Multiple Sclerosis-
Watch out for these presenting symptoms and contact your primary healthcare provider if you have them.
The following written content by: JULIE FIOL, MSW, BSN, RN, MSCN
Actress Christina Applegate, of Dead to Me, has announced she has multiple sclerosis. “Hi friends. A few months ago I was diagnosed with MS. It’s been a strange journey,” the Anchorman” star wrote……
As a registered nurse and Director of Multiple Sclerosis Information for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, I wanted to share a few common presenting symptoms of multiple sclerosis. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean you have MS. A qualified healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, do a thorough exam and run tests to rule out other possible causes. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your primary healthcare provider for next steps. If you don’t have a primary care provider, go to an urgent clinic or emergency room.
- Vision Problems
Optic neuritis— inflammation of the optic (vision) nerve—usually occurs in one eye and may cause aching pain with eye movement, blurred vision, dim vision, or loss of color vision. You may lose vision completely in the affected eye or have a blurred or dim spot (scotoma) in the center of your field of vision. Optic neuritis can be frightening but, in most cases, vision returns.
2. Tingling/Numbness
Or a loss or decreased sensation—of the face, body or extremities. You may notice that you have less feeling when touching something with your hand or notice the sensation in one leg is different than the other. You may feel the sensation of your arm or leg being “asleep” with a pins and needles (tingling) sensation. The numbness may be mild or so severe that it interferes with your ability to function. For example, if you have very numb feet you may have difficulty walking. Numb hands may make texting, dressing, or even holding objects challenging.
3. Trouble Walking
…can be caused by poor balance, decreased or lost sensation, tight muscles, weakness and fatigue. Problems with walking can be dangerous and lead to falls. Even if the problems are subtle, it’s best to get checked right away to prevent injuries from falls and promote recovery.
4. Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of MS, but also common in other health conditions and everyday life. MS fatigue is more severe and different from other types of fatigue in that it occurs on a daily basis, can occur early in the morning (even with a good night of rest), worsens as the day progresses, is aggravated by heat and humidity and interferes with daily responsibilities. Read more from Eat This.
