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A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can be concerning, even scary. However, with the right mental attitude, support from family and friends, and compassionate medical treatment with an experienced neurologist, you can live well with multiple sclerosis.
In this blog, we will look at the signs and symptoms of this autoimmune disorder and where you can find the right MS treatment in Southeast Michigan.
What Exactly is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder. In MS, the body’s own immune defenses attack the protective myelin sheath, which covers nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The resulting, permanent damage disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. This disruption leads to a variety of potentially life-altering symptoms.
In the United States alone, almost one million adults ages 18 and up have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis impacts day-to-day function and can even lead to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount to MS symptom management. In fact, people who are diagnosed and treated earlier on in the course of the disease fare better than people who postpone or avoid care with a neurology specialist.
What Are the Symptoms of MS?
Multiple sclerosis causes a long list of potentially debilitating and disabling symptoms. For some people, symptoms steadily worsen over time. For others, there are periods of remission and relapse.
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can include:
- Changes in gait and ability to walk
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Poor coordination and balance, leading to the inability to walk upright
- Sensations resembling electric shocks
- Vision changes, including blurriness, and temporary vision loss
- Slurred speech
- Profound fatigue
- Dizziness
- Changes in bladder, bowel, and sexual function
- Pain, cramping, and inflammation
How Is MS Diagnosed and Treated?
A board-certified neurologist is your best healthcare partner in dealing with multiple sclerosis. Diagnosis may involve a number of in-office tests, including a neurological exam, MRI, blood tests, and a spinal tap.
These tests can help identify any damage to the central nervous system and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. In fact, there is no definitive test for MS. Instead, a highly skilled neurologist will carefully rule out other causes of your symptoms in order to arrive at the right diagnosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment of MS, while not curative, does improve long-term management of symptoms. The treatment options offered by neurologists will vary depending on the severity of symptoms and individual needs and desired therapeutic goals.
For instance, MS medications can help control inflammation in the central nervous system and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups or relapses. Medications are delivered in a variety of ways– oral pills, injections, IV infusion, and others.
Thanks to today’s research into multiple sclerosis treatment, there are 17 FDA-approved disease modifying therapies (DMTs) which qualified patients may use to suppress the symptoms of MS. These disease-modifying therapies can reduce flare-ups and the severity of disability. Your neurologist can determine if these state-of-the-art treatments would benefit your current symptoms and long-term diagnosis.
Physical therapy, a commonly recommended intervention, improves coordination and balance and helps manage pain and fatigue. Additionally, occupational therapy can develop ways to adapt daily activities to the often substantial limitations MS patients experience.
Finally, people with multiple sclerosis benefit from support for their mental and emotional health. The unpredictable nature of the disease and its impact on daily life can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Counseling and therapy help patients cope with these challenges and improve their overall quality of life.
Finding the Right Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in Southeast Michigan
At Associates in Neurology, our team includes experts in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis such as Dr. Mark Silverman and Dr. Nader Warra. They understand the complexities of this autoimmune disorder and can provide the compassionate and precise care their patients need.
To learn more about multiple sclerosis or to arrange an informative consultation with one of our board-certified neurologists, call us at (248) 478-5512. You also may request an appointment here. We are here to help you every step of the way!
