Some complex symptoms of MS.
There are a few symptoms in MS which need an in-depth analysis while comprehending and dealing with them. In the previous post I have ventured through almost all the symptoms that generally are faced by MS’ers but there was a superficial analysis of each. The ones which I am going to discuss today demand more attention than others to be dealt with efficiently.
Let us understand some symptoms like cognitive issues, vision problems, spasticity which are hard to overlook especially in the later stages of life with MS and which need a detailed understanding.
Cognitive issues: Cognitive functions in a normal human being are those functions which are performed by the brain at a high level of comprehension and memory usage. Such problems associated with the normal functioning of the brain are referred to as Cognitive dysfunction and are rarely seen in patients with MS. Cognitive dysfunction is easy to recognize even at the early onset and that seems to be the best time when these issues can be effectively dealt with to prevent or minimize future deterioration.
Common issues associated with cognitive dysfunction include comprehension and retention of new information, retrieving old information (memory), general mental abilities, conversation skills. Though these problems do not generally get out of control, it is advisable to keep them under check.
Treatment: Cognitive issues are best treated at the earliest when they are experienced. It is important for the patient to indulge in a lot of mind activity. Mind exercises like computer and electronically driven games as well as healthy social conversations and interactions on a regular basis help greatly. Help from medical experts like neurologists, speech and language therapists, etc can also make a lot of difference.
Vision: In MS, vision is affected in more ways than one. Problems associated with vision in MS include diplopia, optic neuritis and nystagmus. Patients generally experience just one or two of these symptoms at a time. It is general instinct to treat all the different types of vision problems as the same but knowing the difference between each issue is important to deal with them.
Nystagmus: Nystagmus is referred to the jumping or unstable vision. The eye/eyes move either left-right or horizontal-vertical. These uncontrollable movements don’t usually cause pain but are very uncomfortable and unhelpful for the patient. This problem is usually treated with prism glasses or special ophthalmic medications.
Optic Neuritis: Damage to the optic nerve results in optic neuritis. It might lead to blurring of vision or blindness. Sometimes the patient experiences a dark spot right in the middle of the vision field. Optic neuritis usually is self controlled, in the sense that it is recovered almost on its own.
Diplopia: Weakness in the nerve cells of the eye leads some MS patients to experience double vision or diplopia. This problem generally exaggerates with fatigue. Proper rest can solve diplopia. There are some treatments such as specialized lenses for double vision.
Spasticity: Some MS patients experience stiff and tight muscles with uncontrollable reflexes. This is referred to as spasticity. Spasticity is generally characterized by involuntary muscle contraction, pain, tremors, improper motor functions, imbalance and instability in posture and, in severe cases, bone deformities. These are best treated with physical therapies and specific targeted exercises. Regular and targeted physical activity is the best and the most organic way to take care of spasticity as well as most symptoms of MS.
Let us understand some symptoms like cognitive issues, vision problems, spasticity which are hard to overlook especially in the later stages of life with MS and which need a detailed understanding.
Cognitive issues: Cognitive functions in a normal human being are those functions which are performed by the brain at a high level of comprehension and memory usage. Such problems associated with the normal functioning of the brain are referred to as Cognitive dysfunction and are rarely seen in patients with MS. Cognitive dysfunction is easy to recognize even at the early onset and that seems to be the best time when these issues can be effectively dealt with to prevent or minimize future deterioration.
Common issues associated with cognitive dysfunction include comprehension and retention of new information, retrieving old information (memory), general mental abilities, conversation skills. Though these problems do not generally get out of control, it is advisable to keep them under check.
Treatment: Cognitive issues are best treated at the earliest when they are experienced. It is important for the patient to indulge in a lot of mind activity. Mind exercises like computer and electronically driven games as well as healthy social conversations and interactions on a regular basis help greatly. Help from medical experts like neurologists, speech and language therapists, etc can also make a lot of difference.
Vision: In MS, vision is affected in more ways than one. Problems associated with vision in MS include diplopia, optic neuritis and nystagmus. Patients generally experience just one or two of these symptoms at a time. It is general instinct to treat all the different types of vision problems as the same but knowing the difference between each issue is important to deal with them.
Nystagmus: Nystagmus is referred to the jumping or unstable vision. The eye/eyes move either left-right or horizontal-vertical. These uncontrollable movements don’t usually cause pain but are very uncomfortable and unhelpful for the patient. This problem is usually treated with prism glasses or special ophthalmic medications.
Optic Neuritis: Damage to the optic nerve results in optic neuritis. It might lead to blurring of vision or blindness. Sometimes the patient experiences a dark spot right in the middle of the vision field. Optic neuritis usually is self controlled, in the sense that it is recovered almost on its own.
Diplopia: Weakness in the nerve cells of the eye leads some MS patients to experience double vision or diplopia. This problem generally exaggerates with fatigue. Proper rest can solve diplopia. There are some treatments such as specialized lenses for double vision.
Spasticity: Some MS patients experience stiff and tight muscles with uncontrollable reflexes. This is referred to as spasticity. Spasticity is generally characterized by involuntary muscle contraction, pain, tremors, improper motor functions, imbalance and instability in posture and, in severe cases, bone deformities. These are best treated with physical therapies and specific targeted exercises. Regular and targeted physical activity is the best and the most organic way to take care of spasticity as well as most symptoms of MS.
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