It can be overwhelming and confusing to learn that a loved one has been diagnosed with late-onset multiple sclerosis. If you are caring for a loved one, you may not know what to expect. In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about late-onset multiple sclerosis. We will discuss symptoms, treatment options, and ways to help your loved one manage the condition.
A person with multiple sclerosis has an immune system that attacks both nerves and brain fibers, causing these cells to die. Due to this, electrical signals are reduced in their ability to be transmitted between the brain and the body. This reduces the ability of the brain and body to communicate electrical signals. The result will be a change in the way your body moves and functions. Symptoms of MS usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. However, you may not experience symptoms until after 50. Late-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS) is a form of multiple sclerosis that develops later than expected.
Individuals with multiple sclerosis may experience different symptoms and signs throughout the disease. This is due to the relocation of damaged nerve fibers. Some symptoms affect movement, such as:
Numbness or weakness in the limbs or legs primarily occurs on one side of your body at any given time.
A sensation of electric shock may be felt during certain neck movements, especially when the neck is bent forward. This type of sign is called a Lhermitte sign.
An unsteady gait, tremors, and a lack of coordination are common symptoms
There are many types of vision problems, including:
Multiple sclerosis symptoms may also include:
To diagnose multiple sclerosis, it is necessary to rule out other conditions that cause similar signs and symptoms.
The following may be recommended by your doctor:
Many tests are currently being developed to detect specific biomarkers associated with MS. Additionally, if these tests can detect other diseases that exhibit similar symptoms, they may assist in diagnosing the disease.
An examination of the cerebrospinal fluid in your spinal canal is performed in this procedure. A spinal tap may also be useful in ruling out infections and other conditions that present similar symptoms to MS. It may also reveal abnormal antibodies associated with the disease.
Your nervous system sends electrical signals to your brain in response to stimuli. Evoked potential tests can be conducted with either visual or electrical stimuli. Nerves in your legs or arms receive an electrical impulse, or a moving visual pattern is viewed. With electrodes, you can measure how fast information travels through your nerve pathways.
People with relapsing-remitting MS are generally diagnosed based on a pattern of symptoms and results of brain imaging scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in most cases.
People with unusual symptoms or a disease that is progressing may have difficulty diagnosing MS. Among the tests that may be necessary in such cases are spinal fluid analysis and evoked potentials.
Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, you can manage it in some ways. Treatments for late-onset multiple sclerosis include:
Occupational, physical, and cognitive therapy can help you cope with MS-related changes to your body. Taking part in these programs will improve your mobility, reduce fatigue, and enhance your memory. Speech-language pathology can assist you if you have difficulty speaking or swallowing.
A doctor should be consulted if you have been diagnosed with late-onset multiple sclerosis. In many different ways, they can assist you in managing your symptoms and improving the quality of your life.
Family relationships often improve when primary caregivers are no longer family members. People with MS can maintain a more normal family relationship by being constantly available and doing extremely physical work as caregivers.
Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care, we ensure to make the process so much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to take care of your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more. Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services. Our office is at Home care in Emerson, Kinderkamack Road Suite 101 Emerson, NJ 07630. You may also call us at 201-483-8490. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A person with multiple sclerosis has an immune system that attacks both nerves and brain fibers, causing these cells to die. Due to this, electrical signals are reduced in their ability to be transmitted between the brain and the body. This reduces the ability of the brain and body to communicate electrical signals. The result will be a change in the way your body moves and functions. Symptoms of MS usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. However, you may not experience symptoms until after 50. Late-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS) is a form of multiple sclerosis that develops later than expected.
What are the Symptoms of MS?
Individuals with multiple sclerosis may experience different symptoms and signs throughout the disease. This is due to the relocation of damaged nerve fibers. Some symptoms affect movement, such as:Numbness or weakness in the limbs or legs primarily occurs on one side of your body at any given time.
A sensation of electric shock may be felt during certain neck movements, especially when the neck is bent forward. This type of sign is called a Lhermitte sign.
An unsteady gait, tremors, and a lack of coordination are common symptoms
There are many types of vision problems, including:
- The loss of vision in one or both eyes usually occurs gradually, affecting one eye at a time, and is accompanied by discomfort when moving the eyes
- Long-term double vision
- Blurred vision
Multiple sclerosis symptoms may also include:
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Tingling or pain in parts of your body
- Problems with sexual, bowel, and bladder function
How is MS Diagnosed?
To diagnose multiple sclerosis, it is necessary to rule out other conditions that cause similar signs and symptoms.The following may be recommended by your doctor:
Blood tests.
Many tests are currently being developed to detect specific biomarkers associated with MS. Additionally, if these tests can detect other diseases that exhibit similar symptoms, they may assist in diagnosing the disease.
Spinal tap (lumbar acupuncture).
An examination of the cerebrospinal fluid in your spinal canal is performed in this procedure. A spinal tap may also be useful in ruling out infections and other conditions that present similar symptoms to MS. It may also reveal abnormal antibodies associated with the disease.
MRI.
With this test, it is possible to detect MS (lesions) in the brain or spinal cord. Intravenously injected contrast material can be used to highlight active lesions.
Evoked potential tests.
Your nervous system sends electrical signals to your brain in response to stimuli. Evoked potential tests can be conducted with either visual or electrical stimuli. Nerves in your legs or arms receive an electrical impulse, or a moving visual pattern is viewed. With electrodes, you can measure how fast information travels through your nerve pathways.People with relapsing-remitting MS are generally diagnosed based on a pattern of symptoms and results of brain imaging scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in most cases.
People with unusual symptoms or a disease that is progressing may have difficulty diagnosing MS. Among the tests that may be necessary in such cases are spinal fluid analysis and evoked potentials.
What are the Treatment Options for MS patients?
Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, you can manage it in some ways. Treatments for late-onset multiple sclerosis include:
Medication.
The FDA has not approved any medications to treat primary progressive multiple sclerosis, unlike relapsing forms. Your doctor may be able to help you manage your symptoms, which is good news.
Managing relapses.
Other therapies can help patients with MS flare-ups, in addition to corticosteroids, steroid hormones, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in gel form, and plasma exchange therapy.
Rehabilitation.
Occupational, physical, and cognitive therapy can help you cope with MS-related changes to your body. Taking part in these programs will improve your mobility, reduce fatigue, and enhance your memory. Speech-language pathology can assist you if you have difficulty speaking or swallowing.A doctor should be consulted if you have been diagnosed with late-onset multiple sclerosis. In many different ways, they can assist you in managing your symptoms and improving the quality of your life.
The Role of Caregivers
It is often impossible to keep up with the physical demands of MS as it progresses at home. To be able to meet an individual's needs at home, you have to ask the right questions.Family relationships often improve when primary caregivers are no longer family members. People with MS can maintain a more normal family relationship by being constantly available and doing extremely physical work as caregivers.