Multiple Sclerosis Specialist
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North Texas Neurology & Neuropathy
Devanshi Gupta, MD
Neurology & Neuropathy located in Allen, TX
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects more than two million people worldwide. Devanshi Gupta, MD, FAAN, FAANEM, of North Texas Neurology & Neuropathy in Allen, Texas, specializes in neurology and several other subspecialties of Neurology. She helps adult patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis and other neurological and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Gupta is an expert at diagnosing and treating a variety of chronic conditions to help individuals get long-term relief from symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online.
Multiple Sclerosis Q & A
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often unpredictable condition in which your immune system incorrectly attacks healthy tissue in your central nervous system (CNS).
This potentially disabling disease attacks the protective covering of the nerve fibers in your spinal cord and brain, causing communication problems between your brain and other parts of your body. As MS progresses, it causes your nerves to deteriorate or become damaged permanently.
Many treatment options are now available for MS and an early diagnosis greatly helps improve disability and quality of life
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Symptoms of this debilitating disease vary from person to person. For those who incur severe nerve damage, they may lose the ability to walk; for others, the disease goes into remission for long periods at a time. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Trouble walking
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness or weakness in your arms and legs
- Double vision or loss of vision in one eye
- Eye pain
- Pain, tingling, and shock-like sensations throughout your body and in your neck
These symptoms may also be an indication of another disease called neuromyelitis optica (NMO), as the disease often mimics multiple sclerosis. Dr. Gupta specializes in distinguishing between these neurological disorders so she can provide the most effective treatment for your symptoms.
What is neuromyelitis optica?
NMO is very similar to multiple sclerosis in that they’re both autoimmune disorders that attack the nerves in your spinal cord and brain. The biggest difference is that NMO primarily attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord. Symptoms are also more severe after an NMO flare-up than after an MS attack.
NMO typically affects your optic nerve and spinal cord at the early onset of the disease, and each occurrence of symptoms produces a cumulative effect. If misdiagnosed or left untreated, NMO can result in severe, irreversible consequences. Early, expert diagnosis is essential to treat this potentially devastating condition.
Dr. Gupta is an expert at evaluating your symptoms using neurological testing and other diagnostic tests to determine the extent of your condition and nerve damage. She focuses her treatment protocol on reducing your symptoms and improving your daily living for long-term disease management.
If you experience the symptoms of MS or NMO, it’s important to seek medical attention. Call the office or schedule a consultation online.
