So you see that making the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis isn't easy because the symptoms are vague and often fleeting. There are a few factors that a health professional considers when diagnosing MS: two or more isolated episodes of symptoms that must last at least 24 hours and occur a month apart; MRI test showing the areas of demyelination (lesions); some other tests.
The aim is to determine the before-mentioned symptoms of MS, which are divided into three categories for these purpose: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Primary symptoms are a direct result of the demyelination process. This impairs the transmission of electrical signals to muscles and the organs of the body. The symptoms include: weakness, tremors, tingling, numbness, loss of balance, vision impairment, paralysis, and bladder or bowel problems. Medication, rehabilitation, and other treatments can help keep many of these symptoms under control.
Secondary symptoms result from primary symptoms. For example, paralysis (a primary symptom) can lead to bedsores (pressure sores) and bladder or urinary incontinence problems can cause frequent, recurring urinary tract infections. These symptoms can be treated, but the ideal goal is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms.
Tertiary symptoms are the social, psychological, and vocational complications associated with the primary and secondary symptoms. Depression, for example, is a common problem among people with MS.
The symptoms are caused, as I've already mentioned, by demyelination, or deterioration of the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, which can occur in any part of the brain or spinal cord. The symptoms that people with MS experience depend on the affected area. Demyelination in the nerves that send messages to the muscles causes problems with movement, while demyelination along the nerves that carry sensory messages to the brain causes disturbances in sensation.
Multiple sclerosis follows a varied and unpredictable course. In many people, the disease starts with a single symptom, followed by months or even years without any progression of symptoms. In others, the symptoms become worse within weeks or months.
This touching mini documentary is about Dan Powell, an art professor at University of Oregon who is living with MS. He and his wife were being interviewed about what they go though to try to keep a normal life. Just watch it and think over:
It is important to understand that although a wide range of symptoms can occur, a given individual may experience only some of the symptoms and never have others. Some symptoms may occur once, resolve, and never return. Because MS is such an individual disease, it is not helpful to compare yourself with other people who have MS.
The aim is to determine the before-mentioned symptoms of MS, which are divided into three categories for these purpose: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Primary symptoms are a direct result of the demyelination process. This impairs the transmission of electrical signals to muscles and the organs of the body. The symptoms include: weakness, tremors, tingling, numbness, loss of balance, vision impairment, paralysis, and bladder or bowel problems. Medication, rehabilitation, and other treatments can help keep many of these symptoms under control.
Secondary symptoms result from primary symptoms. For example, paralysis (a primary symptom) can lead to bedsores (pressure sores) and bladder or urinary incontinence problems can cause frequent, recurring urinary tract infections. These symptoms can be treated, but the ideal goal is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms.
Tertiary symptoms are the social, psychological, and vocational complications associated with the primary and secondary symptoms. Depression, for example, is a common problem among people with MS.
The symptoms are caused, as I've already mentioned, by demyelination, or deterioration of the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, which can occur in any part of the brain or spinal cord. The symptoms that people with MS experience depend on the affected area. Demyelination in the nerves that send messages to the muscles causes problems with movement, while demyelination along the nerves that carry sensory messages to the brain causes disturbances in sensation.
Multiple sclerosis follows a varied and unpredictable course. In many people, the disease starts with a single symptom, followed by months or even years without any progression of symptoms. In others, the symptoms become worse within weeks or months.
This touching mini documentary is about Dan Powell, an art professor at University of Oregon who is living with MS. He and his wife were being interviewed about what they go though to try to keep a normal life. Just watch it and think over:
It is important to understand that although a wide range of symptoms can occur, a given individual may experience only some of the symptoms and never have others. Some symptoms may occur once, resolve, and never return. Because MS is such an individual disease, it is not helpful to compare yourself with other people who have MS.
0 comments:
Post a Comment