Multiple Sclerosis: Shedding Light on a Silent Struggle
Meet Rhees, a 33-year-old woman whose life was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected symptom. One random Sunday evening, while having dinner with her family, she noticed numbness in her left hand. She casually mentioned it to her partner and, like many of us, brushed it off—after all, everyone experiences vague symptoms from time to time, right?
Rhees is a busy mother of three toddlers, juggling the demands of family life alongside a full-time 9-to-5 job. As weeks passed, she began feeling an overwhelming fatigue. At first, she attributed it to the stress and exhaustion of balancing work and motherhood. However, when her vision started becoming blurry, she decided it was time to see her general practitioner.
Her doctor described her symptoms as “non-specific” and ordered several tests to explore the cause. Most of the results came back normal, but then came the unexpected call inviting her for a follow-up appointment. Sitting in the consultation room, Rhees heard words she never anticipated: “According to your test results, you have a condition called Multiple Sclerosis.” Though she had heard about it before—mostly from strangers on the internet—she had always assumed it was rare and distant, something that wouldn’t affect her. The diagnosis was shocking and surreal. Suddenly, this condition she barely understood had become her reality.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the communication between the brain, spinal cord and the body. Nerves are protected by a covering called myelin, which helps messages travel quickly between your brain and body. In MS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks this protective covering, causing communication between the brain and body to slow down or get disrupted.
It presents in various forms. Some of the symptoms include persistent fatigue, numbness or tingling sensations, muscle weakness, muscle spasms/stiffness, mobility issues, blurred vision, double vision, difficulties with coordination and balance, memory problems, issues with bladder and bowel function, amongst others.
The exact cause of this condition is not known; however, there is an interplay between genetic, environmental, and immune system abnormalities. Women between the ages of 20 and 40 are more commonly affected.
Diagnosis is based on performing neurological examinations as well as performing investigations such as blood tests, lumbar puncture and MRI scan to detect lesions.
Currently, there is no cure for MS; however, there are treatments aimed at slowing the progression and reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Treatments to target symptoms such as lifestyle changes - eating a healthy diet, exercise, managing stress etc. as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, amongst others are all available to help cope better with different ways the disease presents.
Rhees’s story highlights a vital message – DO NOT IGNORE YOUR BODY’S SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS. Signs like unexplained fatigue, numbness, or visual disturbances should never be dismissed. Seeking medical attention promptly can lead to earlier diagnosis and a more positive long-term outcome.
Remember! A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis is not the end of the road. With awareness, support, and appropriate treatments, individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis can live full and meaningful lives.
Edna Mensah
