Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. It has been described in its diversity of clinical expressions for centuries, and we have a great deal of knowledge about its symptoms and signs, as well as its demographics and statistics. However, we do not have a comprehensive understanding of its cause or the precise mechanism of its destructive power.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
The symptoms accompanying multiple sclerosis can be significantly different from patient to patient, and also change as the disease progresses. This is because the location of the affected nerve fibers dictates the disease’s expression. If you are experiencing any confusing symptoms that match one or more of those listed below, please request an appointment to meet with Dr. Itkin.
Movement-related symptoms
- A numb or weak limb, or several numb/weak limbs or sensations on one side of the body
- Shock-like sensations accompanying some neck movements, particularly bending the neck forward
- Loss of coordination, tremors, or unsteadiness
Vision-related symptoms
- Loss of vision, especially in one eye and accompanied by eye movement pain
- Blurred vision
- Lingering double vision
Other common symptoms
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Chronic fatigue
- Dizziness
- Concentrated tingling or discomfort in parts of the body
- Difficulties with bowel, bladder and/or sexual function
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Options in Palos Heights
Most individuals with MS experience a relapsing-remitting disease course. This means that they go through periods of new symptoms or periods of relapse, which then partially or completely improve. Several months-long or years-long periods of remission then follow.
No matter your experience, talking to a neurologist will help you learn more about the disease and about your personal treatment options.
Over the past several decades, scientists developed animal models and genetic footprints to learn that the disease is neuroimmunologic. This means that a particular patient, with a particular genetic predisposition and exposure to specific environmental elements (e.g., viruses), develops a cascade of immunologic events leading to MS symptoms. Multiple genetic and environmental cues cause variable clinical expressions of the disease and its prognosis.
