Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis and How MS Is Diagnosed

Early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include:

• Weakness
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Blurred vision

Other possible warning signs are:

• Muscle stiffness
• Thinking problems
• Urinary problems

It is hypothesized that an external "trigger" such as a virus or bacterium may precipitate an autoimmune response in genetically susceptible individuals.

How is MS diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily established by patient history and neuralgic examination.

There is no single definitive diagnostic test for MS, but  magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often helpful to confirm a suspected MS diagnosis.

In early MS, symptoms that might indicate any number of possible disorders can come and go. Some people have symptoms that are very difficult for physicians to interpret, and these people must often "wait and see.

Can MS Be Cured?

While no cure for MS has been found yet, several FDA-approved drugs are available for the long-term treatment of MS.

These drugs have been shown to:

• Reduce the number and severity of MS flare-ups
• Possibly delay disease progression

In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances are helping people manage symptoms.  Many more MS therapies are being studied in clinical trials, and these may lead to even greater treatments—and possibly a cure—for MS.

near-normal life expectancy. In rare cases, however, MS is so malignantly progressive it is terminal. Severe MS, and related complications, can shorten life. Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and what causes the symptoms can increase how well you live with MS.