Symptom 3: Altered Sensations
One common, yet often perplexing, symptom of tumefactive MS is altered sensations. These can manifest as numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in various parts of the body. Altered sensations can vary greatly in their intensity and location and can sometimes cause discomfort or disrupt daily activities.
Altered sensations occur when MS damages the nerve fibers in the central nervous system, disrupting the normal flow of sensory information from the body to the brain. This disruption can lead to these abnormal sensory experiences, which can be sporadic or persistent, depending on the extent of the nerve damage.
Signs of altered sensations can be subtle initially, such as a mild tingling sensation in the fingertips or toes, or a numb patch on the skin. As MS progresses, these sensations can become more widespread or intense. Noticing these changes and discussing them with a healthcare provider can facilitate early intervention and symptom management.
Treatment for altered sensations in tumefactive MS primarily involves managing the underlying disease process with disease-modifying therapies. For symptom management, medications like neuropathic pain agents or corticosteroids can be used. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may also provide relief for some individuals.(3)
