Common Symptoms and their Management
The symptoms of MS vary greatly from one person to another because the location of damage to the central nervous system for each individual is different. Additionally, some symptoms may occur regularly while others may occur only from time to time or rarely. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurred or double vision
- Numbness or pins and needles
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of balance, coordination or mobility
- Problems with or changes in memory
- Speech difficulties
Allied health teams are used and held in high regard for the symptom management of MS, advising on strategies such as strengthening exercises, passive exercises, changes in posture, acupuncture, reflexology and massage. Continence advisors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians, nurses and doctors all play a part in the holistic care of the individual.
Medications are also used in acute changes (relapses) and to assist with symptom management.
It is also important to manage the factors that can exacerbate symptoms:
- Heat Sensitivity
- Relapse
- Stress Level
- Pain
- Infection
- Depression/Anxiety
- Medications
- Poor Sleep/Fatigue