[ad_1]
Kathryn Dale, PT, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the nerves in the body. Nerves are the structures that communicate signals from the brain to the body and allow us all to think, move, and even breathe. MS involves the loss of myelin, a material that covers and protects the nerves in the body’s central nervous system. Without this myelin, nerves cannot properly communicate with each other. MS symptoms vary from person-to- person, depending on what part of the nervous system is affected. Often, one of the first signs of MS is a change in vision, such as blurry or double vision. Nearly all persons with MS also report difficulty walking and difficulty with other functional movements such as getting out of a chair. This disease may be diagnosed with an MRI, once similar conditions have been ruled out. The cause of MS is unknown, but may be linked to genetics, viral or environmental factors.
Common Symptoms, Impairments and/or Functional Limitations:
Multiple sclerosis can affect structures that control movement, sensation, and/or mental and emotional processes and persons with MS may experience any of the following changes:
- Visual changes, such as blurry vision, double vision, or difficulty controlling eye movements
- Pain or sensation changes such as numbness, tingling, burning, or “pins and needles” in the trunk, arms or legs
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Balance problems or difficulty walking
- Arm or leg stiffness or muscle spasms
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Emotional changes such as mood swings, depression or apathy Difficulty with clear thinking or memory
[ad_2]
Source link
