Section 2: Focus- Facts about Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Section 2 Focus: Facts about Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.
Women are more likely to develop MS than men by a ratio of 2:1.
Worldwide, MS occurs with much greater frequency in higher latitudes (above 40° latitude) away from the equator, than in lower latitudes, close to the equator.
MS occurs more commonly among Caucasians with northern European ancestry, than people of African, Asian, and Hispanic ancestry.
Studies indicate that genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, but no evidence indicates that MS is directly inherited.
MS is not contagious.

According to the National MS Society, approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million people.

Definition of MS

MS is a neurological disease which affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord in the central nervous system causing intermittent, fluctuating, and progressive loss of functioning. MS believed to affect the immune system causing damage to the myelin, a substance that serves to insulate nerve fibers. Myelin is essential for nerves to conduct electricity and carry out their function.

Causes

The most prevalent theory is that an environmental trigger, such as an infection by an unidentified organism, causes MS. Genetic susceptibility may account for different racial prevalence. MS, however, may not be caused by a single factor and may not even represent a single disease. More research into causes may lead to better treatments.

Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Types

Diagnosing MS can be problematic because symptoms may occur intermittently and vary in severity from mild tingling sensations to severe paralysis. The disease often takes years to clearly manifest itself and then to be diagnosed.

MS usually begins with an exacerbation or an intensification of neurological symptoms and then resolves or partially resolves over 6-12 weeks.

Typically, where the myelin is affected or scarred (sclerosis) determines the nature of the symptoms that occur. Symptoms may include difficulty walking; abnormal sensations like numbness in limbs; pain and loss of vision due to inflammation of the optic nerve; tremors; coordination difficulties; paralysis; slurred speech; changes in thinking, reasoning, and remembering; depression; heat sensitivity; bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction; and fatigue.

Many people with MS experience depression. It is important to note that depression can be caused by the diagnosis of MS and how it changes one’s life, by the medications used to manage symptoms, by the disease itself and where it manifests itself, or by a combination of these factors. Once the cause of the depression is understood, the medical professional can develop appropriate treatment plans.

MS can be categorized into five types based on the course of the symptoms; relapsing-remitting, secondary-progressive, primary-progressive, progressive-relapsing, and benign.

Medical Treatment

Two main pharmacological approaches are being used to treat the symptoms and reduce relapse rates. Immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., Copaxone or Avonex) are used to decrease the activity of the immune system in an attempt to reduce frequency and severity of symptoms. Immunosuppressive drugs (e. g., mitoxantrone or methotrexate) are designed to ‘suppress’ the immune system to slow the disease progression and reduce relapse rates. Like any drug intervention, there may be side effects. Currently, researchers are looking at ways to treat the disease specifically rather than suppressing the whole immune system.

Health and Wellness Practices

People with MS know their body and symptoms better than anyone else. Each person can exert control over how he/she manages the symptoms in daily life. For example, exercise is one activity that may improve heat tolerance and overall muscle and skeletal tone. Exercise may also reduce fatigue and decrease spasticity. Meditation or yoga-type activities may help manage stress, decrease depression, or stabilize emotions.

Taking care of overall health is very important in optimizing the ability to perform independent activities and eliminating secondary conditions, such as back pain, stiffness, or urinary tract infections. The following are a few examples of symptom management that may improve daily functioning:

Pacing activity to save energy
Controlling sensitivity to temperature
Scheduling rest breaks
Exercising
Participating in aquatherapy
Meditating
Practicing yoga or other stretching exercises
Eating a proper diet with adequate fiber intake
Maintaining proper posture and positioning
Planning adequate fluid intake
Working smart and efficiently

Support Groups

Being able to talk to others who share the MS experience may be beneficial in providing support and tips on managing the disease. The National MS Society has a number of resources, including local chapters with self-help or peer counseling groups. Contact a local state MS chapter for groups in your area. www.nationalmssociety.org/mycommunity/index.asp

A computer chat room where you can converse with others with MS is hosted by the International MS Foundation and can be found at www.imssf.org/aspinchat.shtml

Organizations

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
733 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 800-344-4867
Website: www.nationalmssociety.org

Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA)
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370
Phone: 718-803-EPVA (3782)
Email: info@epva.org
Website: www.epva.org

Brighter Tomorrow Grants

The MS Foundation offers individual Brighter Tomorrow grants up to $1000 for equipment that will improve quality of life related to safety, self-sufficiency, and well being. Contact the MS Foundation at 1-888-673-6287 or www.msfacts.org/bwmg.htm.

References

Brandes, D. W. and L. J. Willmott. 2002. Multiple Sclerosis. In Medical, Psychosocial and Vocational Aspects of Disability, eds. M. G. Brodwin, F. Tellez, and S. K. Brodwin, 351-362. Athens, GA. Elliott & Fitzpatrick.

Blake, D. J. and C. Bodine. 2002. An Overview of assistive technology for persons with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development 39 (Mar/Apr):299-312.

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In This Issue
Section 1: Client Story—A Fourth-Generation Rancher’s Success Story Section 2: Facts about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Section 3: Assistive Technology Solutions for Farmers or Ranchers with Multiple Sclerosis	Section 4: State Project Feature—AgrAbility of Utah Section 5: Resources Section 6: Contacts