Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves and their protective coverings. MS is a recurrent condition that can be difficult to predict early on. The severity of symptoms and how the disease progresses is different for everyone. Our multiple sclerosis specialist in Sydney crafts individualised strategies that bring people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improved functions and greater control of their illness. Once thought of as a uniformly disabling condition, MS is now a treatable disease. Our team works with patients to determine the best treatment option that suits each individual patient. We are routinely involved in helping patients and families to make an accurate diagnosis, exclude potential mimics of multiple sclerosis, and devise an effective treatment strategy.
Patients have access to specialists in virtually every discipline related to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Our specialists provides each patient with an individualised treatment plan to decrease the frequency of MS attacks and impede the onset of permanent disability. At Neurology New South Wales we have a team of expert neurologists specialising in MS who will partner with you to help decide the best path forward for your MS. You will continue to play a key part in every medical decision about your care, and specialists at Neurology New South Wales will help support you on your journey with MS.
Our team of neurologists are experts in diagnosing MS and will conduct a careful medical history and a neurologic exam. Potential tests might include:
Blood tests
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Lumbar Puncture for spinal fluid analysis
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis can vary widely from patient to patient, and they often fluctuate over time.
They can include:
Balance disorders
Fatigue
Bladder or bowel problems
Weakness
Tremors
Slurred speech
Pain
Numbness or tingling
Changes in gait
Depression or other emotional changes
Cognitive changes
Difficulties with muscle coordination or walking
Loss of vision or double vision
The symptoms are varied from person to person. That’s why many people might not recognize the early signs of MS. Also, because these symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, patients can have MS raised as a diagnostic possibility when other explanations exist.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
Relapsing-remitting — the most common form of MS. You experience clear attacks. You make a full or partial recovery after each episode. Your MS does not get worse between attacks.
Primary-progressive — it gets worse over time. You might notice small improvements. You experience symptoms most of the time.
Secondary-progressive — starts as relapsing and then often many years later there is slowly worsening, or progression of old symptoms. Secondary progressive MS can occur with or without attacks.
It’s essential to listen to your body to manage the MS symptoms. This helps you gain more control over the condition. Numerous medicines help manage many of the symptoms of MS, including things like spasms, pain, fatigue or bladder complaints.
You can also manage symptoms with:
Attention to environmental factors such as heat
Diet, exercise and rest
Physical and occupational therapies
Health psychology
Neuropsychology