Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Symptomatology of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis includes but is not limited to:
FatigueDifficulty walkingNumbness or tingling of the arms, legs, or face,WeaknessVision deficitsVertigoPainBladder and bowel problemsCognitive deficitsMood changes
Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
While the etiology of multiple sclerosis is still not known, it is believed to be the result of an abnormal immune response against the central nervous system, likely the result of exposure to certain environmental factors in patients with a genetic predisposition. The different environmental factors that have been implicated in MS include exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus, smoking, low vitamin D, and obesity.
Geographic location also has an impact on the rate of multiple sclerosis developing. Individuals who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis.
What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?
MRI should show at least two lesions involving specific areas of the brain and/or the spinal cord. Spinal fluid analysis may be obtained to look for the presence of abnormal proteins called oligoclonal bands in patients in which the clinical picture and MRIs are inconclusive.
Evoked potentials may show a delay in nerve transmission at the level of the optic nerves, brainstem, and spinal cord.
Steps to Getting an MS Diagnosis
Multiple sclerosis can be treated through a range of pharmacological interventions, depending on which phase the disease is in. Some of them, such as intravenous steroids, are used to treat multiple sclerosis flare-ups or exacerbations. Other treatments, called disease-modifying agents, are used to prevent future flare-ups. Those include:
Medications are also used to treat common MS symptoms such as spasticity, gait difficulties, lack of bladder control, fatigue, and pain. In addition, occupational and physical therapies are commonly used to help strengthen the muscles of upper and lower extremities as well as help with balance. Speech therapy may also be indicated if symptoms include speech or swallowing deficits.
How Multiple Sclerosis Is Treated
Living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can be difficult, especially as managing its different symptoms and the disease’s unpredictability. However, learning as much as possible about this condition, avoiding MS triggers, and starting MS treatment ASAP will allow you to take charge of your illness.
Living With Multiple Sclerosis
SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MS Symptoms. National MS Society. Published 2018.Types of MS. National MS Society. Published 2018.What is MS?National MS Society.Pandit L & Murthy JMK. Treatment of multiple sclerosis. 2011, Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 14(Suppl1), S65-S69. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.83094
Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MS Symptoms. National MS Society. Published 2018.Types of MS. National MS Society. Published 2018.What is MS?National MS Society.Pandit L & Murthy JMK. Treatment of multiple sclerosis. 2011, Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 14(Suppl1), S65-S69. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.83094
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MS Symptoms. National MS Society. Published 2018.Types of MS. National MS Society. Published 2018.What is MS?National MS Society.Pandit L & Murthy JMK. Treatment of multiple sclerosis. 2011, Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 14(Suppl1), S65-S69. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.83094
MS Symptoms. National MS Society. Published 2018.
Types of MS. National MS Society. Published 2018.
What is MS?National MS Society.
Pandit L & Murthy JMK. Treatment of multiple sclerosis. 2011, Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 14(Suppl1), S65-S69. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.83094
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
