| Multiple Sclerosis is possibly the most difficult disease | | | | how you walk. |
| to diagnose. The symptoms are vague and | | | | Once your diagnosis is confirmed you will be set up |
| widespread, mimicking other diseases. The cause of | | | | for a personalized treatment plan. Physical Therapy |
| MS is unknown and there is no cure. | | | | helps keep your muscles from atrophy (shrinkage) |
| Some Symptoms include: | | | | and stiffness, and Steroid infusions help with |
| 1) Blurring or Double Vision (usually in one eye) | | | | inflammation from the damaged nerves. Make sure |
| 2) Patches of Body Numbness | | | | you tell your doctor if you experience depression. It |
| 3) General Weakness (usually one side of body) | | | | is important to treat the mental aspect as well. |
| 4) Muscle Spasms | | | | There are new medications that help to stabilize your |
| 5) Fatigue | | | | symptoms. They have proven to slow down the |
| 6) 'Pins and Needles' in extremities | | | | progression of the disease. Unfortunately, they are |
| 7) Loss of Balance and Coordination | | | | very expensive and have some unpleasant side |
| 8) Cognitive (ability to think) difficulties | | | | effects. You have to use your personal situation to |
| 9) Overall Sensitivity to Extreme Heat or Cold | | | | determine continuation of the treatments. |
| 10) Loss of Sensation in Affected Extremity | | | | The biggest keys in fighting this disease are to |
| There are several tests for Multiple Sclerosis. No two | | | | remain as active as possible, eat a healthy diet, treat |
| people experience the same symptoms, nor do they | | | | symptoms as needed and stay in touch with your |
| share the exact same test results. The tests for MS | | | | local Multiple Sclerosis organizations. They are there to |
| include: | | | | help you. You can speak to other MS patients and |
| 1) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the Brain | | | | get additional support from them. |
| and Spine | | | | Don't get overwhelmed, it could always be worse. I |
| 2) Spinal Tap | | | | had symptoms for 6 years before I was diagnosed |
| 3) Sed Rate (Lab work to show Inflammation) | | | | and it was actually a relief. Having answers to my |
| 4) Nerve Conduction tests (Done in your Neurologists' | | | | long term health problems and knowing there was |
| Office) | | | | help did wonders for me. I am also amazed at the |
| Your history of symptoms, family history and physical | | | | support available in the MS community. |
| exam are also considered. You will also be checked | | | | Just keep a positive attitude and stay in touch with |
| for strength, coordination, response to stimuli and | | | | all the help available to you. Don't fight it alone. |