Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 
What is it

The simplest definition of multiple sclerosis is that it is a disease in which the protective coverings (myelin) of nerve fibres in the brain are gradually destroyed.  MS is a devastating disease because people live with its unpredictable physical and emotional effects for the rest of their lives.

Cause and symptoms

Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person and from time to time in the same 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. MS sufferers will not each have all of these symptoms but will have some of them.

How is it treated?

Advances in treating and understanding 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 affect the underlying disease course.
 
What to expect – behaviour, medical, social, emotional

Sometimes MS can cause frustration and anger in the person who has it, but this usually passes.
 
 
What you should be aware of (dangers of this condition)

What can you do as a carer?

Ask the person you care for questions about MS and how they have been affected so that you understand a little of what they are putting up with.

Plan what you are going to do ahead of time, but be ready to change those plans on the day – MS is  quite unpredictable and the person may seem great one day but then be bad the next.
bettycuthbert
 
Betty Cuthbert - Australian Olympic Gold Medallist  for Sprinting has MS.
 
 
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