What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis is
a disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS); this
includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. These organs
control the movements and functions of the entire body. When the
brain sends and receives signals, the spinal cord funnels them in
and out, to and from different parts of the body through network of
nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the Central
Nervous System is a soft, white, fatty tissue called myelin, which
helps nerve fibers conduct signals to the body.
In multiple
sclerosis, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue
called sclerosis. The damaged myelin and its process (known as
Demyelization) will not allow the flow of signals to and from the
Central Nervous System to the rest of the body, impairing functions
such as vision, strength, or coordination. Here is why symptoms
appear.
 
Multiple Sclerosis
affects individuals in different ways. Some people may have mild
symptoms that may not have much impact on their everyday lives,
while others may experience more severe symptoms that can disable a
person within days, months or years. Other people usually experience
MS between these courses. These courses, (known as relapses, flares,
or exacerbations) of MS include a series of attacks that cause
symptoms. These symptoms can come and go, partially, or completely,
and may last days or weeks. They can be described in four courses:
1) Relapsing-Remitting MS
Characteristics: Occurs early in MS course. Sharp and unpredictable
attacks can appear and/or develop over several days to weeks.
Symptoms worsen with recovery or no recovery.
2) Primary Progressive MS
Characteristics: Most common type of MS course for those who are
diagnosed after 40. Progression of disability is slow, but steady.
Relapses may not be apparent.
3) Secondary Progressive MS
Characteristics: May occur shortly after onset of MS, or may occur
years later. Disease steadily worsens.
4) Progressive Relapsing MS
Characteristics: Relatively rare. Periods between continuing disease
progression with sharp attacks occur. Recovery or no recovery may
occur.
Symptoms
of MS
Common symptoms of MS
that most people experience include, but are not limited to:
Fatigue Burning/painful sensations
Weakness
Vertigo
Depression Impaired sensation
Mood
swings Sensitivity
to heat
Tingliness
Spacity
Balance
problems Involuntary
rapid eye movement
Coordination
problems Cognitive problems
Numbness
Tremor
Bladder
problems Memory problems
Bowel
problems Slurred
speech
Muscle
stiffness Vision loss
Difficulty
urinating Paralysis
Some
Frequently Asked Questions
What
causes MS?
Causes of MS are
unknown. Research shows that genetic factors and environmental
factors play a vital role. Although, no evidence exists that MS is
directly inherited, the risk of MS is significantly higher when
someone in your family is living with MS. The closer the relative,
and the more similar your genes are, the higher your risk. MS is
also seen most frequently in geographic locations with cool
latitudes. As latitude increases, MS becomes most common.
Who
Gets MS?
Anyone may develop
MS. There are about 400,000 to 500,000 people in the United States
who are known to be diagnosed with MS, with approximately 200 newly
diagnosed cases per week. Many people do not know they have MS,
until symptoms appear, and generally worsen, or until the diagnosis
is evaluated by a neurologist. It is important to be aware of
physical and mental changes.
MS
does not discriminate on the basis of racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Familia Unida Living with Multiple Sclerosis provides resources and
information that is culturally sensitive meeting
the needs of our respective diverse communities.
MS rarely strikes before age ten or after age fifty and symptoms
generally appear between the ages of twenty and forty. Women develop
MS at a rate almost double than that of men.
Is MS contagious or fatal?
MS is NOT contagious
or fatal. MS can not be passed on by touching, kissing, and other
forms. Some cases have shown extreme complications existing that can
lead to death. Every individual case is unique.
Is
there a cure for MS?
No. Currently there
are four Federally Approved drugs that may slow down the progression
of MS. Avonex®, Betaseron®, Copaxone®, and Rebif®. Alternative
treatment options include various types of therapy. Consultation
with your physician is critical, as he/she can provide more detailed
information, and advice as to which treatment option(s) suit your
individual and current condition.
How
is MS diagnosed?
Consultation with a
physician will allow him/her to evaluate your medical history,
followed by a thorough neurological examination, an MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging- that provides detailed imaging of the brain), and
other cognitive assessments and studies are conducted during
diagnosis.
I
have been diagnosed with MS. What now?
It is a good idea to
get a second opinion regarding your diagnosis. Talk with your doctor
over your particular situation- as he/she may be able to give you
additional insights. Meet and talk to others who are living with MS. A
good way to learn and meet people who can understand and are
experiencing a similar situation, is by joining MS groups in your
community, or calling toll free: to Familia Unida living with MS at
(877) 298-3267.
Will I end up in a wheelchair?
Because every case is
unique, it is impossible to predict the severity and extent that the
illness will have on a person.
Will
I be able to work?
Yes, however, each MS
case is unique and can affect your ability to be in a working
environment. There are rehabilitation centers in your community that
can assist in your transition to the workforce. Contact our
Certified Benefits Specialists for further information at (323)
261-5565. To help support MS Familia Unida, please click here.
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