When was the last time that you changed your brand or type of contact lens? If you have been using the same brand and type of contact lenses for several years, it may be time for you to learn about the newer versions that are on the market today. You may find that there is no longer the need to struggle with putting your lenses in each day, cleaning them, and messing around with those little storage containers. Extended wear contact lenses may be an option for you like they are for me. After being told five years ago that I could not wear extended wear lenses, the design of them have changed and I now wear them for an entire week before removing them! Learn more about the various contact lenses on the market today to help yourself, find some that are perfectly comfortable and less of an inconvenience!
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be an incredibly debilitating disease. It can cause progressive paralysis, vision problems, and cognitive decline. However, many patients are able to avoid these more severe symptoms if they are diagnosed early and receive the appropriate care. So no matter who you are and what you perceive your risk of MS to be, you should be on the lookout for these early signs of MS that indicate you should see a neurological specialist.
Tingling in the hands
If your thumb, fingers, or entire hand sometimes feels tingly, this could be an early sign of multiple sclerosis. It is of course possible that you're dealing with a less serious condition like carpal tunnel syndrome or a pinched nerve, but you should never make this assumption until you consult with a neurologist.
Stiff muscles and joints
Have you been feeling excessively stiff, especially when you first get out of bed in the morning? If this symptom only lasts a few days and comes after an increase in physical activity, then there's really no reason to be concerned. However, if the stiffness occurs for more than a few days in a row, or it seems to appear even after you've been pretty inactive, it could be a sign of MS. What you're experiencing may not actually be stiffness, but rather a difficulty of your nerves to communicate with the muscles you're trying to use.
Weakness and fatigue
When diagnosed with MS, many patients look back on the past year or months and realize that they have not felt "normal" in a long time. General fatigue and weakness can have many explanations, and MS is one possible explanation that your neurologist should look into.
Clumsiness
It's not normal to suddenly become clumsy and awkward. If you've started to bump into things a lot, drop items on the ground, or struggle to hold onto items that people hand to you, this is a sign of clumsiness that could be due to MS. Sometimes friends and family members notice clumsiness before the patient. So if your loved ones have been making remarks such as "you're getting so clumsy" that's a reason to see a neurologist.
Don't wait for more serious symptoms like vision loss and trembling. If you notice any of the signs above, contact a neurologist and get tested for MS. The earlier you find out what's wrong, the sooner you can receive treatment.
Make an appointment with a neurology center, such as North Texas Neuroscience Center PA, for more information.
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