Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Find a neuro specialistMultiple sclerosis symptoms most often begin when you are between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary widely from person to person. While one might have just a few multiple sclerosis symptoms, another could have many. Symptoms of MS may come and go or they may get worse. Symptoms also tend to change as the disease progresses.
We provide the latest therapies to help you cope with symptoms and improve your quality of life. Through medications, occupational therapy and other treatments, many symptoms can be managed effectively.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms
About 80 percent of people with MS have fatigue that makes it hard to function at home or at work. It can be the most noticeable symptom even if you have only a few other multiple sclerosis symptoms.
The “MS hug” (dysesthesia) is often the first symptom of MS or of a relapse. It’s described as a squeezing sensation around the torso that feels like the tightening of a blood pressure cuff.
Common multiple sclerosis symptoms
Other symptoms of MS include:
- Walking or coordination problems
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle spasms or stiffness (spasticity)
- Weakness
- Problems with vision
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
- Vertigo, dizziness and balance problems
- Sexual problems
- Cognitive issues
- Chronic pain
- Depression and emotional changes
Many of these common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are related to involuntary muscle movements (dyskinesias).
Less common multiple sclerosis symptoms include speech and swallowing problems, loss of taste, tremors or seizures, breathing problems and hearing loss.
Secondary symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Some symptoms happen because of the multiple sclerosis symptoms listed above. For example, you may have urinary tract infections because of long-term bladder dysfunction.
Such secondary multiple sclerosis symptoms can be treated, but treating the original (primary) symptoms is a better way to treat multiple sclerosis, as it can prevent the secondary symptoms of MS from happening or from recurring.
What causes MS?
The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is not known. Many theories have been explored and more research is necessary. However, researchers now agree that immune responses play a part in causing inflammation and damage to the central nervous system. T cells (a type of immune cell) enter the nervous system through the blood and release chemicals that damage nerves. Other immune cells are also involved. Scientists are also studying the relationship between sunlight and MS because there are fewer cases of MS in areas closer to the equator. Since people in those areas are exposed to more sunlight, they have higher levels of vitamin D.
What are risk factors for MS?
Some factors that can increase the risk of developing MS include:
- Gender: Women are two to three times more likely to develop MS than men.
- Genetics: Having a first-degree relative with MS increases your risk of MS.
- Geography: Fewer MS cases are found in areas closer to the equator.
- Smoking: Growing evidence shows that smoking increases your risk of developing MS. It’s also tied to having more severe multiple sclerosis symptoms and making the disease progress more quickly.
Having any of these risk factors or experiencing any of the symptoms may mean you have MS. But there is no way to test yourself for MS at home. To get a diagnosis, you need to be seen and evaluated by a doctor.
Expert diagnosis of MS
Determining a diagnosis requires expert evaluation and leading-edge tools. Our evaluations include a physical exam, medical history and testing specific to your unique situation. Using the latest technology, our specialists provide a diagnosis and tell you about the progression of your disease.
Latest diagnostic technology
Several methods and technologies are used to diagnose MS, including:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Provides detailed imaging of the brain and spinal cord for detecting lesions; non-invasive and most common test for MS
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: Checks for elevated levels of inflammatory cells using the spinal fluid from a spinal tap
- Evoked potential tests: Tracks electrical activity to determine how the brain reacts to stimuli; slower electrical impulses in brain are sign of MS
- Blood tests: Help rule out other conditions similar to MS like Lyme disease and AIDS
Identifying the type of MS
Although a patient may already be diagnosed with MS, Advocate doctors will want to identify the exact course of the disease so that an appropriate treatment plan can be determined. The multiple sclerosis specialists at Advocate Health Care offer world-class care to patients through progressive treatments and clinical research.
Sub-types of MS include the following:
- Relapsing-remitting: The most common form of MS. Patients experience short but frequent relapses or flare-ups of symptoms. Most MS patients are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting.
- Primary-progressive: Involves a slow, but steady progression from the onset of multiple sclerosis symptoms with no distinct relapses or remission.
- Secondary-progressive: Involves less frequent relapses that are longer lasting. About half of patients with relapsing-remitting MS progress to secondary-progressive MS within 10 to 12 years of initial diagnosis.
- Progressive-relapsing: Relatively rare form of MS, characterized by distinct relapses. Patients may or may not experience recovery between relapses and the disease steadily worsens over time without remission.
Comprehensive care for MS
Our comprehensive approach to care focuses on improving your quality of life. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists works closely together to develop the right care plan for each person’s unique needs.
What you can expect:
- Multidisciplinary team: Experienced neurologist works closely with a team of specialists, MS nurses and your primary care physician
- Comprehensive strategy: Coordinated care for all aspects of your journey, from diagnosis and treatment to therapy and emotional support
- Easy access to care: Locations across Chicago and the suburbs for expert care close to home
To schedule an appointment, call 800-3-ADVOCATE or find a neurologist online.
Comprehensive treatment & therapy
Our team will develop a strategy to address the many aspects of multiple sclerosis. While the disease's cause is still unknown and there is no cure, there are many steps we take to improve your quality of life. Through our affiliation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, you can enroll in clinical drug trials and clinical trials that study the impacts of existing and potential new ways to treat multiple sclerosis.
Treating flare-ups: Physical therapy and medications are used to treat multiple sclerosis relapses (or attacks) that cause symptoms to get worse.
Improving function: Occupational therapists provide practical ways to help you function safely at home and at work. Through cognitive therapy and physical rehabilitation, we address issues that affect your ability to function such as physical fitness, speech, swallowing and memory.
Managing symptoms: Medication and rehabilitation therapy can help you effectively manage symptoms such as spasticity and bladder dysfunction.
Providing emotional support: Mental health experts offer psychological and emotional support, from providing education to diagnosing and treating mood changes such as depression or anxiety.
If the state of your health keeps you at home, we offer home health care through Advocate Health at Home. We can provide skilled nursing and therapy in the comfort of your home.
The team at Advocate Health Care is staffed by a specially trained team of neurologists, neurosurgeons and nurses, who are dedicated to caring for people with multiple sclerosis. You'll remain under the care of your primary care physician while you're treated by the specialists at Advocate. To ensure that your physician is kept up to date, our team will provide ongoing reports on the progress you have made.
Your care team may include:
- Neurologist
- Psychologists
- Neuropsychologists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Urologists
- Urogynecologists
- Radiologists
- MS nurses
Spasticity is one of the more debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Advocate's highly successful spasticity clinic offers the very latest treatments to address the painful spasms and stiffness associated with spasticity.
Our expert team of physiatrists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists and a rehabilitation advanced practice nurse conduct comprehensive assessments to develop a customized treatment plan for you.
You’ll have access to the most effective treatments for spasticity including:
- Oral medications
- Intrathecal baclofen pump (delivers medication directly to the right spot of your spinal cord)
- Nerve blocks
- Orthopedic surgery
Our physical and occupational therapists provide strengthening and training strategies to make daily activities easier. You may also receive botulinum toxin therapy, a spasticity inhibitor that can provide up to four months of relief from symptoms.
Clinic location:
Advocate Christ Medical Center
4440 W. 95th St.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
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