Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a dangerous disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, which will disrupt the communication flow within the brain, and between your brain & the rest of the body.

On average, people that suffer from MS tend to have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. These symptoms may come and go, while some linger for a while. Usually the symptoms get better, but then come back (what we call a relapse – explained here).

Some of the most commonly known symptoms of MS are:

• Fatigue: the fatigue often comes on in the afternoon & causes weak muscles, slowed thinking, or sleepiness. Some MS patients say they feel tired even after a good night’s sleep.
• Walking difficulties or unsteady gait
• Numbness or tingling in face, body or limbs
• Spasticity: usually in leg muscles. Mild stiffness or strong, painful muscle spasms are expected.
• Vision problems: eyes problems tend to be one of the first symptoms. MS usually affect only one eye then go away on their own. Patient’s sight might become blurry, grey, or have a dark spot in the centre. Eye pain & temporary vision loss is also expected.
• Dizziness & vertigo: people with MS might experience a loss of balance or lightheaded. The sensation of vertigo is less common.
• Bladder problems: urinate more often, need to go at night, have trouble emptying bladder fully, etc.
• Bowel problems: constipation is common
• Pain: almost half of people with MS had chronic pain
• Cognitive changes: find it hard to focus attention, a decrease in ability to learn and remember information, also the ability to organise & problem-solving
• Emotional changes: bouts of depression, mood swings, irritability, episodes of uncontrollable laughing & crying, etc.
• Speech problems: slurring, loss of volume, or stuttering
• Swallowing problems
• Tremors: can be minor shakes or make it hard to perform daily activities.
• Breathing problems: due to weakened chest muscles
• Itching or “pins & needles” sensation
• Hearing loss

MS signs & symptoms may differ considerably from person to person and over the course of the disease depending on the location of affected nerve fibres. Make sure you see a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms for unknown reasons.

Home Instead Senior Care Outer East can help provide high quality care services for seniors living with MS. Our wide range of services, from home helper services to personal assistance, are available 24/7, even on public holidays. If you need help, please contact one of our friendly office staffs by calling 03 9754 4861.

Thanks for reading through this Blog, I hope you have found it useful. If you require any further assistance please feel free to contact the office.

Kind regards,

Suzanne McLoughlin
Owner of Home Instead Senior Care Outer East

P.S. We provide free Care Consultations and resource guides to support and guide families. Download your free copies from our Aged Care Resources page or Request a Free Information Pack to receive a hard copy.