Category: Multiple Sclerosis

10 Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on May 29, 2020 Multiple Sclerosis

Tired student or worker rubbing irritable eyes feeling fatigue from computer work concept, overworked woman taking off glasses to relieve eye strain suffering from bad eyesight vision problem concept; blog: 10 Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

 

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. MS can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are unpredictable. Not everyone has the same symptoms and the severity of some symptoms differ from person to person. While not every person with MS has the same symptoms, there are some common early signs of multiple sclerosis that you should be aware of.

1. Vision Loss

One of the most common early signs of multiple sclerosis is vision loss. While there are many conditions that may cause vision problems, this symptom of MS is marked by pain and vision loss in only one eye. People may experience blurred vision or even vision loss in one eye that is accompanied by severe pain that lasts more than a couple of days. If you experience any kind of unusual vision problem, you should seek medical attention, but if you have this kind of vision loss, it could be an early sign of MS and you should see a doctor.

2. Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis is a distressing symptom no matter the cause. While facial drooping is often a sign of other disorders such as Bell’s palsy, Lyme disease, or even stroke, it may be an early sign of MS. No matter what is causing the facial paralysis, you should get immediate medical help to address the problem. 

3. Weakness in Limbs

If you are experiencing ongoing weakness or numbness in your limbs, it could be an early sign of multiple sclerosis. The sensation may be similar to the tingling or numbness that you experience when your leg “falls asleep” when in one position for too long. Or it may present as weakness in the arms or legs. However, this tingling, numbness, or weakness does not resolve itself once you’ve gotten out of the awkward position and moved around. If this type of symptom persists for more than a day or so, you should seek medical attention to find the cause. 

4. Pain and Spasms

Persistent or chronic pain may be symptoms of MS. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, more than 50% of people with MS identify pain as a significant symptom. Pain may occur in the back, hips, legs, and arms. 

5. Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms or spasticity are also commonly associated with multiple sclerosis. People with spasms experience painful and uncontrollable jerking movements of their extremities, usually the legs. People sometimes experience stiffness in their muscles and joints along with the spasms. 

6. Persistent Dizziness

Dizziness and vertigo can be symptoms of many different disorders, some more serious than others. Dizziness that is an early sign of multiple sclerosis is often severe and lasts for two days or more. Walking may be difficult, even when you’re walking through spaces with few or no obstacles because you feel like your equilibrium is off. Lack of coordination and balance are also associated with this type of dizziness and people often report feeling lightheaded. These symptoms often occur when standing up. If you experience persistent dizziness or vertigo, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor so you can be evaluated for different conditions.

7. Chronic Fatigue 

Many people with MS experience unexplained fatigue. Chronic fatigue is caused by nerve deterioration in the spinal column. Fatigue usually appears suddenly and can last for weeks before improving. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, about 80% of people experience fatigue as one of the early signs of multiple sclerosis.

8. Bladder and Bowel Problems

Bladder and bowel problems may be symptoms of multiple sclerosis. They may occur as early signs, but almost 80% of people with MS develop bladder problems like overactive bladder, incontinence, urinary frequency, or urinary urgency.

9. Cognitive Changes

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, about 50% of people with MS experience cognitive changes. These changes may include the ability to learn and remember things, organize, focus, problem-solve, and organize. 

10. Mood Changes and Depression

Emotional changes and even clinical depression are common symptoms of MS. Depression is more common in people with chronic conditions like MS. While mood changes may be early signs of multiple sclerosis, clinical depression may not develop until later in the disease’s progression.

At Regional Neurological Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and managing a number of neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis. If you have concerns about any symptoms you’re experiencing or want to discuss an existing MS diagnosis, call (718) 515-4347 to make an appointment.

7 Reasons to See a Neurologist

Posted on December 30, 2019 Alzheimer's, Back Pain, Dementia, Headaches, Multiple Sclerosis, Neck pain, Parkinson's Disease, Stroke

Human brain digital illustration. Electrical activity, flashes and lightning on a blue background.; blog: reasons to see a neurologist

 

Neurologists are doctors that have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system. Your nervous system is made up of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout your entire body. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate a problem with your nervous system, your primary doctor will probably refer you to a neurologist. The following are all good reasons to see a neurologist.

1. Existing Neurological Disorders

The presence of a previously diagnosed neurological disorder is probably one of the most obvious reasons to see a neurologist. Even if your symptoms are well controlled, frequent monitoring may be needed. Conditions you might see a neurologist regularly for include

  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease 
  • History of stroke

2. Persistent Headaches

Most people experience headaches every now and then, but if you have frequent and persistent headaches, then that’s a good reason to see a neurologist. Headaches are a couple and different types of headaches have a multitude of causes. To make sure there is not a serious condition at the root of your headaches, a doctor should evaluate you.

3. Migraine

One coming type of headache that affects many people is a migraine. If you have frequent and persistent headaches accompanied by other symptoms, you may be suffering from migraines. Symptoms of migraine include:

  • Headache on one or both sides of the head
  • Headache that worsens with physical activity
  • Pain that is throbbing or pulsing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Light sensitivity
  • Sensitivity to sounds
  • Sensitivity to smells

According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraine impacts over 37 million people in the United States and 144 million worldwide. If you have symptoms of migraine that your primary care provider is unable to treat, you should see a neurologist.

4. Blackouts

You can think of a blackout as a momentary glitch in the nervous system. During a blackout, the individual is unaware of what is happening and goes into a trance-like state. Sometimes a person will thrash around as if having a seizure during a blackout. Other times they will be motionless and unresponsive. If you experience blackouts frequently, then you should seek attention from a neurologist.

5. Seizures

If you have a seizure but have not been diagnosed with a seizure disorder like epilepsy, you need to see a neurologist. While many types of epilepsy are present during infancy and childhood, there is such a thing as adult-onset epilepsy. A seizure can also be a symptom of another condition such as meningitis or a brain tumor.

6. Dizziness

Dizziness, or vertigo, is the sensation that the world is spinning around you. Or it may seem like you are spinning around while the world is standing still. Vertigo can be life-altering because it prevents you from carrying out daily tasks like going to work and caring for your family. While vertigo may resolve itself after a while, you should still see a neurologist to have the underlying condition diagnosed. Many of the causes are not life-threatening, but they share symptoms with more serious conditions like stroke. Some conditions that are linked to vertigo and dizziness include

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
  • Meniere’s disease 
  • Vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis
  • Vestibular migraine

7. Neuropathy 

Peripheral neuropathy, usually just called neuropathy, is the name given to a group of conditions that affect the body’s peripheral nerves. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body. Neuropathy can take many forms, including:

  • Chronic pain
  • Difficulty balancing
  • Poor coordination
  • Burning sensations
  • Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the affected body part
  • Paralysis 

There is a long list of conditions that can cause neuropathy, ranging from autoimmune disease to vitamin deficiencies. One type of neuropathy many people have heard of is diabetic neuropathy, due to how common diabetes is in the US.

Make an Appointment to See a Neurologist

If you have a diagnosed neurological disorder or one of the above symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment to see a neurologist. The dedicated team of professionals at Regional Neurological Associates has advanced training in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders so you can feel confident you are getting expert care. To make an appointment, call (718) 515-4347.

9 Neurological Disorders You Need to Know

Posted on November 15, 2019 Back Pain, Conditions, Dementia, Headaches, Multiple Sclerosis, Neck pain, Parkinson's Disease, Stroke

Human brain digital illustration. Electrical activity, flashes and lightning on a blue background; blog: 9 Neurological Disorders You Need to Know

 

Due to the complexity of the brain and central nervous system, neurological disorders can seem like a mystery. There are numerous types of diseases and disorders related to neurological health, and a variety of factors that can lead to each condition. If you’re curious about conditions that can affect the brain and central nervous system, here are nine neurological disorders you need to know about.

1. Stroke

A stroke is an interruption or reduction of blood flow to the brain. When the blood supply is limited or stopped, then the brain tissue does not get enough oxygen and other nutrients carried in the blood. Within minutes of a stroke beginning, brain cells will begin to die, causing damage and potentially permanent complications. It is crucial for a stroke patient to get immediate medical attention to minimize those complications.

A person having a stroke may experience trouble with speaking and comprehension, headache, difficulty walking, paralysis (in the face, arm, or leg), or vision problems. Catching these symptoms early is important so treatment can be given as soon as possible. 

2. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system in which abnormal brain activity causes seizures or other periods of unusual behaviors and sensations. Sometimes people with epilepsy experience a loss of awareness of their surroundings during a seizure or episode. The condition may be controlled or managed with medications and surgery.

3. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system (CNS) in which the body’s immune system attacks the CNS. The protective myelin sheaths covering the nerve fibers are damaged, causing communication issues between the brain and the body. There is no cure for MS but some patients respond well to treatments to preserve their quality of life. People with MS experience a wide variety of symptoms including loss of balance, difficulty walking and difficulty with muscle coordination. They may also go through periods where symptoms are in remission. 

4. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. The disease affects a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, where there is a loss of dopaminergic neurons. Symptoms usually develop gradually as the disease progresses. Tremors are a common symptom that may present as shaking in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head. Patients may also experience limb stiffness, difficulty with balance or walking, slowed movement, and decreased coordination. Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured or reversed, but there are many treatments that are tailored to each patient’s symptoms. Medications and surgical therapy are common treatments, and sometimes lifestyle changes can improve symptoms.

5. Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy, commonly referred to as just neuropathy, is a group of conditions related to damage to the peripheral nerves and the symptoms that damage produces. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that connects the CNS to the rest of the body. Symptoms vary and range in severity from mild to disabling, but they are rarely life-threatening. A person with neuropathy may experience chronic pain, lack of coordination, or tingling, weakness, or numbness in the area of the damaged nerve, as well as other symptoms.

6. Dementia

Dementia is the term for a group of brain conditions that impair a person’s ability to think, reason, and remember things. In some cases, language skills, the ability to manage emotions, and perception are also impaired. 

Dementia often develops gradually, but in certain cases it may appear suddenly. Sudden onset is usually associated with severe head trauma. Common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia (caused by strokes or cerebrovascular disease), and Lewy body disease.

There is no cure for most types of dementia, but the effects of dementia caused by infections or vitamin deficiencies may be reversed with treatment. It is estimated that up to half of people 85 and older experience some form of dementia. 

7. Psychiatric and Neurobehavioral Disorders

These disorders are related to the connection between the brain and behavior. Neurobehavioral disorders are impairments associated with brain diseases like multiple sclerosis, stroke, and dementia or brain injury. Psychiatric disorders are associated with abnormal functions of the part of the brain responsible for social cognition. Historically, the study and treatment of these disorders were separate, but today doctors embrace a connection between the two in order to better treat and diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the brain.

8. Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness. People who experience vertigo sometimes describe it as either feeling like you’re spinning while your surroundings stay still or the feeling that the world around you is spinning and you are standing still. Vertigo is a symptom of a number of conditions including Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraine, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Vertigo can either resolve on its own or be treated based on the underlying cause.

9. Headaches

Headaches and migraines are common neurological disorders that many people are affected by. A headache is defined as pain in any region of the head. There are several different types of headaches with a range of causes and symptoms. Common types of headache pain include sharp pain, throbbing, or aching.

Migraines area type of headache that can be quite severe and incapacitating. Along with head pain, people suffering from migraines may experience nausea, light and noise sensitivity. Symptoms may worsen when moving or bending over. Symptoms can last for several hours or even several days. When someone has more days with a migraine than without one, then they are considered to have chronic migraines.

Make an Appointment

At Regional Neurological Associates, we are committed to providing our patients with expert care for all types of neurological conditions. Our experienced doctors are highly trained in a variety of subspecialties including migraine headaches, stroke, and pain management. If you have questions or concerns about any of these neurological disorders, call us at (718) 515-4347 to make an appointment.

7 Early Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on October 18, 2019 Multiple Sclerosis

multiple sclerosis nerve comparison illustration; blog: early warning signs of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disorder that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack your body’s nervous system. More specifically, the immune system attacks the protective cover of nerve fibers, which can cause communication issues between your brain and other parts of your body. If allowed to progress, the disease can result in permanent damage to your nervous system.

There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis and current treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease and improving symptoms. As such, early diagnosis and treatment are paramount, so you should be aware of the early warning signs. 

The specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary from person to person, and there are currently no specific laboratory tests that confirm or deny the presence of the disease. Instead, doctors will review your symptoms and medical history and perform various tests to determine if you are affected by multiple sclerosis.

Early warning signs for multiple sclerosis include:

  • Vision Difficulties: Unexplained vision difficulties such as seeing double, blurred vision, or loss of vision can be signs that your optic nerve is becoming inflamed, a common symptom of multiple sclerosis.
  • Muscle Spasms or Stiffness: Other common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include muscle stiffness or uncontrollable and painful spasms or jerking movements of the arms and legs. 
  • Numbness or Tingling: As multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the nervous system, your nerves can become damaged. You may not feel (numbness) or have conflicting signals (tingling) in parts of your body. 
  • Vertigo or Dizziness: Balance issues are common with multiple conditions and diseases, including multiple sclerosis. This can have you feeling dizzy or lightheaded and often occurs after you stand up.
  • Bladder Control Issues: Approximately 80% of people affected by multiple sclerosis have dysfunctional bladder symptoms including inability to hold urine, feeling like you have to urinate often, or strong urges to urinate.
  • Memory and Attention Span Difficulties: People with multiple sclerosis often have difficulties with their attention span, organization, short or long term memory, and even difficulty speaking.
  • Depression and Other Emotional Changes: Severe depression, mood swings, or irritability are common symptoms for people affected by multiple sclerosis. The emotion difficulties can even include unexplained laughter or crying.

Contact Regional Neurological Associates

At our New York practice, based in the Bronx with satellites throughout Westchester and Manhattan, the board-certified physicians at Regional Neurological Associates manage a range of neurologic conditions including multiple sclerosis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call (718) 515-4347 to schedule an appointment.