Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild such as numbness in the limbs or severe -- paralysis or loss of vision. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can be lifelong. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. Today over 2,500,000 people around the world have MS. MS is the result of damage to myelin - a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body Symptoms vary widely and include blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling sensations, unsteadiness and fatigue. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.
Quick Facts
MS is a progressive disease of the nervous system, for which there is no cure. An estimated 2,500,000 people in the world have MS. More women than men have MS, with a ratio of 2 men to 3 women affected. MS is the most common diseases of the central nervous system in young adults. There are four types of MS: benign, relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive. Sclerosis means scars, these are the plaques or lesions in the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the protective myelin covering of the nerve fibres in the central nervous system is damaged. Inflammation and ultimate loss of myelin causes disruption to nerve transmission and affects many functions of the body. While the exact cause of MS is not known, much is known about its effect on immune system function which may be the ultimate cause of the disease. MS is not directly hereditary, although genetic susceptibility plays a part in its development. MS is not contagious. Diagnosis of MS is generally between 20 and 40 years of age, although onset may be earlier. MS is rarely diagnosed under 12 and over 55 years of age. Life span is not significantly affected by MS. There are a wide range of symptoms. Fatigue is one of the most common. The incidence of MS increases in countries further from the equator. There is no drug that can cure MS, but treatments are now available which can modify the course of the disease. Many of the symptoms of MS can be successfully managed and treated.
Causes of MS
The cause of multiple sclerosis is not yet known, but thousands of researchers all over the world are meticulously putting the pieces of this complicated puzzle together. The damage to myelin in MS may be due to an abnormal response of the body's immune system, which normally defends the body against invading organisms (bacteria and viruses). Many of the characteristics of MS suggest an 'auto-immune' disease whereby the body attacks its own cells and tissues, which in the case of MS is myelin. Researchers do not know what triggers the immune system to attack myelin, but it is thought to be a combination of several factors. One theory is that a virus, possibly lying dormant in the body, may play a major role in the development of the disease and may disturb the immune system or indirectly instigate the auto-immune process. A great deal of research has taken place in trying to identify an MS virus. It is probable that there is no one MS virus, but that a common virus, such as measles or herpes, may act as a trigger for MS. This trigger activates white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the blood stream, which enter the brain by making vulnerable the brain's defence mechanisms (i.e. the blood/brain barrier). Once inside the brain these cells activate other elements of the immune system in such a way that they attack and destroy myelin.
Symptoms of MS
Multiple sclerosis is a very variable condition and the symptoms depend on which areas of the central nervous system have been affected. There is no set pattern to MS and everyone with MS has a different set of symptoms, which vary from time to time and can change in severity and duration, even in the same person. There is no typical MS. Most people with MS will experience more than one symptom, and though there are symptoms common to many people, no person would have all of them. The systems commonly affected include: Visual disturbances blurring of vision double vision (diplopia) optic neuritis involuntary rapid eye movement (rarely) total loss of sight Balance & co-ordination problems loss of balance tremor unstable walking (ataxia) giddiness (vertigo) clumsiness of a limb lack of co-ordination weakness: this can particularly affect the legs and walking Spasticity altered muscle tone can and muscle stiffness can affect mobility and walking spasms Altered sensation tingling ‘pins and needles’ numbness (paraesthesia) burning sensations pain may be associated with MS, e.g. facial pain, (such as trigeminal neuralgia), and muscle pains Abnormal speech slowing of speech slurring of words changes in rhythm of speech difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) Fatigue a debilitating kind of general fatigue which is unpredictable or out of proportion to the activity. Fatigue is one of the most common (and one of the most troubling) symptoms of MS Bladder & bowel problems Bladder problems include the need to pass water frequently and/or urgently, incomplete emptying or emptying at inappropriate times. Bowel problems include constipation and, infrequently, loss of bowel control Sexuality & intimacy impotence diminished arousal loss of sensation Sensitivity to heat this symptom very commonly causes a transient worsening of symptoms Cognitive & emotional disturbances loss of short term memory loss of concentration, judgment or reasoning Whilst some of these symptoms are immediately obvious, others such as fatigue, altered sensation, memory and concentration problems are often hidden symptoms. These can be difficult to describe to others and sometimes family and carers do not appreciate the effects these have on the person with MS and on employment, social activities and quality of life.
Addtional Multiple Sclerosis Inforamtion on the Web
North Carolina Chapters of Mutliple Sclerosis
The following section addresses caregivers needs and feelings.
What factors are most important in my role as caregiver? If you have a
spouse, parent or other family member with MS, the disease will naturally affect
your lifestyle. Daily life, vacations, extracurricular activities and financial
decisions may need to be altered. There are many ways for you to offer support
to your loved one: Be understanding about invisible symptoms: Many symptoms of MS, such as
fatigue and vision problems are not apparent to others, but they can be
debilitating. It is easy for family members to dismiss the problems since they
cannot be observed. Foster open communication: If you are the spouse of an MS
patient, make sure that everyone in the family is educated about the disease.
Children of MS patients can gain peace of mind through knowledge. Cope with
caregiver issues: Family members often experience frustration, impatience and
sometimes anger. Recognize these feelings are natural, and if necessary, seek
counsel on finding productive ways to manage them.
Encourage a healthy diet and daily exercise: Join your loved one in an
exercise and healthy-eating plan. Your body will benefit too. Learn about MS and
meet with the neurologist. Visiting the doctor with your loved one can help you
understand what is happening. Plus, when you visit the doctor it is always
helpful to have a second set of ears. Make sure the house is safe. Looking out
for obstacles and dangerous situations can help prevent an accident.
How can I cope with my stress? Caring for a loved one with MS can present a challenge to your mental and
physical strength. First and foremost, to be an effective caregiver, you need to
take care of yourself.
Remember to take issues one day at a time. Make sure to schedule independent
activities for yourself. Enlist other family members to help.
Stay flexible and know you can't always control the outcome of situations
Keep in touch with your social circle.
Talk to the family doctor or social worker about your feelings Take vacations
when necessary.
Taking an active role in a loved one's treatment and rehabilitation can
improve your frame of mind and offer emotional support to the MS patient.