Newly Diagnosed
Invisible Symptoms Links Feature
In this Links Feature we bring together handpicked UK and Ireland specific links to news and resources on invisible symptoms. These are symptoms that affect your day to day life but are not necessarily visible symptoms. These include:
Each website listed here has been chosen and reviewed to save you valuable surfing time. To be eligible for a link, sites must be evidence-based, unbiased and non-promotional; we regularly revisit them to check that our review is still current and that they still comply with these rules. We are not responsible for the content of external sites. Please read our legal disclaimer.
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are always appreciated.
Cognitive Problems
Can MS Affect My Memory and Thinking?
Not everyone who has Multiple Sclerosis will have problems with memory or cognition but mild
difficulties are common. This area of the MS Society’s website offers information about the
problems and tips on how to cope with them.
In this webcast, from the website Healthtalk.com, they look at the most common cognitive
problems, the tests used to see if a person has these problems, the drugs and other treatments used
to treat them. The talk is held with two neurologists who offer advice on how to explain
cognitive problems to family and friends.
This article is written in the format of questions and answers to a
neuropsychologist. The areas covered are how MS affects people’s cognition, diagnosing
problems and how these difficulties are due to MS. A very interesting article that brings
both theory and real life examples together.
Up to 70% of people with MS can suffer from some slight cognitive problems at some point during
the course of the disease. The most common problems are abstraction, memory and attention
loss and difficulty word finding. This interesting article from the Multiple Sclerosis
International Federation looks at living with these cognitive problems. It offers strategies
to help on a day-to-day basis, such as making lists or even using a personal organiser.
MS in Focus - Emotions and Cognition
In this issue of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation’s twice yearly magazine they
look at how emotions and cognition are affected by MS. There are several articles covering a
wide variety of topics including an explanation of emotional and cognitive issues, understanding
cognitive changes, and day-to-day living with cognitive problems. An issue well worth
reading.
A very interesting article that explains cognitive dysfunction in terms of what it is, how it affects the brain and the different types of MS and the people who live with it. There are also details on some recent studies. It also looks at specific cognitive problems and strategies to overcome cognitive dysfunction. An interesting read.
Menstrual Cycle
MS Symptoms and the Menstrual Cycle
An article that examines a study carried out at the MS Research unit at Ninewells Hospital in
Dundee. There are details on the study and its findings. Its main conclusion was that
women with MS may experience a worsening of their symptoms during the days leading up to their
monthly period.
Menstrual Cycle and the Menopause
This article from the American MS Society examines two small studies that look at the impact of
symptoms during the menstrual cycle and post menopause. It gives details on the studies
carried out and lists some symptoms experienced.
Visual Problems
This short article from the MS Society Ireland website examines what visual loss actually
means. It also gives tips on how to live with visual loss. For example, it suggests
using dots of fluorescent paint on the dials of stoves, kettles or even a thermostat so they are
easier to spot.
This is one of the MS Essential booklets from the MS Society. It provides comprehensive
information on all visual problems. This includes double vision, optic neuritis, low vision
and involuntary eye movements. Information on each visual problem is given and tips on how to
live with it. Well worth reading. It is also available on audio tape or CD.
This article is an extract from the MS Society’s magazine MS Matters. It looks at three
common vision problems for people with MS. It gives a short explanation on each problem and
how they are treated. Most of the article, however, focuses on how to live with these
problems, and directs people to sources of information and support.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind offers help and support for people living with sight
loss.
Fatigue
This is one of the MS Society’s excellent ‘Essentials’ booklets. It focuses on fatigue and
describes techniques to help manage the symptom.
This article looks at fatigue management on a day to day basis. It covers what fatigue is,
how it is exacerbated, and gives six recommendations and offers further tips and advice.
An information sheet from the MS Society in Ireland about fatigue. There is a full
explanation of the different types of fatigue including primary and secondary, how these are
treated and how to get a good night’s sleep. It offers useful information and good advice.
As part of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation’s website this section on fatigue
offers a wealth of information and articles. There is an introduction to fatigue, printed
material available and articles from around the world.
This is a summary of Professor Giancarlo Comi’s presentation at the 2004 MS Society’s annual
research conference. He discussed how researchers are trying to find the cause of
fatigue. There is an opportunity to read his basic findings or download his whole
presentation.
There are steps that you can take that may help to control your fatigue. This article
looks at some of these steps and offers further tips and advice. These include how to
regulate energy and stress levels and how your diet can affect your fatigue.
In this first issue of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation’s twice yearly magazine they look at fatigue. There are several articles covering a wide variety of topics including an explanation of fatigue problems, managing everyday life, questions and answers and treatments for fatigue.
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The information and reference materials contained in this page are intended solely for the information of the reader. They should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. MSActiveSource.co.uk (maintained by Vision360 Limited) does not control or edit these pages and can therefore not assume responsibility for their content. All visitors to the site agree to read and abide by the complete terms of the legal disclaimer.