What is Multiple Sclerosis? (My Experience of Multiple Sclerosis (MS))

Member Name: k.mccrindle

Product:	My Experience of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Date:	30/03/01 (239 review reads)
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This disease is also known as disseminated sclerosis, from damage to the sheaths surrounding nerve cells. The nerves are unable to function properly, causing problems of vision, sensation and muscular control. About one person in 2,000 develops multiple sclerosis. The average age of the onset of symptoms is 30, and women are affected more often than men. The symptoms vary greatly from one patient to another.

Symptoms:

Some 40 per cent of cases begin with some sort of visual disturbance. Sight may be blurred or dimmed in one or both eyes. There may be pain or discomfort behind the eyes, and double vision may develop. With or without visual disturbance, the sufferer may feel weakness or loss of control in one or more limbs, Simple tasks can be performed only clumsily. This symptom is known as ATAXIA.
The sufferer may lose control over bowel movement and urination. Physical symptoms are often accompanied by a change of mood. Sufferers often become light-hearted, though some may become depressed.

Duration:

The symptoms usually develop over a period of hours or days, then gradually disappear over the next two to eight weeks. However, they may recur after a period of weeks, months or years, and continue to do so in forms which are increasingly disabling. Eventually multiple sclerosis may prove fatal, but many patients live for 30 or 40 years after the symptoms first appear. In severe cases they may die within two years. The average is more than 20 years.

Causes:

The cause is not known for sure, and is the subject of much research. It may result from a reaction to a virus infection, such as measles, contracted early in life. There is a tendency for multiple sclerosis to run in
families, but no definite likelihood of its being passed on genetically. The twin of a sufferer is, for example, not specially likely to develop the disease.

Complications:

Infections of kidneys, bladder and lungs may
occur.

Treatment in the home:

None possible.

When to consult the doctor:

If any loss of vision, muscular weakness or persistent numbness in the limbs develops.

What the doctor may do:

Perform a physical examination to find out whether multiple sclerosis is present. This will often involve arranging a lumbar puncture. A hypodermic needle is used to draw off some of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord for tests. If multiple sclerosis is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe injections of ACTH, a substance which stimulates the adrenal glands and is thought to lessen the damage while the disease is active. For long-term treatment, the doctor will recommend rest when the symptoms are present. During periods when they lapse, he will recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles and keep them mobile.
The doctor will be able to recommend a physio-therapist or occupational therapist to help cope with disabilities arising from the disease.

A society exists for sufferers:

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
286 Munster Road, Fulham,
London SW6 6AP (Tel. 01-381 4022/5).

Much can be done to minimise the disabling effects of the disease.

Prevention:

None known.

Outlook:

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis at present. Symptoms cause distress and frustration However, with
determination and professional guidance, a sufferer can still live a long and active life.

Summary: