What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts communication within the nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

 According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is divided into four types:

• Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): Characterized by a single episode of neurological symptoms lasting at least 24 hours, which is suggestive of MS but not yet meeting the full criteria for an MS diagnosis.
• Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): The most common form of multiple sclerosis, where a person experiences distinct flare-ups of new or worsening neurological symptoms, known as relapses, followed by times of partial or complete recovery, called remissions. About 85% of people with MS receive an initial diagnosis of RRMS.
• Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): Some individuals initially diagnosed with RRMS may eventually develop SPMS, where neurological function gradually worsens, leading to increased disability.
• Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): Characterized by a continuous decline in neurological function from the onset of symptoms, PPMS leads to a gradual disability without the distinct relapses and remissions seen in other forms of MS.

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis?

 MS can progress slowly or quickly depending on which type a person has. In some cases, this can make symptoms hard to identify, but common MS-related symptoms include:

• Numbness or Tingling: This occurs due to nerve damage disrupting normal sensory signals.
• Weakness: This is caused by nerve damage affecting muscle control, leading to reduced strength.
• Vision Problems: Optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain, often causing pain with eye movement and temporary vision loss, or double vision.
• Fatigue: A prevalent symptom of MS, fatigue results from the body's increased effort to compensate for nerve damage and other MS-related challenges.
• Muscle Spasms and Coordination Issues: These issues result from nerve damage affecting muscle control, leading to involuntary muscle contractions and difficulties with balance and coordination.

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis? 

 While the exact cause of MS is unknown, risk factors include:

• Age: The onset of MS most often occurs in people between the ages of 20-40.
• Sex: Women are more likely than men to have MS.
• Race: White people, particularly those of Northern European descent, are more likely to develop MS.
• Environmental Factors: People living in temperate climates—areas with mild temperatures rather than extreme heat or cold—face a higher risk of developing MS.
• Genetic Factors: Family history of MS increases a person's chance of developing the disease.
• Medical Conditions: Infections like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, irritable bowel disease, thyroid disease, psoriasis, and pernicious anemia have been linked to a higher prevalence of MS.
• Other Risk Factors: Smoking, obesity, and low levels of vitamin D or sun exposure can increase a person's risk of developing MS.

How is MS Diagnosed?

 There is no single test that can diagnose MS. Instead, a series of tests are done to determine whether a person has the disease. These tests can include:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Patients work with a healthcare provider to identify symptoms and signs that may indicate multiple sclerosis.
• MRI Scans: Used to detect lesions on the brain and spinal cord, MRI scans can indicate MS by providing detailed images that reveal areas of damage.
• Spinal Tap: Also known as a lumbar puncture, this procedure involves collecting cerebrospinal fluid to check for abnormalities, such as specific proteins, that can support an MS diagnosis.

Common Questions About MS

MS affects each individual who has it differently. Common questions about multiple sclerosis include:

Can Multiple Sclerosis be Cured?

 While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, patients can experience periods of remission. Therapies and medications play a crucial role in managing the disease. Ongoing clinical trials are underway to explore effective treatments for the disease. 

What is the Life Expectancy with MS?

While MS is a chronic condition, it is not considered fatal, and advances in medical treatment have significantly improved the quality of life for those living with the disease. With effective treatment and support from healthcare providers, many individuals with MS have an average life expectancy.

Do You End Up in a Wheelchair with MS?

The need for mobility aids among people living with MS varies. Some may not require any aids, while others might use crutches, a walker, a cane, braces, or a wheelchair. In relapsing-remitting MS, characterized by periods of relapse and remission, mobility aid use can fluctuate. If the condition evolves to secondary progressive MS, the likelihood of needing a mobility aid may increase. However, each person's experience with MS is unique, making it difficult to predict the necessity for mobility aids.

Addressing mobility needs is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with MS and other mobility disabilities. Contact your local BraunAbility dealer to learn more about wheelchair accessible vehicles and mobility products.