Multiple Sclerosis

  • Multiple Sclerosis
    Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord become damaged.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 18 October 2014
Stock image with text saying Multiple Sclerosis

is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These inflamed areas become scarred, giving the disease its name: multiple areas of hardening (sclerosis) within the brain or spinal cord. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental and sometimes psychiatric problems. It is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. While some people with MS experience little disability during their lifetime, as many as 60% may be unable to walk without assistance 20 years after onset.

What is the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis

MS usually starts in early adult life. The average age of onset is 30 years. It is more common in women than in men. MS is present worldwide but more common in people who live farther from the equator. Its prevalence is highest in North America and Europe and lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia. The reason for the geographical variation in the prevalence is not clear.

 

Community
Multiple Sclerosis Society of India
Neurological Conditions
Condition
Multiple Sclerosis

Stories

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    Imagine participating in a meeting while lying in bed. This is reality for 35-year-old Smitha Sadasivan, who has Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune condition. Her reality has been exhaustion, physical pain, vision problems and many other issues. But this M.Phil holder, who works for an NGO and is a disability rights activist, refuses to give up. Her story.  You were diagnosed with Mutiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1999. What is your present condition – has the disease progressed? Are there some…
  • Eating right for those living with relapsing MS
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  • What should a recently diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis(MS) patient ask his doctor
    Many patients can be overwhelmed, surprised, or simply anxious when they are first diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis. One doctor shares how he helps patients understand more about their condition during these first steps in their MS journey. Some aspects you can talk to your doctor about are : Understand the diagnosis Treatment options and side effects Impact on work, family life, day to day living Prognosis Research opportunities      
  • Bladder control in people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
    Bladder problems affect 75 to 90 percent of people with multiple sclerosis, according to a July 2014 in-depth report in MS in Focus, published by the Multiple Sclerosis International Foundation (MSIF). “Patients need to understand that bladder issues are a symptom of their disease process and not something they should be embarrassed or ashamed about,” says Dr. Marlene Murphy Setzko, a urologist and director of Urologic Services at the Mandell Center for Comprehensive MS Care in Hartford,…
  • Video game accessory may help multiple sclerosis patients reduce falls, boost brain connections
    Falls are a serious concern for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering or sheath surrounding nerve fibers.  The risk for serious head and extremity injuries can increase with the duration of the disease. As disruption of balance is both a common and debilitating symptom of MS, initiatives to reduce the incidence of falls would be welcomed by patients and medical…
  • Role of the family and caregiver of a MS patient
    Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease that can easily lead to feelings of isolation. Typically, at some point, it leads to significant physical disability and forces people to leave paid employment. It is particularly difficult as MS hits patients when they are young, just starting a family or developing their career.  The spouse or other family member has to take on the responsibilities of caring for the patient, children and supporting the family financially. As the…
  • Stock image with text saying Multiple Sclerosis
    Multiple Sclerosis
    is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These inflamed areas become scarred, giving the disease its name: multiple areas of hardening (sclerosis) within the brain or spinal cord. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms, including…
  • Mindfulness-based interventions in multiple sclerosis: beneficial effects of Tai Chi on balance, coordination, fatigue and depression.
     Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art incorporating physical exercise and mindfulness training, has been shown to yield health benefits in various neurological groups. It seems particularly suitable for patients with motoric deficits as it challenges coordination and balance.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25145392

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