your diagnosis is confirmed you will be set up for a personalized treatment plan. Physical Therapy helps keep your muscles from atrophy (shrinkage) and stiffness, and Steroid infusions help with inflammation from the damaged nerves. Make sure you tell your doctor if you experience depression. It is important to treat the mental aspect as well.

There are new medications that help to stabilize your symptoms. They have proven to slow down the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, they are very expensive and have some unpleasant side effects. You have to use your personal situation to determine continuation of the treatments.

The biggest keys in fighting this disease are to remain as active as possible, eat a healthy diet, treat symptoms as needed and stay in touch with your local Multiple Sclerosis organizations. They are there to help you. You can speak to other MS patients and get additional support from them.

Don't get overwhelmed, it could always be worse. I had symptoms for 6 years before I was diagnosed and it was actually a relief. Having answers to my long term health problems and knowing there was help did wonders for me. I am also amazed at the support available in the MS community.

Just keep a positive attitude and stay in touch with all the help available to you. Don't fight it alone.