Benign MS cant be identified at the time of initial diagnosis; it can take as long as 15 years to diagnose. The course of MS is unpredictable, and having benign MS doesnt mean that it cant progress into a more severe form of MS.

Can MS go undetected for years?

“MS is diagnosed most commonly in the ages between 20 and 50. It can occur in children and teens, and those older than 50,” said Smith. “But it can go unrecognized for years.” Added Rahn, “The incidence of MS in the United States according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society is over 1 million people.

Can you have mild MS all your life?

Its a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild. In many cases, its possible to treat symptoms. Average life expectancy is slightly reduced for people with MS. Its most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, although it can develop at any age.

How long can you have MS before it is diagnosed?

Signs of MS may start five years before diagnosis.

What is the mildest form of MS?

Theres no cure for multiple sclerosis, but benign MS is the mildest form of the condition.

What does MS leg pain feel like?

This pain is described as constant, boring, burning or tingling intensely. It often occurs in the legs. Paraesthesia types include pins and needles, tingling, shivering, burning pains, feelings of pressure, and areas of skin with heightened sensitivity to touch.

What does MS tingling feel like?

For some people, the tingling sensations of MS are similar to those a person experiences when a foot or hand “falls asleep.” Others report more intense sensations, such as squeezing or burning. It is common for people to report bands of tingling.

How do I know if my MS is progressing?

A majority of people with MS have some form of bladder dysfunction, including frequent urination (especially at night) or incontinence (inability to “hold it in”). Others have constipation or lose control of their bowels. If these symptoms become frequent, thats a sign your MS has progressed.

Is MS worse than lupus?

Yet there are differences as well. In general, lupus does more generalized damage to your body than MS, which primarily damages the nervous system.

Does MS make your legs ache?

Neurogenic pain is the most common and distressing of the pain syndromes in MS. This pain is described as constant, boring, burning or tingling intensely. It often occurs in the legs.

Does MS show up in blood work?

While there is no definitive blood test for MS, blood tests can rule out other conditions that cause symptoms similar to those of MS, including lupus erythematosis, Sjogrens, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, some infections, and rare hereditary diseases.

Is MS linked to lupus?

While its unlikely to have both MS and lupus, its common for someone with MS to be incorrectly diagnosed with lupus because these diseases share common symptoms. Aside from lupus, MS actually has several other “mimic” conditions, including Lyme disease.

What does MS feel like in legs?

The weakness can make your legs feel heavy, as if they are being weighed down by something. They may also ache and hurt. Some people with MS describe it as like having bags of sand attached to their legs. This muscle weakness combined with MS fatigue can be upsetting.