Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease in which your nerve fibers deteriorate. According to the Mayo Clinic, common MS symptoms include double or blurry vision, fatigue, dizziness, transient loss of vision and lack of coordination. MS can also cause weakness, pain and tingling. Usually, MS manifestations fluctuate and you may experience periods of remission. Central nervous system vasculitis, Lyme disease and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy are a few of the diseases that resemble MS.
Central Nervous System Vasculitis
According to the Cleveland Clinic, central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis, also known as primary angiitis of the central nervous system, is a condition in which the blood vessels of your spinal cord and brain are inflamed. Typical manifestations of CNS vasculitis include transient visual loss, problems moving your arm or leg, a headache, trouble concentrating and memory loss. Like in MS, these symptoms are intermittent and flare up at different times. One day, you can exhibit no symptoms and the next, you may display most or all of the CNS vasculitus manifestations.
Treatment for CNS vasculitis includes taking such medicines as glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. The Cleveland Clinic says that you will typically take these drugs for six to 12 months.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease contains neurological symptoms that are similar to multiple sclerosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is a condition caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of bacterium carried by the deer tick. Lyme disease's common signs include a target-like rash, a flu-like illness and joint pain. Neurological symptoms can occur when your brain membranes become inflamed. You can develop numbness or weakness in your limbs, memory loss and muscle and movement problems.
The Mayo Clinic says that you will take doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil to treat Lyme disease. Sometimes, your doctor may need to give you these drugs intravenously (through your vein).
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a condition in which a virus (the Polyomomavirus) attacks your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), especially when you have a weak immune system. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, symptoms of this disease include weakness, clumsiness, visual problems and changes in personality. Changing chemotherapy regimens or removing a transplanted organ, all of which weaken your immune system, are ways to manage progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
