Discover the myths and facts about Multiple Sclerosis, its symptoms, and causes. Learn how to manage the condition effectively for a better quality of life.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system attacks the protective substance that covers the nerve fibres in the spinal cord and the brain, interfering with communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
MS can cause a variety of symptoms, and progress in different ways. According to the MS Trust, there are about 150,000 people in the UK living with the condition but it is widely misunderstood, and there can be differences of opinion even within the medical community. Here’s a look at some of the most common MS myths and what the truth is.
Many people assume that people with MS only have symptoms such as difficulty walking, tremors, and muscle weakness. It is true that these are very common symptoms of MS, but as the condition affects the central nervous system, it can cause a very wide range of other symptoms.
These include cognitive changes and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety; fatigue, vision problems; and bladder and bowel issues. Pain is another common MS symptom that can be debilitating. It can be caused by muscle damage or nerve pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia, which is a sudden and severe facial pain.
It is often assumed that MS is a condition of old age, because some of the symptoms may resemble those of the frail and elderly. However, most people experience their first symptoms of MS between the ages of 20 and 40 years, and it is relatively rare to be diagnosed in later middle or old age.
It is often mistakenly assumed that an MS diagnosis will mean that a few years down the line you will have to rely on a wheelchair for mobility. However, everyone’s symptoms are unique to them and progress at different rates. Some people will only ever have mild symptoms and never need to use mobility aids, although a minority will use crutches or a wheelchair.
A diagnosis of MS does not mean that you have a fatal disease. It is a lifelong condition and it is currently considered to be incurable, but it is not a terminal condition that directly results in death. However, research is continually ongoing to understand the causes of MS and to develop new and more effective treatments.
Eventually, many scientists and MS medical professionals are hopeful that one day a cure for MS could be discovered.
Scientists believe that to a certain extent, our genes do play a role in the likelihood of developing MS. However, having a parent or other close relative with the disease does not automatically mean that you will also develop it. Similarly, if you have MS, this does not mean that your children will automatically develop it as well.
However, there is a genetic component to the disease, so it does heighten the risk that it will be passed on through families.
It is a myth that people with MS need to spend most of their time resting at home and that they should not work or exercise. For some people, the severity of their symptoms may mean that their daily activities become more limited. However, exercise is considered to be beneficial for MS patients, and not doing any could make the symptoms worse.
According to researchers, exercise can have several benefits for MS patients: “Appropriate exercise can cause noteworthy and important improvements in different areas of cardio respiratory fitness (Aerobic fitness), muscle strength, flexibility, balance, fatigue, cognition, quality of life and respiratory function in MS patients.”
“Aerobic exercise training with low to moderate intensity can result in the improvement of aerobic fitness and reduction of fatigue in MS patients affected by mild or moderate disability.”
MS is a complex and often misunderstood condition, but with the right information and support, it is possible to manage the symptoms and continue to live a rewarding and meaningful life.
If you would like some more information on MS and Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.
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