Multiple Sclerosis

MS symptoms can be different in everyone. Symptoms may come and go, or get worse over time. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Tiredness that doesn't go away
• Numbness, tingling or burning in the arms or legs
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred or double vision, or a loss of vision
• Balance and coordination problems
• Trouble speaking - slurred speech, or difficulty finding words
• Memory or thinking problems
• Mood changes like sadness or depression

While the progression, severity and specific symptoms of MS vary by patient, doctors group MS in four main types.

• Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) - This is the most common type. You many have flare-ups (also called relapses) where your symptoms get worse for a while, then get better. Eighty percent of people diagnosed with MS are diagnosed with RRMS.
• Secondary Progressive MS - This starts with RRMS but slowing gets worse over time.
• Progressive Relapsing MS - Your symptoms get worse steadily, with some flare-ups along the way.
• Primary Progressive MS - Symptoms slowly get worse from the start, without flare-ups or recovery times.

There is no single test to diagnose MS. Your doctor may order several tests and exams, such as:

• A physical and neurological exam
• Laboratory/Blood tests
• MRI scans of your brain and spinal cord
• Tests that measure how your nerves and muscles work, i.e.: 
  • EEG (Electroencephalogram) - test to check brain activity
  • Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER)
  • Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP)
  • EMG (Electromyography) - checks the health of your muscles and the nerves that control them.
  • NCS (Nerve Conduction Study) - measures how fast and strong your nerves send signals.

If your doctor suspects you have multiple sclerosis, he or she may refer you to a MyMichigan neurologist for further testing.

There's no cure yet for MS, but treatment can help you feel better and slow the disease down. Your treatment plan might include:

• Medicine to help reduce flare-ups and manage symptoms
• Healthy habits like regular exercise, eating well, and managing stress
• Rehabilitation therapy to help you stay independent and adapt to changes

Many medications can help manage the symptoms of MS. Some common medicines you doctor may prescribe include:

• AVONEX^®
• BETASERON^®
• COPAXONE^®
• REBIF^®
• EXTAVIA^®
• TYSABRI^®
• GILENYA^®
• NOVANTRONE^®
• Steroids (for flare-ups)

Your doctor will help pick the treatment that's best for you.

^{AVONEX® is a registered trademark of Biogen}

^{BETASERON® is a registered trademark of Berlex Laboratories, Inc.}

^{COPAXONE® is a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.}

^{REBIF® is a registered trademark of Serono S. A.}

^{EXTAVIA® is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation}

^{TYSABRI® is a registered trademark of Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. & Biogen Idec}

^{GILENYA® is a registered trademark of Novartis AG}

^{NOVANTRONE® is a registered trademark of Immunex Corp.}

Living with MS and be tough, but you're not alone. Rehabilitation therapy can help keep your strength, move safely, and live as independently as possible.