What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord. The condition occurs when the immune system cells that typically protect us from viruses, bacteria, etc. mistakenly attack cells in the myelin, which is the protective sheath that surrounds nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Damage to the myelin sheath leads to disruptions in the transmission of nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the body, leading to symptoms affecting the brain, spinal cord, and eyes.
Population with Multiple Sclerosis
A total of 2.8 million people are estimated to live with MS worldwide (35.9 per 100,000 population), with a 2019 study confirming that nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the U.S., more than twice the previous estimate. MS is far more common in countries with temperature climates, including Canada, the northern United States, New Zealand, southeastern Australia, and Europe. MS can affect anyone, but it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are more likely to develop MS than men, with a recent study showing that MS is 3 times more common in those assigned female at birth than male. Ethnicity, geographical location, as well as genetic & environmental factors influence prevalence.
Signs and Symptoms
Depending on the location of affected nerve fibers MS signs and symptoms may vary widely between individuals and over the course of the disease. Common symptoms include vision problems such as blurred or double vision, muscle weakness & muscle stiffness accompanied by painful muscle spasms, numbness or tingling, loss of coordination and balance, dizziness, fatigue, unsteady gait or inability to walk, bladder control problems, cognitive impairment which is a decline in the ability to think quickly and clearly and to remember easily- affects up to 75 percent of people with MS, and mood disturbances. There are four main types of multiple sclerosis, each defined by how far the disease has progressed. The most common type of MS is relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), which affects approximately 85% of people with MS at the time of diagnosis, secondary – progressive MS (SPMS), primary-progressive MS (PPMS), and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Determining the type of MS you have is significant as it can serve as a guide in making treatment decisions.
Causes and Treatment
The exact cause why MS developed in some individuals and not others is unknown, but it appears to involve a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes may predispose individuals to develop MS, a gene on chromosome 6p21 has been found to be associated with multiple sclerosis. Other potential factors that may trigger MS include having one or more family member or relative who also have MS, if you have other autoimmune disorders, being exposed to certain infections, your geographical location, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and obesity.
Diagnosing MS is a complex process, with no single test used to verify diagnosis. In addition, to a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s complete medical history, physical examination, and a neurological examination a doctor may recommend blood tests, imaging tests such as an MRI, a lumbar puncture, and evoked potential tests. This disease is confirmed when symptoms and signs develop and are related to different parts of the nervous system at more than one interval and after other alternative diagnoses have been excluded.
While currently there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, various treatments and management strategies are available to help individuals manage their symptoms, accelerate recovery from attacks, reduce new radiographic and clinical relapses, slow down disease progression, and improve their quality of life. Injectable, oral & infusion medications, disease modifying therapies, treatments for MS attacks such as corticosteroids steroids or plasma exchange are normally prescribed to manage symptoms being experienced, reduce the severity and frequency of relapses, and delay disability progression. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can assist individuals in maintaining function and the independence to lead productive lives. Complementary or alternative therapies such as acupuncture, aroma therapy, physical movement disciplines including yoga & tai chi, biofeedback etc. may benefit people with MS. Additionally, lifestyle and home remedies for example regular exercise, adequate rest, avoiding exposure to heat, stress management, and eating a balanced diet are vital in helping to relieve the sign and symptoms of MS.
Living with Multiple
Sclerosis
The outlook for individuals with MS is highly individualized and can vary widely depending upon numerous factors. Those factors can include the type of MS, the severity of symptoms, response to treatment, and an individual’s overall health status. There are individuals with MS who can lead gratifying lives with minimal disability, while others may experience more serious symptoms and disability progression. With ongoing advancements in research and treatment, although researchers have not been able to identify the cause of MS with any certainty, there has been excellent progress in other areas of MS research- especially in the development of new treatments to prevent exacerbations of the disease. New discoveries are constantly changing MS treatment options and helping to reduce MS- related disability. This shows a lot of promise for the MS community, with the hopes of ultimately finding a cure for this complex condition.
Disability Benefits
Social Security disability benefits are available for individuals who have MS if specific criteria is met. They must be experiencing motor function issues as well as physical limitations plus cognitive issues that make it difficult for them to maintain steady and meaningful employment. There are two types of disability benefits that can be used by someone who has MS, short-term and long-term disability which help ease the financial burden of not being able to work. To learn if you qualify for disability services reach out your local social security benefits office.
Resources
Apply Online for Social Security Disability Benefits (ssa.gov)
Home | National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org)
