The Merck Manual Home Edition notes that about 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis, or MS, a disorder that results from damage to the myelin sheath. Without a proper myelin sheath, the covering of the nerve cells, the brain cannot communicate properly with the patients' body, resulting in MS symptoms. MedlinePlus points out that no cure exists for MS, though patients can control their symptoms with treatment.
Triggers
Certain factors can trigger MS symptoms. For example, MedlinePlus notes that heat sources can trigger symptoms in MS patients. Examples include hot baths, fever and sun exposure. Stress can also cause symptoms to start. If a MS patient has an episode, in which she has symptoms, these triggers can worsen the symptoms.
Pattern of Symptoms
MS patients can go through periods where they do not have symptoms. The Merck Manual Home Edition describes four different patterns of symptoms that patients can have. For example, if a MS patient has a relapsing-remitting pattern of MS symptoms, he can have periods of worsening symptoms, then periods of no symptoms. These remissions can last for months or years. Another pattern is the primary progressive pattern, in which a patient's symptoms get progressively worse without periods of remission or significant relapses. With a secondary progressive pattern, the patient has alternating periods of symptoms and no symptoms, with a gradual progression of symptoms. The fourth pattern, progressive relapsing pattern, has a gradual progression of symptoms with periods of sudden relapses.
Symptoms
MS can cause symptoms that affect multiple parts of patients' bodies. For example, MedlinePlus lists constipation, urine leakage and a frequent need to urinate as bowel and bladder symptoms of MS. Muscular symptoms include numbness, problems walking, weakness and muscle spasms. Patients can have double vision, vision loss or eye discomfort. Sexual problems with lubrication and erection can occur. Other symptoms of MS include depression, slurred speech, and poor memory and attention.
Symptom Management
MedlinePlus explains that MS patients can take certain medications for their symptoms. For example, if a MS patient has changes in mood, he can take an antidepressant. MS patients with muscle spasms can take lioresal, tizandine or a benzodiazepine, such as diazepam. Amantadine can treat fatigue. For urinary problems, patients can take a cholinergic medication.
Coping
Since the symptoms of MS can interfere in patients' lives, they need to find ways to cope. The MayoClinic.com recommends that patients pursue hobbies and try to maintain normal daily activities. To reduce stress caused by the disorder, patients can stay close to loved ones.
