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FAQs
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1. What actually is MS?
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MS is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). For reasons unknown, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath which surrounds and protects the nerve fibres of the central nervous system and causes inflammation and scar tissue to develop. Scar tissue does not conduct nerve impulses well, thereby causing symptoms, eg muscle weakness and tingling, occurring in various parts of the body. The symptoms seen in MS are a direct result of the ‘slowing down’ of the central nervous system.
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2. Who gets MS?
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MS affects more women than men. The onset of symptoms occurs most often between the ages of 20 and 40. Studies indicate genetic factors may make certain individuals more susceptible to the disease but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited. It occurs more commonly among Caucasians, especially those of northern European ancestry but people of African, Asian and Hispanic backgrounds are not immune.
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3. What are the typical symptoms of MS?
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Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. They may include, extreme tiredness (fatigue), impaired vision, loss of balance and muscle coordination, slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, bladder and bowel problems, difficulty walking, short-term memory loss, mood swings and in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis.
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4. Are there different types of MS?
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Yes. MS can follow different patterns. There are several different types including
- Relapsing Remitting (RRMS)
- Progressive Relapsing (PRMS)
- Primary Progressive (PPMS)
- Benign
The fact that a person has a particular form of MS at one time does not mean it predicts how a persons MS will progress in the future.
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5. Is MS fatal?
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No. MS is not fatal. People who have MS can be expected to have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. Over time however, the level of disability can increase, but this does not mean that all people with MS will be dependant on walking aids etc. It is difficult to ascertain how MS will affect individual people in the long term.
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6. Is MS contagious?
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No. MS is neither contagious nor directly inherited, although studies indicate that genetic factors may make certain individuals more susceptible.
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7. Can MS be cured?
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Not yet. However, advances in treating and understanding of MS are achieved daily and research to find a cure is very encouraging. Many therapeutic and technological advances are helping people lead more productive lives. There are now approved medications that have actually been shown to alter the course of MS.
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8. Why is MS difficult to diagnose?
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The nature of MS makes the diagnostic process complex. Symptoms that come and go might indicate any number of possible disorders. Some people have symptoms that are very difficult for GP’s to interpret as being specific to MS. While no single laboratory test is yet available to prove or rule out MS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has greatly aided the diagnostic process. An MRI examines the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) looking for evidence of inflammation and scar tissue.
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9. Can I exercise when I have MS?
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Exercise is important for endurance, to strengthen muscles and to assist in maintaining mobility, flexibility and coordination. Physiotherapy can be useful in managing the physical symptoms of MS. It also helps to maintain function and mobility and increase fitness.
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10. Does everyone with MS end up in a wheelchair?
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No. MS as a disease, can be quite different from person to person.
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11. My Specialist wants me to have regular injections for MS. Is this the main way MS medications are administered?
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Yes. Immuno-modulatory therapy is currently approved to manage RRMS to slow down relapse rate. There are four main medications used to treat MS. These injectable therapies include Avonex, Betaferon, Copaxone and Rebif, and training is provided by an MS Nurse. A Neurologist determines your suitability based on the prescribing criteria.
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12. Will the medications heal my MS?
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The medications don’t actually heal MS, but they do slow down the progression of the disease. It is generally accepted that taking MS medications early after diagnosis and continuing the treatment regardless of symptoms, helps delay the onset of disability.
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For a downloadable version of this please click here (PDF - 62Kb)
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