MS characteristics consist of certain symptoms, which may come and go for years at a time. The long list of Multiple Sclerosis characteristics can be divided into 3 categories of symptoms. When the demyelination process begins, primary symptoms appear. These are created when the sheath is damaged on the outside of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms in this group include, tingling, numbness, bowel problems, loss of bladder control, weakness in limbs, loss of balance, muscle spasms, and impaired vision. A myriad of medications are able to be taken to help lessen the severity and make these symptoms more manageable.

Primary symptoms often lead to secondary symptoms. For instance, the initial symptom of paralysis can lead to bedsores. Or, loss of bladder control can lead to a constant battle with urinary tract infections. Any complications from either primary or secondary symptoms cause tertiary symptoms. These generally come in the form of vocational, social, or psychological problems, such as depression.

All symptoms are caused by the damage done to the outer sheath of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. In people with MS, the immune system attacks nerve cells and causes what is known as demyelination.

Progressive Signs of MS to be Aware of

Less common signs of MS can include cognitive difficulties, slurred speech, a lack of coordination, and a sudden onset of paralysis. Besides any number of symptoms already mentioned, the severity of each one varies between individuals. The more the disease progresses, the longer the symptoms last and sometimes they increase in intensity too.

Signs the disease has moved on to a more advanced stage include changes in thinking, sexual disturbances, and intolerance to heat. The amount of fatigue felt can also increase, even after a restful night of sleep. People with MS state that feeling tired has nothing to do with the amount of physical activity they partake in, which can be extremely frustrating. Muscle spasms can become so severe that they are to the point of being debilitating.

Thinking can become impaired enough that people with advanced forms of MS find it difficult to carry out daily tasks and unable to live solely on their own. Fortunately, these extreme cases of impaired thinking only occur in about 10 percent of the MS population. Breathing problems and seizures are two rare MS characteristics experienced by some MS patients. Most Multiple Sclerosis characteristics are able to be managed through physical and drug therapies that have been approved over the years.

Orange ribbons adorn backpacks, hats, purses, shirts, vests, and anything else they can be pinned upon. These orange-hued items are Multiple Sclerosis ribbons. MS ribbons are worn by those who wish to show they are supportive of the MS community. People gather these special ribbons and pass them out to friends and family members to promote awareness of this debilitating disease.

Creating awareness of MS and sharing knowledge of the disease with others helps everyone learn of ways to help those in need. People with MS face a number of challenges during their lifetime. Daily tasks can become exhausting, a career might need to be set on the back burner due to a decrease in mobility, and sometimes staying at home is a hazard in itself. Life with MS can be smooth for a time, but there are plenty of bumpy sessions, especially as the disease progresses.

As the public knowledge of Multiple Sclerosis increases, the funding for MS research and to aid MS organizations in supporting services and programs for people with MS also grows. The more money these non-profit organizations are able to obtain, the better they can provide for the MS community. Purchasing small orange ribbons to show support for MS research is a small step, but an important one anyone can take.

Additional Ways to Show Support for MS Awareness

Bicycling and walking events are hosted around the nation to raise money for MS projects. Communities all over can start their own fundraising event by contacting the nearest MS chapter and making the event public. There’s no limit to what type of fundraising activity is has to be. People have had guest lecturers on MS for the community to learn more about the disease, cookouts, carnivals, bake sales, and concerts. Kids even enjoy getting involved. They have organized car washes and plant sales, just to name a couple of kid-organized activities.

If biking or walking a specific distance seems intriguing, the National MS society has a map of the United States where cities hosting one or both of these types of events are marked on it. Clicking on a particular region of the US leads you to a new map of cities from which to choose from. Once the city is clicked on, details about the event are provided. Multiple Sclerosis ribbons are often handed out at these events as well as bright orange t-shirts for volunteers and participants. So, pass out those MS ribbons and get involved.