A Guide to Types, Stages And Early Symptoms of MS
MS occurs when the immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS), damaging the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibres.
Although MS is typically classified by type, emerging studies indicate that it can also be understood in terms of stages. Awareness of these stages is vital for managing symptoms effectively.
In recent decades, the quality of life and life expectancy for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) has significantly improved!
Types Of MS
People with MS experience various symptoms throughout their lives, which is why it is crucial to understand its classification into four main types:
- Clinically isolated syndrome
- Relapsing-remitting MS
- Secondary progressive MS
- Primary progressive MS
Recognizing the specific type of MS is essential for effective management and treatment.
Stages of MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that can be hard to diagnose. It is challenging to determine when MS begins and how it will progress before symptoms appear. Experts are now thinking of MS in terms of different phases:
- High risk: Early symptoms may suggest MS.
- Relapsing-remitting phase: Symptoms worsen during flare-ups but may improve or disappear afterwards.
- Progressive phase: Symptoms become more severe over time.
Early Stage Or High-Risk Phase
Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the nervous system. Symptoms can show up when the damage affects specific areas.
Common early symptoms include:
– Changes in vision (optic neuritis)
– Numbness and tingling
– Fatigue
– Trouble balancing
– Dizziness
– Pain
– Muscle stiffness or spasms
– Tremors
– Problems with bladder and bowel control
If you notice these symptoms, see a healthcare professional. They can assess your risk for MS by looking at your medical history and a physical exam. There is no single test for MS, and many symptoms can also happen with other conditions, which makes diagnosis difficult.
Relapsing-Remitting Phase
Many individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience varying symptoms over time. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) defines an MS flare-up as lasting at least 24 hours and occurring a minimum of 30 days after the previous flare-up. These episodes can last weeks or months, followed by remission periods during which symptoms may not appear for several years.
Progressive phase
In this phase, symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) usually get worse over time. You may not see any improvement or remission. Some people with MS never reach this point. In the past, doctors have said that relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) can turn into progressive MS, but not everyone experiences this change.
Common Early Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Optic Neuritis – Inflammation of the optic nerve, often observed in one eye, leading to blurred or double vision, ocular pain, and potential vision loss.
- Sensory Disturbances: Unexplained numbness, tingling, or paresthesia in facial and extremity regions due to demyelination disrupting nerve signals.
- Neurological Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling fatigued even after rest. The fatigue comes with muscular weakness, particularly in the legs, impacting mobility.
- Coordination Impairments: Issues with balance manifesting as dizziness, unsteady gait, and increasing frequency of falls due to ataxia.
- Cognitive Dysfunction: Early signs may include difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and slower information processing, as well as problems with word retrieval.
- Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Increased urinary frequency, urgency, and constipation are more common than diarrhoea.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Finding and treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS) early is significant for staying healthy. When we catch MS early, you can use treatments that help people feel better and live a good life.
- Starting Treatment Early Helps: MS can be hard to predict, and if we don’t treat it, it can get worse quickly. Medicines can help reduce symptoms and protect the brain.
- Handling Symptoms Early: Feeling tired and weak, can worsen with time, but getting help in early stages itself helps manage effectively.
- Making Healthy Changes: After getting diagnosed, it’s important to make good choices. Eating healthy foods and exercising can help with symptoms. Relaxing activities like yoga and deep breathing can also help reduce flare-ups.
Treatment At Ayush Prana
Ayush Prana is the world’s only Ayurvedic MS speciality hospital, and Dr Prasanth Raghavan is the first doctor worldwide to have commenced exclusive MS Ayurvedic treatments!
MS recovery is a multi-faceted journey, and addressing the physical and emotional aspects of the patient’s well-being is essential.
Dr Prasanth and his treatment method (PAMS) is well-known for its impeccable track record of treating hundreds of patients worldwide with the help of Ayurveda.
With PAMS at Ayush Prana
✅ We work on stopping the progression of the disease and further relapse, stabilize the current condition, and prevent the emergence of new MS signs and symptoms.
✅ Improve walking, balancing, vision, bowel, and bladder control symptoms.
✅ Control of MRI from the appearance of new lesions.
✅ Correct the auto-immune process by balancing the immune system vis-à-vis suppressing it.
For more information about Ayush Prana and PAMS treatment Dial 8086151111!