11 Basics to Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is the ultimate player. First you see it, then you don’t. If you are confused about MS, you are far from alone.

First, what it is not: multiple sclerosis is not the same as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. All people with MS are not in wheelchairs. It’s not a psychological problem.

So what is it?

1. MS is a neurological disease in which lesions form in the central nervous system, interrupting the transmission of signals to the rest of the body.

2. Relapsing/remitting MS, the most common form at onset, causes flare-ups followed by periods of remission. In addition, there are several types of progressive MS in which symptoms continue to worsen over time.

3. Symptoms vary greatly from patient to patient (and from day to day) and include fatigue, numbness, visual impairment, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, cognitive impairment, tremors, vertigo, pain, lack of coordination, paralysis, and blindness. From the mildest of symptoms to all out disability and everything in between, a typical case of MS is impossible to define. Though symptoms are often invisible, this is a serious medical condition.

4. MS is more common in women than men. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 45. Due to MRI, more children are being diagnosed with MS. We don’t know the exact numbers because MS is not tracked by the Centers for Disease Control or any other federal agency.

5. There is currently no single definitive test for MS. Rather, it is diagnosed through patient and clinical history, a series of tests, and systematic elimination of other disease and conditions that mimic MS.

6. MS is not contagious. A genetic link is suspected. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the risk of developing MS in the general population is 1/750, rising to 1/40 in anyone who has a close relative (parent, sibling, child) with the disease, but even though identical twins share the same genetic makeup, the risk for an identical twin is only 1/4—which means that some factor(s) other than genetics are involved. Research is ongoing regarding a wide variety of theories, one being that it may be a combination of genetics with an environmental trigger.

7. There are several disease-modifying drugs thought to slow progression, in addition to treatment for individual symptoms and relapses. A healthy diet and exercise are crucial to overall health.

8. MS is not a psychological condition, although depression is a common symptom. With its on again, off again nature and ever-changing symptoms, the emotional toll can be a hefty one.

9. MS itself is rarely fatal, but complications due to MS can be.

10. Some people with MS must leave the workplace due to severe symptoms. People living with MS who are forced into the individual insurance market are often rejected or priced out of the market, creating a serious financial hardship. Medications currently available to treat MS have no generics and are exorbitantly priced, forcing many patients to forgo their desired medical treatment.

11. MS has a profound effect on those who must live with it, or in its wake. Fortunately, many people with MS continue to enjoy an active lifestyle. We may have MS, but we are so much more.

MS Information and Resources:

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Writer Ann Pietrangelo embraces the concept of personal responsibility for health and wellness. As a multiple sclerosis patient, she combines a healthy lifestyle and education with modern medicine, and seeks to provide information and support to others. She is a regular contributor to Care2.com’s Reform Health Policy blog in Causes.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Masha S.

2:47AM PDT on Aug 16, 2011

thanks, my husband has it, and eats the Swank diet which seems healthy

send a green star

KrassiAWAY B.

9:09PM PDT on Jul 9, 2011

Very useful article.

Gordana R.

12:49AM PST on Mar 8, 2011

for understanding and support...

Dr Kathi A.

11:41AM PST on Feb 6, 2010

Apologize, that was a little off direction of this article. Just that #11, got me going. Have a lovely day.

11:40AM PST on Feb 6, 2010

Appreciate this article. Shame when those who really need health care, are rejected for the very reason they need help with their health. Insurance companies, Big Pharm & a large part of the "health care" profession are only in business for GREEN, not in a good way. So, MANY suffer for this reason. Shame they would rather give an organ to an alcoholic who does drugs, who has money; than to a child who has no chance of living W/O the organ & their family has no money or their insurance does not cover the organ.... Just WRONG!

Christin B.

2:00PM PST on Jan 29, 2010

great news and I hope this link works, just cut and paste to the address line - http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100127/ms_treatment_100127/20100127?hub=Health&s_name=

You can also join my group at "MS Liberation - End Multiple Sclerosis". We can do it!

3:11PM PST on Jan 28, 2010

I have created a petition to Health Canada and I hope you will join me and sign and/or promote it with me so that we can end multiple sclerosis. We don't have to suffer! It's called, "CCSVI Liberation Treatment" or copy and paste this code to your website, Petition powered by ThePetitionSite.com

Ann P.

11:59AM PST on Jan 27, 2010

Eyda:

Swimming and yoga are two often recommended exercises for people with MS. There are yoga exercises specifically for people with MS and for those using a wheelchair. I also like the Wii Fit, which includes beginner yoga poses and a series of exercises to improve balance and coordination. Whenever possible, walking is a fantastic way to get moving.

When I say "diet," I mean an eating plan for life rather than a temporary thing. I shun junk foods -- foods high in carbohydrates with little or no nutritional value, and that includes drinks. Natural foods are best for overall good health. There are several diets aimed at people with MS, most notably the Swank Diet, but there is a lot of controversy about those. As always, I suggest researching and coming to your own conclusions about what is right for you.

More on diets from the NMSS:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/nutirtion-and-diet/index.aspx

Hope that is of some help to you. Thanks.

Eyda H.

7:47AM PST on Jan 26, 2010

Thank you for the article.,it's always a plus to find more information specially about something so important.,About the diet and exercise,can you give more info on that?
Again,THANK YOU! Eyda

Blu A.

5:00AM PST on Jan 26, 2010

Thank you Ann..I am learning alot from you.