Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological autoimmune condition characterized by the deterioration of the myelin covering that protects the body’s nerves, resulting in neurologic impairment. For individuals with MS, their immune system attacks the protective covering of their nerves and disrupts the body’s communication between their nerves and their brain. Eventually, if left unmanaged, MS can lead to irreversible nerve damage.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Individuals with MS can exhibit a wide range of symptoms or even remain asymptomatic. Some common symptoms of MS include:
- Eye pain with blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Cognitive or memory problems
- Balance issues
Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
Because MS mimics so many other conditions (stroke, Lyme disease, sarcoidosis, etc.), it can be tricky to diagnose based on symptoms alone. If you’re exhibiting any neurologic symptoms like those listed above, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a board certified TPMG neurologist in Williamsburg and Newport News, VA.
The process of diagnosing MS starts similarly to that of other disease process: starting with a detailed medical history. Your healthcare provider will likely ask you questions regarding your health, your symptoms, family history, and more. Afterward, they will perform a neurological exam. They utilize MRI technology to identify lesions that indicate MS. These lesions can be identified at their earliest stages before any damage has occurred or symptoms have developed. After an MRI, your doctor may order a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap) to confirm the diagnosis.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
While there is currently no cure for MS, treatments are available to address disease progression and help manage your symptoms. The choice of treatment will often depend on the severity of your symptoms, the progression of the disease, and a number of other factors, so it’s important to sit down with a qualified neurologist to discuss your options moving forward.
Disease-Modifying Therapy
For most, treatment begins with disease-modifying therapy (DMT). DMTs can include medicines to address the body’s immune response associated with MS, which can minimize your chance of an attack. There are injectable treatments, oral medications, and infusion medicines that work in several ways to treat MS. Some of these therapies carry certain risks and side effects, so it’s important to discuss your options with a doctor. In the last 20 years, researchers have made great strides toward the treatment of MS to improve patient quality of life and the efficiency of medicine delivery. What once could only be delivered via injection and caused flu-like symptoms at each injection can now be given orally and via infusion.
Symptom Management
Another category of medication addresses alleviating the symptoms of the disease, rather than altering the disease progression. For individuals living with MS, some symptoms can greatly impact their quality of life. For these patients, medication to manage their symptoms can greatly improve their quality of life and provide them with increased function.
Non-Medication Therapies
In addition to medication therapies, MS patients may also receive non-medication therapies including occupational therapy, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, supplements, dietary modifications, vitamin D supplementation, meditation, and more. For those struggling with MS, it’s easy to assume that diagnosis of the disease comes with a bunch of pills and nothing else, however, there are many avenues for individuals with MS to find a treatment that works for them and their lifestyle.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in Williamsburg & Newport News, VA
To understand what treatment works best for you, consult a board certified TPMG neurologist to discuss your options. While there is no current cure for MS, modern treatment for the disease can vastly improve your quality of life and get you back to enjoying the things you love to do. Contact Contact TPMG Neurology at Williamsburg or TPMG Neurology in Newport News to schedule an appointment.
