The signs of ms can vary from person to person, because each part of the central nervous system is affected differently. If your doctor suspects you have MS, they may refer you to a specialist called a neurologist who treats conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. They will ask you questions and perform tests to see how your nerves are working and look for key symptoms of the disease.
In the early stages of MS, you might notice weakness or numbness, often in one side of your body. Usually, this happens in the arms or legs. It can also cause you to feel like you have a pins-and-needles sensation in your face or hands. You might also experience problems with your thinking or memory (cognitive issues), but this is less common.
People with MS often have problems with their balance and vision. This is because parts of the brain involved in balancing and processing information are damaged by the demyelination that occurs with MS. It’s also possible that you might have difficulty walking or find yourself tripping and falling a lot more than usual.
It’s not unusual for symptoms to come and go, which is why some people with MS have to wait for a diagnosis for years. Symptoms can also change with the seasons, or when you’re sick. You might not notice any symptoms at all during a period of time known as a remission.
There is no cure for ms, but there are medicines that can help control your symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. You can also improve your health by staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. You can also keep track of your symptoms and share them with your doctors.
Fatigue is a major symptom of MS, and it’s not uncommon for young women to be dismissed when they complain about how tired they are. This is especially true if they are already taking a lot of medicine for another illness, such as depression or seizure disorder. It’s important to advocate for yourself and let your doctor know if you aren’t getting the support that you need.
Many women with MS experience a better quality of life during pregnancy, but the symptoms tend to return after they’re done breastfeeding. It’s important to talk to your doctor before you get pregnant, and to make sure that you have a plan for managing your symptoms, including keeping track of your relapses. It’s also a good idea to discuss any medications that you are on with your doctor before trying for a baby, as some aren’t safe during pregnancy. You should also talk to your doctor if you are planning on becoming pregnant in the future, because certain MS medicines may make it harder for you to get pregnant.
