Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an often disabling disease that impacts the central nervous system. It causes the immune system to begin attacking the body’s nerves. Here are the top five things you should know about multiple sclerosis.
Five Things You Should Know About Multiple Sclerosis
So who is affected by this disease? And what causes MS? Let’s go over these questions and more below.
1. No two individuals with MS will have the same symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated to affect more than 2.9 million people worldwide.
Its symptoms have a wide range of effects, from mild to severe. Doctors sometimes say that no two individuals with multiple sclerosis will present the exact same symptoms.
The symptoms of MS and which part of the body is impacted depend on each individual. For instance, the level of inflammation in the body may affect how mild or severe the symptoms are. Also, the affected area may correspond directly to where the nerves are being attacked in the body.
The most common MS symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling
- Vision changes
- Mood changes
- Neurogenic bladder (resulting in urinary retention or urinary incontinence)
- Brain fog (memory and cognitive changes)
- Mobility issues
2. Multiple sclerosis may affect bladder function.
Multiple sclerosis can affect the nerve signals that help the bladder store and release urine. According to the National MS Society, bladder dysfunction may occur in 8 out of 10 people living with multiple sclerosis.
When bladder symptoms are due to nerve damage, this is called neurogenic bladder.
For some people, this may cause issues like:
- Increased urgency (rushing to the bathroom to keep from having an accident
- Increased frequency (urinating more often than you normally do)
- Urinary leakage or incontinence, especially when coughing, sneezing, or standing
- Difficulty urinating or fully emptying the bladder (bladder urinary retention)
If MS is affecting how your bladder works, talk with your healthcare provider. Treatment options may depend on your symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, medications, pelvic floor therapy, bladder management strategies, or intermittent catheterization when prescribed.
3. A cure or cause of MS has not been found yet.
Researchers have not pinpointed an exact cause of multiple sclerosis just yet. It’s unclear if this is a genetic disorder, but it does appear that some people are more likely to be diagnosed with MS. MS is more commonly diagnosed in women.
Risk factors and potential causes are still being studied. It may include genetics, environmental factors, prior infections, vitamin D or sunlight exposure, smoking, and other immune system factors.
4. MS can be challenging to diagnose at first.
Because multiple sclerosis has symptoms that look like a lot of other conditions at times, it can be difficult for doctors to pinpoint the cause initially.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you, keep communicating with your healthcare provider and ask whether a neurology referral or additional testing may be appropriate.
Also, MS can go into remission or relapse, which means symptoms may go away for weeks, months, or even years at a time. This may also make it difficult to diagnose, especially early on.
Luckily, there are specific tests that can help your doctor or other healthcare specialist determine what’s going on, such as blood tests, MRIs, and neurological exams. Talk to your doctor about your health concerns.
5. A diagnosis of MS doesn’t have to mean life is over.
A diagnosis of MS can be life-changing, but it does not mean someone has to navigate symptoms or bladder issues alone. Treatment options, mobility supports, bladder management strategies, and lifestyle adjustments may help many people manage symptoms and continue participating in routines and activities that matter to them.
Many people focus on creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle after their diagnosis. Some prefer to take in more vegetables at every meal, while others may eliminate potentially inflammation-causing foods from their diets. Plus, many people with MS regularly exercise and use other stress management techniques like meditation as part of their overall wellness program.
As technology advances and more research is conducted, more medications and treatment options may be available to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you’re dealing with bladder dysfunction that causes incomplete bladder emptying, your healthcare provider may recommend intermittent catheterization as a treatment option.
180 Medical provides disposable urinary catheters and other related urological supplies to people with multiple sclerosis across the nation, including wonderful people like Bobb and Jessica.
Get started by contacting 180 Medical today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Information provided on 180medical.com should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
