| A common symptom of multiple sclerosis is some form of
muscular paralysis.
The term, 'paralysis', understandably tends to strike fear into the
heart of anyone who has to face up to the possibility that one day they
may have to face it.
Paralysis is more accurately described as 'paresis', which
is the medical term meaning partial or mild paralysis, usually referring
to muscle weakness.Paresis in one leg is known as monoparesis, while in both
legs it is called paraparesis.
If the paresis involves one side of the body only, it is
known as hemiparesis. If it involves all four limbs it
is called quadraparesis.While some form of paresis is common in multiple sclerosis at some
stage of the disease, it is by no means certain who will develop
it, or to what extent the paresis will affect them.
Worrying
about the 'what-if's' is an exercise in futility.
While it is common for some muscle weakness to develop, it can be
years before there is any significant impact, if at all.
Make the best of what you have now. If you get better, it's a huge
bonus. If you are unfortunate enough to get worse, at least you have
the benefit of knowing you made the best of things when you had the
chance!
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