stress, headaches, depression and m.s.

    
      Re: stress, headaches, depression and m.s.
    


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Posted by CCF Neurology MD on September 20, 1997 at 23:11:42:

In Reply to: stress, headaches, depression and m.s. posted by sharon brown on September 19, 1997 at 20:32:17:

: I have been told that stress makes m.s. symptoms worse, and since i work in a very high pressured job I would do well to quit to lower my stress level.
  There's no question that stress tend to make my eyesight worse, particularly as i get tired, but i love what i do and at 35 and being a single parent, I can't imagine leaving my job.
  I also get a lot of migraines as well as tension headaches (migraines are complete with nausea and vomiting and are usually treated well with Imitrex shots).
  Other people I know with m.s. also seem to have more migraines than the general population - is this so? How do stress and headaches work together - if at all? I tend to think that a  certain amount of
  stress keeps me alert and helps battle the fatigue, is that not true?
  Then, there's the question of depression. I've been put on cylert and zoloft for fatigue and memory problems, as well as for depression - some say depression is a chicken and egg question for people with m.s. - that it is as much
  a symptom as a result of the disease - is this true?
  There's no doubt in my mind that the combination of baclofen, zanaflex and diazepam that i take for spasticity must also influence my emotional health - so it seems like a dilemma.
  My doctor assures me all these medications are needed - so I take them - but sometimes i wonder what would happen if i just stopped taking everything cold turkey - maybe the fatigue would lighten, making the depression and stress lessen as well - what do you think?
  I suppose I am at a point where I need to figure out some sort of action to take, but, living in a small town and having limited resources, my options appear to be severely limited.
  Any suggestions? Thanks
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Dear Sharon:
I do not think I can manage to answer the multitude of questions you ask. They are best directed to your regular doctor or neurologist.
In case you live near Cleveland and desire a second opinion, you are welcome to see any of the neurologists at the Mellen Center. The Mellen center is an institution devoted to multifaceted care of MS patients, and is affiliated to the Cleveland Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling [phone].