Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects how your nerves function, leading to deteriorating strength and muscle control. If you develop multiple sclerosis symptoms, talk to the Neurology Care team in Waxahachie, Mesquite, or Mansfield, Texas. The highly skilled neurologists use the latest, most advanced treatments to preserve nerve function longer. Call Neurology Care today or book an appointment online to benefit from the team's expertise in MS.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) condition.

Your central nervous system contains billions of nerves that continually send and receive information. Some transmit pain, heat, cold, and other sensory information to your brain. Others deliver messages from your brain that make your muscles move.

MS develops because your immune system has a flaw that makes it attack the myelin sheath, a fatty casing surrounding the nerve cells. This process (demyelination) and nerve fiber damage from the immune system malfunction make it hard for your brain and body to communicate with each other, resulting in MS symptoms.

What symptoms does multiple sclerosis cause?

MS symptoms might include:

• Weakness in the limbs
• Fatigue
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Loss of balance
• Blurred vision
• Muscle stiffness
• Pain

MS may affect cognitive functions, so you have difficulties focusing or problems with your memory.

Are there different kinds of multiple sclerosis?

Neurologists identify MS as one of four types:

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)

CIS causes demyelination and inflammation that leads to nervous system symptoms, but patients don’t fulfill other criteria for an MS diagnosis. CIS significantly increases your risk of MS in the future.

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)

RRMS patients experience phases where their symptoms worsen (called a relapse) and then improve for a while (remission).

Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)

RRMS can progress to SPMS if you no longer experience remission and your condition continues to deteriorate.

Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)

Patients have no remission periods with PPMS. However, they could experience a sudden worsening of symptoms.

To confirm your MS diagnosis, your Neurology Care provider sends blood samples for lab testing. They may also arrange a brain and spine MRI scan, evoked potentials (electrical tests that detect nerve damage an MRI can’t see), or a lumbar puncture to extract spinal fluid for lab testing.

What treatments help with multiple sclerosis?

Currently, MS is incurable, but the Neurology Care team provides effective treatments that help to relieve your symptoms. Your personalized treatment plan might include:

• Steroid medications for reducing nerve inflammation
• Plasmapheresis, which involves replacing your blood plasma
• Physical therapy
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants
• Pain relief medication
• Mobility aids
• Medications to improve walking speed
• Medicines that reduce fatigue
• Disease-modifying therapies to lessen demyelination

When you have multiple sclerosis, you can help yourself retain mental and physical function by eating a healthy diet, exercising gently but frequently, and taking action to quit smoking and lose weight.

If you have symptoms of multiple sclerosis, call Neurology Care or book an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment.