Diagnosing Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves several steps. First, doctors talk to the patient about their symptoms and medical history. Then, they do a physical exam and often use MRI scans, which are special pictures of the brain and spinal cord, to look for signs of MS. Sometimes, they also do tests like a spinal tap, where they take a little fluid from the spine to check for MS markers. It’s a bit like solving a puzzle, where doctors use different pieces of information to figure out if someone has Relapsing MS. But first you need to know how you can recognize it…
Symptoms of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) has some common symptoms. The first one is fatigue, which means feeling really tired all the time, even if you haven’t done much. It’s not just regular tiredness, but a deep exhaustion that can make doing everyday things hard. The second common symptom is numbness or tingling, mostly in the arms and legs. It feels like a part of your body has fallen asleep, giving you that pins-and-needles sensation.
Other common symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble with balance and coordination
- Problems with vision, like blurred or double vision
- Issues with bladder control
- Trouble with memory and concentration
Treatment Options for Relapsing MS
For treating Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), there are a few common options. The first one is disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). These are special medicines that help slow down the disease and reduce how often relapses happen. They work by influencing the immune system to stop it from attacking the nerves. The second option is steroids, usually given during a relapse. Steroids help reduce inflammation and can make the relapse less severe and shorter.
Other treatment options include:
- Physical therapy to help with movement and strength
- Medications for specific symptoms like pain or muscle stiffness
- Counseling or therapy for emotional support
- Lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise, to overall improve health
In case you suspect you might suffer from multiple sclerosis, it’s very important to get tested. Also, make sure to do extensive online research about other MS symptoms and (new) treatments. To help you on your way, continue your online search here: