subject: Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis [print this page] Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that causes the nerves of the central nervous system to disintegrate. Due to this condition, the myelin sheaths may be harmed, causing the individual to face various problems and barriers in carrying out usual activities.
The basic purpose of myelin sheaths is that they serve as a layer of insulation. Their presence also contributes to the health of the nerves present in the brain and spinal cord. When the myelin sheath starts being negatively affected, the impulses that have been passing along them starts to slow down. This further causes interruption in those functions that are managed by the nervous system.
The basic problems faced by people with multiple sclerosis are difficulty in speech, writing, walking properly, vision and memory. Women, around the age group of 20-50 years, are twice as likely as men to acquire this illness.
The signs and symptoms of sclerosis vary from person to person in terms of intensity and duration. The symptom that is usually the first to manifest is difficulty of vision. They may be unable to differentiate between varieties of colors. In an extreme case, one may lose sight from one eye completely.
One may experience such a weakness that would create problems for him or her to walk properly, and manage coordination and balance of the body. At times, they may feel a complete loss of sensation in one area or a piercing pain may be felt on the leg.
Speech problems are usually the next to come, making a person unable to organize and talk properly. Some may suddenly start feeling dizzy or may experience shivering in the body.
Around fifty percent of people who have sclerosis go through a series of symptoms that include not being able to concentrate for a long time on one particular thing, and having difficulties in maintaining attention. Memory loss may be experienced as well.
