Just diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis? Getting this diagnosis can be a tough blow. You’ve lived your life right, followed all your doctors’ orders. Never smoked, not a heavy drinker, exercised – and now this. It is unfortunate when someone receives this devastating news, and it is understandable that you may be scouring the internet to learn all that you can to prepare for the road ahead.
We’ve gathered some tips and insider information to better understand the condition and to help you remain comfortable during this journey. Let’s first start with – what is Multiple Sclerosis or “MS”? According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
With MS, your immune system mistakenly attacks myelin cells. These are the protective covers (sheaths) that surround brain and spinal cord nerves. Myelin sheath damage interrupts messages (signals) that your nerves send throughout your body to perform functions like vision, sensation and movement.
Myelin damage can occur in your brain, spinal cord and nerves that supply your eyes. There’s no cure for MS, but treatment is available to help minimize ongoing damage from it and help you manage symptoms. There are four different types of MS including: Clinically Isolating Syndrome, Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) and Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). Symptoms often include fatigue, clumsiness, incontinence, cognitive decline, and muscle spasms.
Experts aren’t sure why some people develop MS, but research has shown that the destruction of myelin or demyelination, causes MS. Your immune system’s job is to defend your body from harmful agents like bacteria and viruses. With MS, your body’s defenses become over-aggressive and attack healthy myelin as a threat to your body. When this phenomenon transpires, demyelination has occurred.
While scientist do not know why certain people develop MS, research has suggested that the following factors may contribute to developing MS:
- Exposure to toxins
- Smoking
- Childhood obesity
- Genetic predisposition
Risk factors include:
- Between the ages of 20-40 years of age
- Of Northern European decent
- Assigned female at birth
Complications vary from case to case, but some common ones are:
- Mood and emotional disorders
- Incontinence
- Memory issues
- Declining sexual health
- Difficulty walking
While MS is currently uncurable, symptoms can be managed by physical therapy, medication, deep brain stimulation, mental health counseling, LifeThrive Home Medical Equipment mobility products and other symptom management options. The prognosis for MS has generally been improving over the years and with the right care team, you can live an active and fulfilled life.
References
“Multiple Sclerosis: What You Need to Know.” Cleveland Clinic, January 25, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17248-multiple-sclerosis.