Don’t just assume new neurological symptoms are because of MS

New or worsening symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are often part of the disease’s unpredictable nature, but there’s danger in assuming that every symptom flare is another relapse. When I think back on the course of my disease, I realize I could have made a serious error by making this assumption.

I was eating lunch with colleagues at a professional meeting away from home. While chewing food, I experienced a sudden onset of numbness and tingling that radiated from my jaw area to my neck. It occurred only on my left side.

The concerning symptom was new to me, so I excused myself from the table and went outside. It lasted for approximately 15 minutes and then resolved. When I was wondering what to do, I assumed that the symptom was related to my MS.

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Fortunately, it was. As a pharmacist, though, I knew numbness and tingling on one side of the body are classic signs of a stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident. But I chose to ignore this possibility and blame the issue on my MS.

Both MS and stroke affect the central nervous system and can cause neurological changes. Assuming my new symptom was from MS could have been a costly mistake, as a stroke requires immediate medical attention to prevent death and reduce long-term disability. Treatment for a stroke works best when delivered quickly, ideally within the first few hours of symptom onset. Delaying care, even by minutes, can have devastating consequences, as more brain tissue is permanently damaged.

Symptoms of MS and stroke — including sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, headache, vision changes, and loss of balance or coordination — can overlap, leading to the potentially dangerous assumption that they’re “just part of my MS.”

An interesting fact I learned recently is that people with MS may be at a higher risk of a stroke compared with the general population. That’s another reason why, going forward, I won’t ignore new neurologic symptoms or assume they’re caused by my MS.

Here are some red flags associated with stroke that are less common in MS:

• the abrupt onset of symptoms (within seconds or minutes)
• facial drooping on one side
• slurred speech or inability to speak coherently
• difficulty understanding speech
• loss of consciousness

MS relapses usually progress over hours to days, not seconds. Stroke symptoms tend to appear instantly and may worsen rapidly.

From now on, if I experience a new symptom or one associated with a stroke, I plan to avoid self-diagnosis and seek help in a timely manner. A false alarm is better than risking permanent disability or death by waiting to seek help.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.