How Do You Recognize Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder effecting the central nervous system. For reasons as yet unexplained, certain immune cells attack the protective coating around the nerves called myelin. The nerves then become inflamed producing a number of different symptoms, depending on the location in the brain or spinal column of the demyelinated nerves. Understand that the primary symptoms of multiple sclerosis are caused by the demyelination of nerves, resulting in the inflammation and potential loss of functioning in those nerves. Know that optic neuritis (ON) is by far the most common form of exacerbation for patients presenting with multiple sclerosis. In ON, the optic nerve becomes inflamed from demyelination and can cause radical changes in vision including the loss of sight in the affected eye as well as eye pain and large patches of vision loss. ON is generally unilateral, effecting only one optic nerve at a time. Recognize difficulty walking or frequent tripping as potential
