symptoms

Photo courtesy of Samantha Zarek Day 29 of 31 This is Samantha Zarek’s story: July 26, 2006 is a date I will always remember: That was the onset of my symptoms. My mom had emergency surgery that morning and when I told her that I saw two of…

Note: This story was updated March 29, 2023, to correct that cognitive function was assessed via questions about memory and three other cognition outcomes. Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and sleepiness may contribute to self-reported cognitive decline in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study suggests.

Photo courtesy of Lucinda Howard Day 28 of 31 This is Lucinda Howard’s story: I was in the first few months of my first “adult” job when I suddenly felt numbness and tingling on my skin from my ribs down to my feet and in my hands. I went…

Cannabis-based products are more likely to be used by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with higher levels of disability and pain than those with lesser disability or pain, according to a study of findings in Spain and France. This “may encourage health authorities to consider relaxing the barriers to cannabis use for…

People with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience more severe inflammatory activity and nerve damage early on in the course of their disease as compared with individuals who have secondary progressive MS, a new study indicates. The results also suggest that primary progressive MS patients tend to have…

After trying countless medications, Lacie Granstrom found some relief through diet, exercise, and letting go of “toxic relationships.” (Courtesy of Lacie Granstrom) Day 27 of 31 This is Lacie Granstrom‘s story: In January 2016, I was sitting on the floor playing with my…

Things had been more than dodgy for the past three days. My right shoulder had gone into complete spasm, and even diazepam couldn’t relax it. I’d also upped my antibiotics as instructed. Nada. As ever, I shouldered on (a naff play on words already, John? Dearie me), stuck on…

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Holcomb Day 24 of 31 This is Lindsey Holcomb’s story: My daughters were both preschoolers when I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It took well over a decade to find an answer to the myriad symptoms that had come and…

Itaconate, a metabolite produced during cellular energy production activities, was found to restore the balance of immune T cells and reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms in a mouse model of the disease, a study reported. The common metabolite specifically suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory T cells while promoting the…

Jessica Dubey, right, is with her partner, Tom. (Courtesy of Jessica Dubey) Day 22 of 31 This is Jessica Dubey‘s story: Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable, You never quite know what to expect or how you will feel. Planning a weekend, a holiday, or even just…

Infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 significantly accelerates neurological disability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), at least in the first months after infection, a study from Belgium reported. A more severe case of COVID-19, one requiring hospitalization, also significantly associated with a faster worsening of MS…

I have a friend who’s truly blessed. Aside from the typical struggles that come with being an adult, he has few problems. Seriously. Neither he nor a loved one has had any major medical issues. No one in his immediate family has passed away yet, and while he’s not rolling…

MRI scans of the brain acquired early on after the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) may help predict disease severity and disability accumulation after 10 years, a new study found. In particular, there were two MRI biomarkers — inter-caudate diameter (ICD) and third ventricular width (TVW) — detected…

Predicting whether an asymptomatic child or adolescent with signs of demyelination on imaging scans will develop multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult using adult diagnostic criteria, a small study found. The findings highlight the need for more suitable criteria for pediatric patients, which could let them begin treatment…

Photo courtesy of Shane Nicolich Day 21 of 31 This is Shane Nicolich’s story: I was on my first multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment for six years but experienced bad side effects. That sucked, since I’m a dishwasher at a busy restaurant and am on my feet all day.

Photo courtesy of Angie Gensler Day 20 of 31 This is Angie Gensler’s story: As a mom, wife, and business owner, I have always prided myself on juggling my crazy life. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 18 years ago on Christmas Eve after suffering from blurred…

If you noticed my sudden disappearance, it wasn’t because I was sacked. Surprising, I know. Just “MS MIA” — missing in action with multiple sclerosis. While raving in the hospital, I was suddenly moved to my own private room. In Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), this could only mean…

Photo courtesy of Robert Munns Day 17 of 31 This is Robert Munns’ story: Hello! My name is Robert and I have multiple sclerosis (MS). I was diagnosed in 2008 and spent the next few years not really committing to life. I sometimes say that MS used…

Supplementation with phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), a molecule produced during cellular energy generation, eased the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a mouse model of the disease, a study revealed. The metabolite inhibited a protein called JunB, which blocked the production of the pro-inflammatory molecule interleukin-17 (IL-17) and suppressed…

I may not be able to turn in circles like a dog anymore, but I still have a few bedtime routines. Before I had an intrathecal baclofen pump, multiple sclerosis-induced spasticity would wake me up multiple times during the night. Whenever that happened, it was next to…

Photo courtesy of Scarlett Ward Day 16 of 31 This is Scarlett Ward‘s story: My name is Scarlett Ward, and I’m 29 years old. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when I was 27, after a particularly nasty relapse left me in the hospital,…

Because people with multiple sclerosis (MS) usually undergo regular MRI scans to image their brains, their data could help researchers learn more the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain tissue. That’s the argument by a team of researchers in the paper, “Multiple sclerosis as a…

Chloe Murphy fought for years to understand the cause of her physical and mental struggles. (Courtesy of Chloe Murphy) Day 15 of 31 This is Chloe Murphy‘s story: I am 27, from Cork, Ireland. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in April 2021, but truly…

Photo courtesy of Kerry Walkins Day 13 of 31 This is Kerry Walkins‘ story: At 36, I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Looking back now, I realize I had symptoms for a few years before that. In early 2021, I began to…

Photo courtesy of Amber Cunningham Day 12 of 31 This is Amber Cunningham‘s story: Hi, I am Amber. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in April 2019, a day I will never forget. I woke up on my daughter’s birthday and couldn’t see out…

Photo courtesy of Julie Wigley Day 11 of 31 This is Julie Wigley‘s story: In 2010, I started having numbness in my legs, specifically when I’d look down. I didn’t think much of it, but mentioned it to my primary care doctor during a…

A little over three years passed between my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and my medical retirement from the U.S. Army. Even before the diagnosis, I knew something was wrong and had taken a desk job while searching for the reason. Since I was behind a desk in a…

A new study of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who had previously given birth may have identified one of the mechanisms behind the lasting protective effects of pregnancy seen in MS patients. Patients who’d had children were found to have a number of differences in methylation, a type of…

The “invisible” symptoms that are common with relapsing-remitting MS and many other chronic illnesses can be the bane of our lives. It’s difficult enough to manage them, as they’re constantly fluctuating like a changing tide. But in some ways, it’s even more difficult to explain them to…

Following a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of cognitive problems, including with memory and thinking skills, in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a preliminary study suggests. The diet includes a high intake of fish, fruits, legumes, vegetables, and healthy fats (olive oil); and a low intake of meat,…