These symptoms could be an early sign of MS!
Emphasizing that early diagnosis is very important in MS, said neurology specialist Dr. Esra Mıhçıoğlu said: “The early symptoms of MS are diverse and can resemble other diseases, but knowing these symptoms is very important because early diagnosis and treatment of MS can help slow the progression of MS.”
The immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord
The immune system plays the largest role in the development of MS. The immune system normally recognizes its own cells while defending the body against external factors. However, for some unknown reason, the system breaks down and attacks its own cells, especially the cells in the brain and spinal cord that make up nerve transmission. Esra Mıhçıoğlu said that movement and coordination are ensured thanks to the electrical signals sent to the body by the brain, saying: “The sheaths surrounding nerve cells, like the sheath that protects nerve cells and helps them perform their functions, is called myelin. Damaged areas called ‘plaques’ form when the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths, resulting in a deterioration in actions such as walking, speaking and seeing, what we call MS attacks.
It is not yet known why the immune system attacks nerve cells. While some studies show that exposure to the Epstein Barr virus increases the risk of MS, this has not yet been scientifically proven. The disease is chronic, but in most cases is usually mild in the beginning. However, some people cannot walk, have normal feeling and balance, and may affect memory as the disease progresses. Treatment with MS drugs has been repeatedly shown to halt this progression.”
Beware of these signs!
Emphasizing that MS symptoms can come and go, Esra Mıhçıoğlu said: “Therefore, it is easy to ignore or attribute these symptoms to other causes, especially in the early stages. MS symptoms usually start and worsen over a 24 hour period. up to 48 hours Blurred vision, double vision, fatigue, muscle weakness, co-ordination disorder, numbness, tingling, problems with thinking and memory, pain, depression, speech disorder, dizziness, problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function, tremor, paralysis, Partial or Complete loss of vision (especially painful) in one eye are symptoms of MS Some signs and symptoms are more common in the early stages of the disease Patients may complain of double or blurred vision, numbness, weakness in one or both limbs, instability walking, tremors and bladder control problems, and heat intolerance.Sensory examination is the most difficult to determine reliably and accurately conduct in the evaluation of patients. However, some distributions of sensory problems may be suspect for early MS.
MS Sign 4 Early Symptoms
Mıhçıoğlu shared the important symptoms at the time of early diagnosis:
– Increased numbness that starts in the feet;
– Bilateral handshake;
– Unilateral numbness of arm and leg;
– Heat intolerance are early symptoms. Optic neuritis is one of the most common early symptoms of MS. It is characterized by blurred vision, change in color perception, visual field defect. One of the most common symptoms of first presentation is weakness in both extremities, although weakness may be present in only one extremity or in all four extremities. As the disease progresses, the original signs and symptoms may worsen and new ones may appear.
Early diagnosis is important
Claiming that an early diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) can be made with family history, Dr. Esra Mıhçıoğlu said: “This allows patients to start treatment early and delay another attack. This is important because some research suggests that the damage MS causes in the first year can be up to three times greater than in later years. Early diagnosis is important as there is mounting evidence that early intervention is beneficial. According to Trapp et al., axonal loss may be present even early in the disease process in asymptomatic patients. In addition, studies in patients with the first episode of neurological symptoms indicative of MS have shown reduced disability and lower secondary relapse rates with interferon therapy. Treatment with MS drugs has been repeatedly shown to halt progression. Significant progress has been made in the development of treatments for MS over the past two decades. The number of available treatments will increase significantly in the future. The possibility of achieving a disease-free state (no new brain MRI lesions and clinical recurrences) is now possible with the use of highly effective disease-modifying agents. For example; “Drugs such as interferon and glatiramer acetate reduce the relapse rate by about a third,” he said. Implement 5 Suggestions That Life Changes and Drug Therapy Have an Impact on MS
Dr Esra Mıhçıoğlu listed the recommendations that patients should pay attention to in their daily lives:
– Care about sleep: Keep a regular sleep schedule and make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and screen-free.
-Eat healthy: There is no “MS diet”. Choose foods low in saturated fat and high in fiber.
Exercise: Even walking down the street can help. Exercise protects the bones and strengthens the muscles. It keeps depression away and helps you sleep better.
– Manage your stress: Stress can make your symptoms worse. Meditate, read, journal or chat with friends, find something to help you manage the ups and downs.
-Keep cool: A rise in body temperature can make your symptoms worse. Prefer cool environments. Wear loose, breathable clothing outside.