What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis(MS) is a disease that attacks the spinal cord and brain, causing many neurological symptoms like pain, difficulty with coordination, muscle spasms, vertigo, incontinence, tiredness, and many other symptoms that impact day-to-day life. The current belief is that MS is caused by the immune system attacking the myelin coating of nerves, resulting in nerve damage. MS affects more women than men, but people of either sex can be diagnosed with MS. There are some factors linked to the onset of MS, such as smoking, obesity, and vitamin levels, however they are not direct causes. MS cannot be inherited, but the risk of developing MS can.
MS can take several different forms, depending on how quickly it progresses and whether or not remission/relapse takes place. However, all of these forms are chronic, and there is no cure for MS, only treatments. Depending on the individual, treatment can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, immunosuppressants, or any other type of medication that treats symptoms. There are a few treatments available to the public that can alter the progression of MS, but many are still in the experimental phase. As with any nerve damaging disease, catching and treating MS in the early stages is important. However, getting an MS diagnosis may be difficult as the most common symptoms match with a multitude of other neurological disorders.
An important aid for those diagnosed with MS may be a mobility aid, since the degradation of nerves can impact coordination or cause fatigue. In this case, walking long distances, standing for long periods of time, or doing any strenuous activity may be painful. As with any chronic disease, seeking out a mental health professional may help manage some of the mental side effects of an MS diagnosis. Depression and anxiety are common, so a therapist or psychiatrist that specializes in chronic disease management could be a massive help. While MS is chronic, it is very rarely fatal and many with MS lead ordinary lives when symptoms are managed.
For more information on MS, go to the website for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/. There, you can find resources related to treatment, specialists, and support groups for those with MS.
