The inflammatory neurological disease MS presents initially with the first neurological deficit. Because they are not always easy to identify, diagnosis is often difficult. The disease mainly affects younger women. What are the signs pointing to it.
Bremen – “Disease has a thousand faces” – that’s how it will be Multiple sclerosis It is often mentioned because it can cause a variety of different symptoms. Sufferers often do not immediately associate the first signs of the disease with multiple sclerosis. Because the disease develops in stages, MS symptoms usually go away after some time. Therefore, those affected often underestimate it. However, after a symptom-free period, they return and completely different symptoms can suddenly appear, making the diagnosis often tedious.
MS Symptoms: Women are affected much more than men
There is also no one-size-fits-all trend when it comes to the course and severity of inflammatory neuropathy. The most diverse degrees of expression are possible. Just like living with the disease – which often affects women. They are three times more likely than men to develop multiple sclerosis NDR mentioned. Also read: Detect testicular cancer in time – these are the first symptoms.
However, there are also many myths about this disease. the German MS Society (DMSG) He asserts, for example, that illness does not necessarily lead to a life in a wheelchair.
Multiple sclerosis: when does MS start and what are the first signs?
According to new figures from the Federal Insurance Office, more than 252 thousand people suffer from MS in Germany. Most people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in early adulthood. The first signs usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. However, in some cases, it also appears in childhood and adolescence. On the other hand, MS after the age of 60 is rare.
In the beginning, there are different symptoms than in the subsequent course of the disease – although there is no typical course. MS manifests itself in a very individual way in each affected person. Often several symptoms appear together. Multiple sclerosis is caused by inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which disrupts healthy nerve function.
Multiple sclerosis: the most common symptoms and complaints at onset
Damaged nerves lead to neurological deficits. to The most common symptoms in the early stages from multiple sclerosis Sensory disturbances in the arms or legs. Sufferers suddenly feel tingling in their limbs or torso, or they feel numb. The onset of MS often passes as well visual disturbances marked. When the optic nerve is inflamed, people’s vision is suddenly blurry or through a kind of haze. Double vision can also occur.
It can also occur at the onset of multiple sclerosis muscle function disorders Come. It can manifest as weakness, paralysis, or muscle stiffness. This, in turn, can lead to coordination and balance problems. high dmsg A number of other non-specific complaints can also occur, for example problems with emptying the bowels and bladder, unsteadiness when walking or grasping, or ‘crashed’ speech. The latter often occurs in connection with strokes, a disease that also leads to neurological deficits, but has a completely different cause.
- Early signs and symptoms of MS:
- Sensory disturbances in the arms or legs (tingling, prickling, and numbness)
- Visual disturbances (blurred vision, “fog” in front of the eyes, double vision)
- Disturbances in muscle function (weakness, paralysis, muscle rigidity)
- Non-specific complaints (eg, bladder disturbances, slurred speech, unsteady gait)
What happens in multiple sclerosis? Causes and course of the disease
The exact causes of multiple sclerosis are still largely unknown. The disease is characterized by misdirection of immune cells that attack nerves, leading to inflammation and pain. This could be the reasons for mismanagement NDR It has not been clearly explained yet.
In MS, parts of immune system “wrongly programmed” so to speak. It is directed against your healthy body. This is why MS is one of the so-called autoimmune diseases. In research, it is generally assumed that initially harmless viral infections in childhood or adolescence are the primary cause of MS. The activity of the immune system is permanently affected by the viral disease.
Different course in MS: There can be asymptomatic phases between relapses
There is Various forms of progression illness. They often occur in the so-called relapses on me. This means that there are stages in which sufferers experience strong symptoms, but they fully or partially resolve between them. However, in some patients the disease progresses steadily from the start, up to a point chronic. This means that there are no times that are completely symptom free. Here, however, there can also be a flare-up in which the symptoms are aggravated. Or relapses occur at the beginning of the disease and as the disease progresses there is a transition to the progressive variant.
Life Expectancy With Multiple Sclerosis: With The Right Treatment, A Long Life Is Possible Despite Multiple Sclerosis
There is still no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, there are various ways to make life with the disease as easy as possible for those affected. high dmsg MS treatment is mainly based on four pillars:
- To inhibit the acute inflammatory response to seizures
- stop the progression of the disease;
- Increase the time when symptoms are few or no longer present
- For the relief of symptoms of MS
Course of MS: Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can worsen
However, as the disease progresses, other symptoms may appear or existing symptoms may worsen. Other symptoms of paralysis can occur or there is a high degree of fatigue (the so-called fatigue), limitations in attention, concentration disorders, depression, pain, dizziness, and impotence.
Living with MS: Stress can trigger flare-ups and should be avoided
According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society Vienna Stress can also be a trigger for further flare-ups of the disease. Therefore, treatment should also include psychosocial offers that can help those affected learn how to better cope with stressful situations.
What is less clear is how diet affects disease progression. There is no particularly recommended diet, but sufferers are advised to eat as balanced as possible. With a healthy diet, you are always on the safe side, also with regard to other diseases such as heart attacks or cancer.
Alcohol and nicotine should be avoided as much as possible. Above all, smoking can, according to Multiple Sclerosis Society Vienna Promote a more aggressive course of the disease. If symptoms allow, regular exercise should also be incorporated into daily life. It has been proven that exercise and sports also have a positive effect on the psyche.