Multiple sclerosis is often referred to as MS. This is an autoimmune disorder known to affect a person’s central nervous system. The definition of autoimmune means that the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue by mistake. In the cases of multiple sclerosis this means that the immune system is attacking the body’s central nervous system.
The Four Types of Multiple Sclerosis
There are actually four types of multiple sclerosis and doctors will tell you that no two cases of this disease are the same.
The most typical form of the disease has been labeled Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), which is diagnosed in over 80% of new cases. The symptoms of RRMS can be inactive for long periods of time, even years. When the disease flares back up this is often called an attack, or a “relapse.”
Affecting about 10% of those with multiple sclerosis is the less common form of the disease known as PPMS or Primary-progressive MS. This form can come on very slow, and typically has a nearly continuous condition degradation. In this manner the symptoms can steadily get worse over a period of months, or even years. The symptoms of Primary-Progressive MS may level peak and level off at some point, or continue throughout the rest of the patient’s life.
The third type of multiple sclerosis is Secondary-progressive MS or SPMS. This is actually a stage of the disease that follows RRMS or Relapsing-remitting MS. In this form of the disease you can have occasional relapses, yet typically there will be some of the symptoms that will consistently affect the patient. Without remission, the later course of this form of multiple sclerosis progressively leads to disability.
The fourth type of multiple sclerosis is called Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS). This is the rarest form of the disease and only affects about 5% of all those diagnosed with MS. Once PRMS is diagnosed there is typically a steady decline in the patient’s condition. This type of multiple sclerosis sees severe relapses that may or may not allow for complete recovery.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
There are several multiple sclerosis symptoms that mimic other diseases. This makes it difficult at times to diagnose MS. Typical symptoms include slurred speech, dizziness, having a problem with balance or stumbling, blurred vision, having tingling sensations, muscle weakness, and numbness.
Other universal symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Problems with your bladder and/or bowels
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or memory problems
- Suffering from clinical depression
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- A sensitivity to heat whether it comes from the sun, exertion, a hot shower, or fever
- A decline in sexual sensations and experiencing sexual difficulty
- Experiencing muscle spasms ranging from mild to painfully uncontrollable
It is important to remember that no two cases of multiple sclerosis are the same. The symptoms and severity will vary greatly for each person.
Online Test To Check For Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
The internet offers many resources if you are concerned for yourself or a loved one about the possibility of having multiple sclerosis. One group called Organized Wisdom has been put together by and for doctors to guide them in preparing for doctor visits. The web pages created allow patients to gather information or check out questions they have so they can ask better questions or get more information. One of the tools provided by this group includes an online test to help you determine if you might have multiple sclerosis. This test will give you an outline of the types of questions your doctor will ask you and allow you to determine the answers to those questions.
There are twenty questions that range from if you are exhausted, have numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, as well as more specific questions. The link to this online questionnaire can be found here.
How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?
Typically if your medical doctor suspects multiple sclerosis they will recommend you see a neurologist. The doctor then studies your medical history, and will talk to you about changes in your response to sound, touch, sight, and other senses. Typically your reflexes will be tested and the doctor may check for lesions by using an MRI or magnetic resonance imaging machine.
Depending on the results of initial questioning and tests there are other diagnostic tools that may be utilized in diagnosing multiple sclerosis. This can include:
- Discussion on the number of flare-ups or attacks you have over a specific period of time
- Checking for levels of immune system proteins and oligoclonal bands in your central nervous system
- Further tests on your central nervous system response to general sensory levels, vision, and hearing.
There is a lot of information on the internet about multiple sclerosis. One great site is the National MS Society. Check out there website for more information about the possibility of having multiple sclerosis.