Loss of sensations, speech impediment, tremors, or dizziness
I'm not entirely sure how numbness and loss of sensation differ, because I think that I sort of equate them as the same. I suppose that numbness means that there is truly no feeling in that part of the body. However, saying my feet are numb is a lot easier than saying, "I'm experiencing loss of sensation in my feet." Let's see what the internet has to say...
Health Encyclopedia: Numbness And Tingling
Definition: Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Alternative Names: Sensory loss; Paresthesias; Tingling and numbness; Loss of sensation
There are many possible causes:
•Remaining in the same seated or standing position for a long time.
•Injuring a nerve supplying the body part where you feel the sensation. If you have a neck injury, for example, you may feel the sensation anywhere along your arm or hand. Similarly, a low back injury can cause sciatica -- a sensation of numbness or tingling down the back of your leg.
•Lack of blood supply to the area. For example, plaque buildup from atherosclerosis in the legs can cause pain, numbness, and tingling while walking. (This is called claudication.)
•Pressure on the spinal nerves, as from a herniated disk.
•Carpal tunnel syndrome. This can cause numbness or tingling in your wrist, fingers, hand, or forearm.
•Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, underactive thyroid, multiple sclerosis, seizures, or migraine headaches.
•Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body.
•Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
•Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
•Certain medications.
•Toxic action on nerves, such as that from lead, alcohol, or tobacco.
•Radiation therapy.
...hmm, sounds to me like they're kind of the same. Ok, let's move on to the next one.
I don't think that I've really had a problem with a speech impediment, except when I've had a relapse. But, then everything kind of stops working so that makes sense. The same goes for tremors.
I definitely notice dizziness on a daily basis. Part of this probably has to do with the fact that this is a side effect of one of my medications. During my last relapse, the one from just over 2 years ago, the major issues that were affecting me were numbness on one side of my face as well as my hands and feet, and dizziness. With multiple treatments not working to end my relapse, I had an MRI taken. I found it amazing that when I talked with my doctor, I was told that the lesions that were highlighting on my brain were in the areas that were responsible for my symptoms. Of course, this makes sense, but it's cool to me that our brains are so well mapped out that if my doctors just looked at the MRI and not at me, that they would be able to tell what problems I was having.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Hello to the elephant in the room. Unfortunately, I deal with this group of symptoms on a very regular basis. I'm sure that you don't want to hear the gory details of my experiences on this front, so I'm going to turn to a generalized description of these symptoms.
Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis
Bladder and bowel function impairments
Impairments in bladder function with MS are common and may affect up to 78% to 90% of patients during the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). The prevalence of bowel dysfunction in MS is estimated to be about 68% of patients. Bladder and bowel symptoms are relatively common in multiple sclerosis and can be treated. Goals for bladder and bowel management include maximizing independence and preventing incontinence and complications.
Bladder function
As with other MS symptoms, the kinds of bladder problems vary from person to person and can change over time. People may:
- have trouble controlling the release of urine (incontinence)
- experience frequent urges to urinate
- feel constant bladder fullness
- have difficulty in starting to urinate or in sustaining a steady stream
- In fact, some people may experience urinary retention and will require some form of catheterization. All these symptoms usually indicate problems in the functioning of the muscles that control urination, although urinary tract infection (UTI) must be eliminated as a cause.
You will be asked to void during the time of the appointment and urine volume will be measured. Please come to the appointment well hydrated with the need to void.
The specimen will be analyzed for a urinary tract infection through laboratory urinalysis (UA) and culture and sensitivity (C&S). We will also measure for a post-void residual amount with a bladder scanner in the office.
Some recommendations for treating bladder symptoms can be made after the initial assessment. However, if we are not able to help with your bladder symptoms or if you continue to experience frequent bladder infections you may be referred to a specialist in urology. The urologist can help evaluate the cause of the problem through evaluation of the upper and lower urinary tracts. Other treatment options may include Botox® or surgical interventions.
Do not try to self-treat your bladder problems by drinking less fluid! This can lead to constipation or urinary tract infections.
Bowel function
Bowel dysfunction is also a common symptom for patients with MS (Hinds et al., 1990). One study of 77 patients with clinically definite MS showed that bowel problems are not associated with bladder dysfunction, patient's age, degree of disability, or duration of disease (Chia et al.,1995).
The most common bowel complaint from a person with MS is constipation, but the most distressing bowel complaint is probably that of involuntary bowel/fecal incontinence. Because MS interrupts or slows the transmission of signals to and from the brain, the electrical impulses to the muscles that are involved in emptying your bowel can become disrupted.
Depending on your particular bowel problem helpful suggestions can be made. General interventions for bowel dysfunction include:
- Education about the causes of bowel dysfunction
- Encouraging dietary changes to include more fiber and fluid
- Consulting with your health care provider to adjust medication regimens that may be contributing to bowel dysfunction
- Establishing a regular bowel routine, individualized to the patient
- Encouraging regular physical activity
- Bladder and bowel symptoms are common in MS and can be effectively managed. Speak with your healthcare provider about what you can do to help keep these symptoms under control.
Phew...that's out of the way.
Mental changes (decreased concentration, attention deficit, memory loss)
I was trying to post yesterday when Jamie got a phone call. I was trying to post and was having a very hard time focusin on what I was writing. I actually had to ask Jamie to leave the room because I couldn't concentrate. I've also noticed that when I'm in a room with a group of people and trying to have a conversation with one person, I find that it is very difficult for me to zero in on the one person and not not hear everything else in the room. It can be very distracting.
...this seems to be a good segue into attention deficit. I imagine that decreased concentration and attention deficit go hand in hand. Of course, as I write that, I'm thinking, "Well, no duh!" Fortunately, the medication that I take to keep me awake, Provigil, is also prescribed for ADD. At work this can work against me, though. I'll be working and totally focused on what I'm doing and suddenly I realize that it's 2:30 and I haven't had anything to eat...all day. Wait, what was I saying?
Memory loss...ooh boy, that's a big problem with me. I don't think that most people understand what it means to have such a problem with memory. When I talk with people that I know about the fact that I have such a problem in with my short term memory, I often hear, "I know what you mean. It's tough getting older." I don't know how to explain how it's different. Ok, I'm going to turn to the internet again to help me explain.
MS & Memory Problems
X Genevieve Van WydenGenevieve Van Wyden began writing in 2007. She has written for “Tu Revista Latina” and owns three blogs. She has worked as a CPS social worker, gaining experience in the mental health system. Van Wyden earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism from New Mexico State University in 2006.
By Genevieve Van Wyden, eHow Contributor
.Multiple sclerosis can cause more than physical degeneration of muscle function and abilities. MS can also cause the patient to develop problems with memory loss and cognitive degeneration. Processes such as storing and retrieving memories, processing information and remembering events can be affected. The ability to plan and prioritize can also be negatively impacted.
Cerebral MS
The link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and cognitive (memory) problems is well-known, with 70 percent of diagnosed cases of MS also featuring related memory-loss problems. 50 percent of patients diagnosed with early stage MS show related cognitive losses.
The most commonly found cognitive issues found in MS patients are in attention, memory, word-finding and abstraction. An increase in emotional lability (frequent, pronounced changes in mood) and slower information processing are also features of MS-related cognition issues.
When a person is experiencing severe cognitive issues related to MS, she is said to have "cerebral MS". Persons with this level of cognitive involvement often do not understand the severity of their memory loss issues.
Types of Memory Loss
Two types of memory loss related to MS are known: the first is recent memory loss, or that which affects things like remembering names and phone numbers, and when to take medications. MS most often affects this type of memory function.
The second type of memory loss is procedural or remote memory (how to use a computer or ride a bike). This kind of memory loss affects things and processes that were learned many years ago. MS does not have as much of an effect on this category of memory.
Effect on Executive Function
MS-related memory loss can have an effect on executive functions, which are the higher-level processes involved in more complex mental operations. These are prioritizing tasks, planning and the ability to problem-solve. Persons suffering from MS develop difficulty with this kind of function because it involves shifting from concept to concept and using mental quickness. They essentially feel lost in a maze.
Handling Memory Loss
The patient suffering from MS-related memory loss can rehabilitate his brain by going through rehabilitation to regain some cognitive functions. Some other ways he can handle memory loss include writing things down, using checklists, doing something when he thinks of the chore, putting objects in the same spot every time and prioritizing and focusing only on the most important tasks.
Use Electronic Memory Aids
The person with MS can utilize electronic memory aids such as the personal desk assistant (PDA). Cell-phone calendars can also help her to remember what she need so she can get through the day. Other devices such as tape recorders can also help, to record important information or a to-do list.
Read more: MS & Memory Problems
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5340874_ms-memory-problems.html#ixzz1GouxTsZS
Depression
Depression is common with MS. There have been questions as to whether depression is a symptom of MS or because of the MS. I think that it's probably a combination of both. I also have problems with anxiety, so I take Zoloft. I know that it definitely makes a difference, because on the days that I don't take it, either from forgetting or running out, I find that my fuse is shorter.
I have done my best to explain how the most common MS symptoms affect me. I hope that it has helped many of you to understand a bit more.
If you have ANY questions, please comment on my blog. Thanks so much for reading.
Devon - what a true gift to have your posts on what MS is like from the inside. You really do an incredible job combining your personal experience blended with the more clinical descripions. Thank you so much for sharing with us all. wl pa
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Peter! What a wonderful compliment.
ReplyDelete