Multiple Sclerosis and Its Symptoms

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition whereby nerves in the brain and/or spinal cord are damaged through demyelination. This means that the fatty substance covering the nerves becomes ‘scarred’ and signals from the nerves are disrupted.  It is the result of an autoimmune response (the immune system attacking healthy cells by mistake). It is a chronic (lifelong) condition with more than 100,000 people in the UK having been diagnosed.

MS is known as a ‘snowflake’ disease, in that symptoms can vary from person to person. Even if people have the same problem as each other (e.g. fatigue or weakness) it may present differently in each. Symptoms can come and go from day to day, week to week or month to month.  Some may come in the form of a ‘relapse’ (periods of sudden worsening which then get fully or partially better) and some may be permanent.  Symptoms can change and vary over the course of the illness. Both motor (movement) and sensory (what you feel) nerves can be affected.

Some of the most common symptoms of MS, particularly at diagnosis, are eyesight problems, unusual feelings in the skin (e.g. pins and needles or numbness), ‘heaviness’ in the limbs and significant tiredness (fatigue).

Multiple Sclerosis is often known as an ‘invisible’ disease as many, if not most, symptoms are not easily seen by an observer. It is because of this that many people find it difficult to understand the condition. Perhaps not surprisingly, those suffering from MS also often have elements of depression and/or anxiety in addition to their motor and/or sensory difficulties.

One area that can be particularly invisible is that of cognitive functioning.  This is brain activity that includes processes such as memory, processing speed, attention and learning.  The term ‘cog fog’ is often used to describe the feeling of having difficulties with cognition. Luckily often there are simple strategies to support those that demonstrate cognitive symptoms.

My Multiple Sclerosis and the Symptoms that I Have

As someone who has been diagnosed with MS for almost 25 years (and has had symptoms even longer than that), I have had my fair share of symptoms over the years.  I currently have Secondary Progressive MS but still have the occasional relapse.

When I was first diagnosed, age 15, I had Optic Neuritis, which presented as a blurring in my vision in one of my eyes.  Over the years I have had problems with mobility (numb and heavy legs), urinary symptoms (my bladder retaining urine), fatigue and difficulties multi-tasking when particularly tired. Some symptoms have come and gone, others have stayed.  I walk using two crutches and use a mobility scooter.  My current symptoms are detailed below:

How Can Symptoms be Treated?

Lifestyle factors can often help to reduce and treat Multiple Sclerosis symptoms:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Exercising within your abilities – stretching, swimming and yoga may be particularly useful if gentle exercise is needed
• Taking steps to reduce stress – meditation, yoga, tai chi and/or regular quiet time may help
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet – research shows a mainly plant-based diet, high in Omega 3s may be particularly beneficial
• Getting your Vitamin D – higher levels of vitamin D is associated with lower relapse rates
• Being aware of temperature – people with MS are very frequently affected by extremes of temperature, particularly heat
• Alternative remedies – massage, acupuncture, reflexology and other alternative remedies may have a positive impact on some MS symptoms

In addition, certain medicines, such as corticosteroids, muscle relaxers and anti-depressants may help to treat relapses and more day-to-day symptoms. Your MS team can advise on medications that may help your symptoms. Other professionals, such as Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, can also provide valuable support and advice around exercises, stretching and adaptations at home to help you.

I know that in my case, a multi-faceted approach really helps me.  I place a lot of emphasis upon keeping as healthy as I can be, despite my MS.  This means that I eat a mainly plant-based diet with fish, do regular yoga, meditate and supplement with vitamin D.  I also take a muscle relaxer, Baclofen, and an anti-depressant every day.

Dealing with MS and its myriad of symptoms can be frustrating but I’ve found that having an open mind and a consistent approach as far as possible has really helped.  I have found the following websites brilliant for learning more about MS:

Science Direct

MS Trust

MS Society

Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis

Please note: I am not a doctor and am speaking as someone who has had MS for a long time!  The information cited in this article has been obtained with help from the above linked publications.  If you have any questions about MS, its symptoms and/or treatment, it is advised to speak to your healthcare team.