There is no one set of symptoms for people afflicted with Malignant MS or Malignant Multiple sclerosis. The disease develops differently for each person. On a broad platform, it can be classified into early symptoms and later symptoms. The common early symptoms include loss of balance, weakness in one or more limbs, tingling sensation, numbness and blurred or double vision. Not so common symptoms include slurred speech, cognitive difficulties, and sudden onset of paralysis and lack of coordination. As the disease progresses, a patient may also experience sensitivity to heat, muscle spasms, fatigue, changes to one’s perception and sexual disturbances. Other symptoms to watch out for include painful eye movements, known as optic neuritis. It is one of the earliest symptoms of Malignant MS or Malignant Multiple Sclerosis. A change in personality, loss of strength in limbs or respiratory difficulties should also be evaluated immediately as these could often point to other serious illness, like a stroke or infection. The pattern is quite unpredictable and is different for each patient. However, after the onset, there are four courses that MS takes. These are: relapsing-remitting MS that have unpredictable and acute attacks that evolve from several days to weeks; primary-progressive MS that result in a gradual and steady progression of the disease; secondary-progressive MS that starts as a relapsing-remitting MS but eventually changes to a progressive disease; and progressive-relapsing MS which involves a steady progression in disability with acute attacks.
Treatment for Malignant MS
There are various treatments available to handle Malignant MS or Malignant Multiple Sclerosis. Most of them are aimed at slowing the disease and providing relief from the symptoms. In any case, it is best to start the treatment as early as possible to improve the quality of life. There are also many alternate treatments, but they do not have any medical backing.
Living with Malignant Multiple Sclerosis
Malignant MS or Malignant Multiple Sclerosis is a disease whose consequences can be felt decades later. It is important to address it in the initial stages itself to prevent the symptoms from aggravating and reaching the stage of disability. Depending on the severity of the sickness, it can even disrupt the way of life. Often the symptoms can disrupt normal everyday tasks that are taken for granted. This can bring about a sense of depression. A patient should not be hesitant to consider counselling to help over this. There are various support groups that are a source of strength and encouragement to the patient. A positive attitude is crucial for handling the symptoms.
