Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week (March 8th-14th)
With this week being Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, we ask that you reflect on the journeys and experiences of those living with MS. Nearly one million Americans are navigating an MS diagnosis, making it likely that you know someone fighting a battle against MS.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is a neurodegenerative, autoimmune disease in which cells of the immune system directly attack the protective layering of nerves. This protective layer is called myelin, and it regulates the transmission and speed of nerve signals. Damage to the myelin sheaths causes interruption in brain-body communication, often causing declines in mobility. Eventually, ongoing inflammation results in the loss of neurons. This results in permanent central nervous system damage, primarily affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This damage also causes peripheral nervous system dysfunction, resulting in the widespread symptoms manifesting in multiple body systems.
Symptoms of MS
Some symptoms of multiple sclerosis include, but are not limited to:
- Numbness/Tingling
- Fatigue
- Weakness, stiffness, or spasticity of limbs and muscles
- Vision changes (blurring or pain)
- Difficulty walking
- Dizziness
- Brain fog / Memory loss
These symptoms can vary widely in nature and severity, frequently fluctuating on a day to day basis. Oftentimes, symptom variation is dependent on where inflammation is occurring. Symptoms are often hidden to those around a person with MS, so it can be difficult to know what someone is experiencing. As a result, the personal capabilities or chosen mobility aid of an individual with MS may change on any given day.
Types of MS
Multiple sclerosis manifests as different types depending on symptom severity and frequency of relapses. The most common type of MS is Relapsing-Remitting, in which symptoms flare up periodically and often subside partly or entirely. Relapses can be unpredictable, and the disease can be in remission for indeterminate amounts of time. Relapsing-Remitting MS can eventually progress to Secondary-Progressive MS, leading to a development of consistent symptoms and overall deteriorating function over time. This type may or may not be accompanied by relapses. A less common type of MS is Primary-Progressive, in which symptoms onset gradually and steadily progress in severity without any “acute” relapses or “attacks.”
From a Person with MS
Multiple sclerosis is a disease near to me, considering my mom was diagnosed with it around the age of thirty. Her journey was not unlike many others, as it took many years, many prior diagnoses, and many invasive tests to finally pinpoint MS as a major cause of her debilitating symptoms. As long as I can remember, my mom has been grappling with her diagnosis, along with many other conditions that bring about daily challenges and debilitating pain. It has been hard for me to have to witness the progression of her symptoms, but I am also so proud of how far she has come in the process of learning herself. I am proud of her ability to make it through every day and I’m glad she feels more comfortable now to be honest with how she feels, even if it is difficult to cope with sometimes. To commemorate MS awareness week, I asked her a few questions that might give outsiders some insight into what life with MS is like.
What is your daily experience with MS like?
Mom: “I can tell what my day is going to be like usually within the first hour of waking up. In the past, I would push myself to overdo it regardless of how I was feeling, and that would leave me in a really bad place symptom-wise for days, even weeks. It has taken the past 2-3 years, despite having a diagnosis for over a decade, to finally realize that I can modify what I do in a day so as to not completely ruin how I feel. I don’t force myself or feel obligated to be ‘productive’ in a way that I know will harm myself. If I know it’s going to be a rough day, I will be glad to just get one thing done instead of beating myself up over not doing more. I am finally able to take it in stride.”
What would you want others to know about your experience with MS?
Mom: “The mental strength you need to cope with it. I can deal with any physical pain or physical issues I have, but a majority of the fight is mental strength. I’m glad I still have that in me.”
The Fight Against MS
In recent years, many disease modifying treatments have been approved by the FDA to help disease progression and improve quality of life. In addition, there are specialized exercise programs, like those we offer at STAR, that help improve fatigue, strength, and mobility issues faced by people with MS. Research has found that regular, appropriate exercise can help MS patients combat many of the physical and mental symptoms they face. Gentle movement is certainly a form of medicine to those facing multiple sclerosis. Despite the hardship, it is important to remember the progress we’ve made toward a better future for those with MS.
Written By: Sikora B.