Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that was described as far back as 1868. It is one of the major causes of disabilities in adults under the age of 65. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world; an estimated 90,000 Canadians have MS, with over 4000 new cases of MS diagnosed every year – an average of 12 new cases diagnosed every day.
Women are more than 3 times as likely as men to develop MS. Symptoms usually first show up in people between 20 and 49 years of age but can appear as early as 2 years of age. MS appears to be more common in people of northern European background. No one yet knows what causes MS.
The symptoms of MS appear when the body's immune system begins to break down the myelin sheath that protects nerve cell fibres. Myelin is wrapped around these fibres like insulation around electrical wiring. When this protective sheath is damaged, nerve impulses from the brain to the muscles can no longer be effectively transmitted.
Symptoms can range from very mild and barely noticeable to debilitating, depending on the location of the damage – known as lesions or plaques – and its ability to heal or develop scars. Because the damage can be so varied and can come and go, diagnosis isn't always easy.
There are four main types of MS:
- clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): a single episode where the person experiences neurological symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis. Experiencing multiple CIS events can lead to relapsing-remitting MS
- relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): the most common form of MS, which involves "flareups" where symptoms get worse, followed by "remissions" where symptoms decrease or disappear
- primary progressive MS (PPMS): this type of MS develops slowly but continuously and gets worse over time
- secondary progressive MS (SPMS): this type of MS starts out like RRMS, but then steadily gets worse over time
Some symptoms of MS include:
- altered sensation (tingling, numbness, or a burning feeling in a part of the body)
- difficulty controlling bladder or bowels
- double vision
- fatigue
- lack of coordination
- muscle spasticity (tightness or stiffness)
- slurred speech
- tremors
- weakness
There's no definitive way to test for MS, though many neurologists may make a diagnosis after someone experiences an "attack" of symptoms and if an MRI scan shows damage suggestive of MS.
Still, certain types of tests can be done to rule out other neurological disorders or to look for signs of the disorder in the brain (usually lesions). Your doctor may order investigations to check how quickly impulses travel along the nerve fibres, use MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) to look for affected areas, do a test to measure the speed of your nerve impulses or even do a spinal tap to rule out other diseases.
MS isn't fatal for most people stricken with the disease. Most people with MS can expect to live a normal or near-normal lifespan. This is because there have been many improvements made in the treatment of MS and the complications that may arise from it.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Multiple-Sclerosis
Life with a chronic illness like MS involves learning how to manage the symptoms while adapting your lifestyle to accommodate them. Some daily activities can stay the same, while others may need to be changed or replaced due to physical limitations (for example, degree of fatigue or mobility).
A diagnosis of MS can seem devastating, but with the help of your health care team, you can continue to live a fulfilling life by making a few adjustments.
Here are some strategies that can go a long way towards easing the effects of MS:
- Lower your stress level. Anxiety and tension seem to make MS symptoms worse, so stress management is often recommended. This can mean job changes, counselling, yoga, or anything that helps you relax.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating well helps you maintain good body function and provides the vitamins and nutrients we all need to help fight off infections. Eat a well-balanced meal as recommended by Canada's Food Guide. It is not yet confirmed, but a diet containing omega-3 oils may help in slowing down the progression of MS. Omega-3 oils can be found in oily fish such as tuna and salmon and in vegetable oils such as sunflower or soya oils.
- Get physical. Exercise has a lot of benefits: it's a stress reliever, it can firm up your muscles so that you'll maintain a good range of motion, and it increases bone density to keep osteoporosis at bay. Pool exercise is highly recommended; because water helps support your weight, there's less wear and tear on your joints.
- Keep comfortable. Summer heat is usually welcome, but people with MS can get easily overheated. Air conditioning offsets this discomfort. If air conditioning isn't available, dress lightly, take cool baths or showers, use fans, and avoid strenuous activities.
- Ask for assistance. Although friends and family are most often willing and able to lend a hand, many people with chronic illnesses don't want to feel as though they're imposing on people. No problem: outside sources like support groups and clinics can offer respite to you and your family and friends, and they can also provide support by giving you the chance to express your feelings to people who understand.
- Don't overdo it. You can still travel, go out for dinner, or see a show – but pace yourself, allowing for rests and plenty of time to enjoy the activities that make your life more fun.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Multiple-Sclerosis
As with any illness that causes physical disability, keeping the body safe can become a concern with MS. If you find you're getting weak or having problems with balance, falls or injuries such as fractures can be a worry.
Through awareness of this possibility and through taking precautions, these dangers can be minimized. The most important factor – as difficult as it might be – is to accept that these safety measures are necessary. By welcoming needed help and adapting when necessary, you can help maintain your independence for as long as possible.
Here are some ways to keep your home safer:
- Install a bench in the shower so you can sit while showering; this can prevent slipping.
- Have hand-bars installed in the bath or shower stall to help you stand and sit safely.
- Avoid placing scatter rugs around the house, especially in the bathroom, as they're a real tripping hazard.
- Don't lock the bathroom door (in case others need to get into the room if you fall).
- Use a cane or wheelchair if needed – even in the house.
Occupational therapists can offer more suggestions to make your home safer and may be able to help you get special equipment if needed. Information is also available from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Multiple-Sclerosis
While we don't yet have a cure for MS, there's a lot of breakthrough research going on worldwide. The good news is that some medications are showing very promising results.
There are currently a number of medications approved for MS in Canada that are considered disease-modifying drugs. These medications are available as injectables, oral products and as infusions. Some examples of disease-modifying therapies include immune system modulators and monoclonal antibodies.
Researchers find that these medications help some people have fewer relapses and delay the progression of their MS, especially if it's diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, none of these treatments can prevent recurring symptoms, such as fatigue and numbness. While most MS medications are used for relapsing-remitting MS, some medications are approved for primary progressive MS or secondary progressive MS.
If you're experiencing some discomfort from a relapse or attack, your doctor might prescribe steroids for a short-term treatment. They are not usually taken over a long period of time, however, because of their side effects.
Some medications that might help treat symptoms include:
- baclofen or tizanidine for muscle spasticity (stiffness)
- methylprednisolone or oral steroids (such as prednisone) for optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
- antidepressants for depression
- dimenhydrinate or ondansetron for vertigo or dizziness
There are many other experimental treatments that are being studied such as stem cell therapies and low-dose naltrexone. A person with MS may seek out newer, exploratory treatments if other medications or therapies were not effective. It’s best to speak with your doctor when considering new treatment options to get an accurate understanding of their risks and benefits.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Multiple-Sclerosis
