In MS, researchers believe that the immune system attacks the protective coating of the nerves in your brain and spinal cord, causing areas of inflammation and damage and slowing down electrical signals.
Sometimes MS-related brain damage is silent and does not cause noticeable symptoms. But your neurologist can see the damage with a test called an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan.
Neurologists look for brain lesions on your MRI scan. These are areas of the brain that have been damaged by MS.
Even when you don't have noticeable symptoms, MS could still be silently damaging your brain. That's why it's so important to talk to your neurologist about MS brain effects and MRI markers of MS brain damage such as brain lesions. MRIs provide valuable information about disease control, and it is recommended that a follow-up MRI be done 6 to 12 months after starting a new treatment to see what effect it may be having on the condition.Use the MS Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire to prepare for your visit.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Whats-Happening-in-Your-Brain
About 50% of people with MS will have some degree of cognitive changes, which may include difficulties with:
- remembering recent events
- finding the right words
- information processing
- spatial tasks (e.g., finding your way around)
- planning and organizing
- making decisions
- solving problems
Cognitive changes can have a major impact on quality of life. They can often be a factor in why many people affected with MS are unemployed, with the rate of unemployment higher for those with more severe disease.
MS symptoms vary from person to person, so you may not experience all of these symptoms.
If you notice cognitive changes, speak to your neurologist about what you can do to manage them, and about how to optimize your MS treatment.
Even if you don't have any cognitive changes, MS could still be silently damaging your brain. Ask your doctor about markers of silent MS brain damage such as brain lesions shown on an MRI scan.
Use the MS Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire to prepare your visit to your neurologist and the MS Doctor Discussion Guide to guide the conversation.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Whats-Happening-in-Your-Brain
