Q. What causes MS?
A. The cause of multiple sclerosis is not yet known. However, it is increasingly thought that a virus may provoke the illness, but researchers still question this idea. Genes and an imbalance in the immune system may also influence an individual to the illness.
Q. Who gets MS?
A. There is no one group of people who "get" MS. Considered a lifelong disorder, trends show that MS often strikes between the ages of 30 and 50, and mostly women. For unexplained reasons, MS is most commonly found in Canada, the United States, South America, and Europe. Near the equator MS is unknown. To date, no research has provided a definitive reason for this varying distribution.
Q. Is multiple sclerosis fatal, contagious, or hereditary?
A. MS is not considered a fatal, contagious or directly hereditary illness, although a susceptibility to MS may be inherited. Prevalence in families of persons with MS runs somewhat higher than in the general population. Several investigations are underway into this question.
Q. What are the most common symptoms of MS?
A. MS is often characterized by a pattern of exacerbations and remissions. Some people experience only very mild symptoms with difficult, but non-disabling symptoms. More common are severe attacks followed by periods of recovery. Still others progress to a serious stage in which they may need a wheelchair.
Symptoms include fatigue, which can be overwhelming though a person may appear well. In addition, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, spasticity, numbness, slurred speech, and visual difficulties often occur. Most acute symptoms, but least occurring, may be paralysis, muscle cramps, bladder or bowel problems and sexual dysfunction.
Q. Why do doctors feel that I am imagining my symptoms?
A. In the beginning phases of multiple sclerosis, diagnostic tests, such as MRIs, may be negative due to subjective sensory symptoms. These symptoms can include numbness, tingling, or fatigue, and will not be seen on diagnostic tests. This leads doctors to believe there is no illness or that anxiety is present.
You should also know that a clinical diagnosis of MS may take years. Often a physician observes a person over a period of time before reaching a diagnosis of MS. Neurologists are generally consulted and diagnostic tests such as MRIs, evoked response potential, and others may be used to help with a diagnosis.
If you are not sure you have MS, don't be afraid to ask questions and to find out more about feelings and symptoms. Do not let symptoms continue without further investigation.
Q. Am I going to end up in a wheelchair?
A. Odds are not likely. Only 25% to 30% of persons with MS become disabled to the point where they may need a wheelchair. And, this condition may take years to develop. Each person varies, but if you keep a positive outlook, eat a healthy low-fat diet and exercise on a regular basis this can lessen the chance of the need for a wheelchair in your near future. Other options also exist for MS management and the MS Foundation is available to help guide people to appropriate conventional and non-traditional choices for symptom management.
Q. Is memory loss related to multiple sclerosis?
A. Memory problems are fairly common among people with MS. Memory and reasoning problems may affect between two thirds and three fourths of those diagnosed with MS to varying degrees. However, one should consider other issues that may lead to memory problems such as depression, other illnesses, and normal absent-mindedness. If memory loss is a constant problem, there are certain "mnemonic" exercises that may help or, consult a physician. Some treatments may be available to enhance cognitive functioning.
Q. Is depression related to multiple sclerosis?
A. As in most cases with the onset of an illness, depression is a frequent reaction. MS-related lethargy and fatigue may also be mistaken with depression or heighten its effects. Fortunately, medical and alternative treatment options are available to help people cope with difficult feelings. And counseling services are often very accessible. The MS Foundation is available to provide further referrals and information.
Q. What options can help me?
A. There are two basic courses to take when treating MS. One option is to try medicinal treatments. Many drugs are available to alleviate MS symptoms, but may also result in side effects. The second option is alternative healing modalities, commonly known as "holistic treatments." Many people find a combination of the two choices can achieve the best results.
Q. What can you do for numbness?
A. Numbness is a bothersome problem, but may be managed with certain action. Exercise and a healthy diet may help those with MS alleviate symptoms of intermittent numbness. Numbness also depends upon its cause. If severe neurological damage to the myelin sheath takes place, then numbness may remain. Non-drug options to address numbness include body cooling, acupuncture, or pointed pressure therapy. Weighting, the addition of weights to areas of the body, may also help anchor some movements.
Q. Does diet affect multiple sclerosis?
A. What we eat has a direct relationship on how we feel and function. Nutrition is a process of fueling our bodies and those with MS may have unique nutritional needs. Because MS is rarely found in areas near the Equator, or in Asian population, some theorize that their lower-fat dietary habits may be the reason for this. Many diets have, in fact, been suggested for the treatment of MS including diets free of allergens, gluten, or fat, and others. To date, the most accepted diet for those with MS is one low in fat. Smart choices and knowledge of nutrition can help most anyone feel better and more in shape.
Q. What next?
A. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is pleased to answer any question you have about multiple sclerosis and any related topic. If you have a question that was not addressed, please call the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Program Services Department at 1-800-441-7055.
Or, e-mail us at: msf4help@bcfreenet.seflin. lib.fl.us
If you are not sure you have MS, don't be afraid to ask questions and to find out more.
The MS Foundation is located at:
6350 N. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.