What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is a sometimes debilitating disease that affects your central nervous system (spinal cord and brain). When you have the disease, your immune system attacks nerve fiber coverings, which can damage nerves and lead to unpleasant symptoms. There’s no cure for MS, but treatment can help you better manage symptoms.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Common signs and symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis include:

• Numbness and weakness

• Muscle stiffness or spasms

• Electric shock sensations

• Tremors

• An unsteady gait

• Complete or partial vision loss

• Blurry or double vision

• Fatigue 

• Dizziness

• Slurred speech

• Tingling

• Sexual problems

• Bowel or bladder issues

Symptoms of MS vary from person to person. Complications that can develop without treatment include depression, epilepsy, cognitive changes, and even paralysis.

What are the risk factors for MS?

While anybody can develop multiple sclerosis, certain factors increase your risk. Examples include smoking, being a woman, a family history of MS, infections, low vitamin D levels, and having an autoimmune disease like thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease. 

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

To diagnose multiple sclerosis, your provider reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and completes a physical evaluation. 

While there are no specific tests for multiple sclerosis, your doctor might recommend you undergo diagnostic testing procedures to rule out other conditions. They may suggest a blood test, an MRI, other brain imaging scans, or a spinal tap.

How does medical marijuana help with MS?

If you have multiple sclerosis, you might be a good candidate for medical cannabis as part of your treatment plan. Cannabis can reduce the following symptoms associated with MS:

• Spasticity

• Pain

• Urinary frequency

It may also improve your balance, cognition, and posture.

Texas THC Doctor is part of the Texas Compassionate Use Program for medical cannabis. The expert medical team is registered through the Texas Compassionate Use Registry, allowing them to legally prescribe medical cannabis and CBD for MS to you if you qualify for it. 

Providers work with you to customize each treatment, monitor your progress, and make changes to treatment plans as needed to give you the best outcome. You might also take medications or undergo physical therapy. Texas THC Doctor takes an integrative, functional, innovative approach to care.

If you or someone you love has multiple sclerosis and desires the symptom relief marijuana can offer, complete the intake form online now to see if you qualify. You can then make a telehealth appointment online or over the phone with Texas THC Doctor.