A woman has bravely shared a list of 'invisible' symptoms she experiences due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic and often debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system.
MS is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks itself, and while there is no cure, various treatments can help manage its impact.
According to the NHS, MS symptoms vary from person to person, but common signs include fatigue, muscle cramps, spasms, stiffness, and coordination issues, which may worsen as the disease progresses
Nicole Pedra, a social media creator who documents her life with MS after being diagnosed at just 10 years old, has revealed a list of lesser-known symptoms she faces in her latest video.
"Symptoms of MS I get that you can't see," Nicole begins, before acting out her first symptom, Lhermitte's Sign, also known as an electric shock sensation. This sudden, brief sensation, described by the Multiple Sclerosis Society UK, runs down the spine and into the arms and legs, often triggered by specific neck movements, such as bending forward, or even coughing, sneezing, or yawning.
Nicole revealed that facial pain, particularly in her cheeks and cheekbones, is a common symptom she experiences. She also discussed the 'MS hug', an uncomfortable sensation of tightness or pressure around the stomach or chest, which can be quite painful.
Nicole also admitted to increased sensitivity to both hot and cold temperatures, as well as bright lights. She further detailed other physical effects such as body jerks, itching, restless leg syndrome, and moments of brain fog, which often result in her dropping things. More severe symptoms include sudden shortness of breath without exertion, difficulty swallowing, and slurred speech.
Nicole further opened up about gastrointestinal issues, a common problem for people with MS, with the Multiple Sclerosis Society UK stating that 7 out of 10 people with MS will experience bowel problems at some point, either constipation or incontinence. The cause of these bowel issues is not fully understood, but it's thought they could be due to weakened colon muscles or possible nerve damage in the bowel.
The NHS advises that there are many symptoms of MS, and everyone is affected differently. If you suspect you may have symptoms of MS, it's important to seek medical advice.
Please be aware that experiencing any of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you have MS. These symptoms are quite common and can be attributed to a variety of different conditions, so their presence doesn't conclusively mean you have MS.
If you have any concerns or queries, please get in touch with your GP.
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English (United States)