What is it like to be diagnosed with MS?
Common MS symptoms include numbness or tingling, spasticity, vision problems, walking difficulties, weakness, slurred speech, fatigue, bladder dysfunction, cognitive changes, and more. But these symptoms can be unpredictable.
Can you have undiagnosed MS for years?
“MS is diagnosed most commonly in the ages between 20 and 50. It can occur in children and teens, and those older than 50,” said Smith. “But it can go unrecognized for years.” Added Rahn, “The incidence of MS in the United States according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society is over 1 million people.
How did your multiple sclerosis start?
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. It’s considered an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS , this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).
How to cope with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis?
Method 1 of 3: Learning About Multiple Sclerosis. Consult a specialist.
What famous people have multiple sclerosis?
You’ve heard of celebrities who have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS): Jack Osbourne, Montel Williams, David and Alan Osmond, Ann Romney and Donna Fargo. It’s a debilitating neurological disease that currently has no cure. Learn more about MS.
How do doctors diagnose multiple sclerosis?
A neurologist will typically diagnose multiple sclerosis. Diagnosis of MS involves a clinical exam by the physician (neurologist), as well as diagnostic tests such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord. An evaluation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and certain blood tests may also take place.
Why is multiple sclerosis so difficult to diagnose?
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are incredibly varied and no two patients experience the same symptoms with the disease. This makes the condition difficult to diagnose as most of the symptoms can be attributed to many other different medical issues.