Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune disease in which your immune system experiences dysfunction and begins targeting your central nervous system (CNS). Over time, inflammation and gradual degeneration of the protective layer surrounding your CNS and peripheral nerves lead to nerve damage. The severity and frequency with which you experience symptoms are unique to each individual.
Your symptoms may evolve or change over time, going through periods of remission and relapse. Because of its ever-changing nature, it’s critically important to choose a specialist that can properly care for your condition and allow you to build rapport with a doctor that knows everything about your history and the progress of your condition.
The team of experts at West TN Neurology, led by Dr. Salman Saeed specializes in multiple sclerosis symptoms and condition management. You can trust our team to provide industry-leading care, and to closely monitor the progression of your condition, adapting your treatment as your symptoms change.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms and Management Techniques
We have included some of the common symptoms that MS patients struggle with, along with some information on how to manage and overcome each symptom. Patients at West TN Neurology are provided with solutions that help relieve pain and/or improve symptoms that are affecting their quality of life. Symptoms such as:
Balance/Dizziness
Balance, and vertigo, or dizziness problems may develop because of a relapse, or develop in a more permanent way. If these symptoms persist, they can pose an increased safety risk for falls. These symptoms are typically caused by lesions that have formed near visual, spatial, and other input systems needed to produce and maintain equilibrium.
How to Manage MS Balance Issues
It is possible to correct and manage balance with the assistance of a walking aid or related device. However, this should be under the direction of your doctor, so it can be modified to benefit your unique condition.
Bowel Dysfunction
Bowel dysfunction in MS typically manifests as constipation but can include other abdominal conditions such as diarrhea and incontinence. Constipation induced by MS is caused by the dysfunction of neural pathways responsible for controlling your bowels. Lack of mobility caused by MS, along with poor hydration can also cause bowel problems to worsen over time or if left unmanaged.
How to Manage MS Bowel Dysfunction
If you are experiencing bowel dysfunction and are concerned that it could be attributed to multiple sclerosis, the first step is to determine the exact cause of your bowel dysfunction. This is done by conducting an appropriate bowel screening. After your results have identified a conclusive source, an effective treatment plan can be drafted. As high as 70% of MS patients may experience bowel dysfunction at some point in their life.
Treatment options may include a variety of pharmacological medications and lifestyle changes to allow the lesions to heal. It is possible to see results in 3-4 weeks after the initial interventions.
Pain Caused by Multiple Sclerosis
For patients with Multiple Sclerosis, pain can present itself in many forms, and as many as 75% of MS patients will deal with some degree of pain. The pain can be a primary symptom related to the degenerative nature of the condition. However, pain can also be a secondary element, brought on by fatigue, spasticity, or other symptoms
How to Manage MS Induced Pain
Pain is handled on a case-by-case basis. Your treatment will directly reflect the severity and type of pain you are experiencing. Pain management is often administered through medication to alleviate symptoms and restore your quality of life! If medication is no longer effective, more advanced interventions can be taken to help you!
Tremors
A tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic reaction that is directly related to degeneration occurring in the cerebellum and its peripheral pathways. Tremors can affect any muscle group including arms, legs, neck, head, vocal cords, and trunk. Tremor can add significantly to both fatigue and functional disability in MS.
How to Manage MS Tremors
The best way to manage MS-induced tremors is a combination of suppressive medication, physical therapy, and making necessary lifestyle adjustments to help reduce your risk. Medication allows MS patients to reclaim their quality of life, allowing them to better manage their condition
How West TN Neurology Helps Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Dr. Salman Saeed strongly believes that MS patients are best served when they develop a lasting relationship with a doctor they can trust! At West TN Neurology, we specialize in the management of multiple sclerosis and its symptoms. We have helped so many of our MS patients by relieving their pain, while also developing a comprehensive treatment strategy that constantly evolves to meet their current needs!
We understand the complex and persistent nature of multiple sclerosis, which enables us to confidently help each patient, backed with years of expertise in pain and symptom management. West TN Neurology offers medication that can be taken orally, via injection, or intravenously.
Click Here to Visit our Page on Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management in Bartlett, TN
If you have questions about multiple sclerosis, its associated symptoms, or the treatment options that are available at West TN Neurology, call our offices to speak with a representative from our team, or schedule a consultation online today!
