Questions to ask your doctor after your diagnosis of multiple sclerosis:
- What kind of multiple sclerosis do I have?
- Could anything else be causing my symptoms?
- Will I have new symptoms? ...
- What can I do at home to manage my symptoms?
- What drugs and other treatments do you recommend for me?
- How will I know if the drugs are working?
- What side effects should I expect, and how should I handle them?
- What kind of multiple sclerosis do I have?
- Could anything else be causing my symptoms?
- Will I have new symptoms? ...
- What can I do at home to manage my symptoms?
- What drugs and other treatments do you recommend for me?
What is the best medication for MS?
The FDA-approved infusion medications for MS are:
- alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
- mitoxantrone hydrochloride
- natalizumab (Tysabri)
- ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
How can MS affect life expectancy?
MS may have a shorter life expectancy for those who:
- Over 40 when symptoms started
- More than two episodes within two years of diagnosis
- MS attacks with symptoms that affect bladder control, mobility, or mental function
- have initial symptoms in many different parts of the body
Does MS shorten lifespan?
Today, MS is rarely fatal, though the National MS Society estimates that MS can shorten a person’s life by 7 years. Nevertheless, many people with MS can still expect to live more active lives than was possible in the past.
Which is the most effective multiple sclerosis drug?
- Avonex® (interferon beta-1a)
- Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b)
- Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate)
- Extavia® (interferon beta-1b)
- Glatiramer Acetate Injection (glatiramer acetate -generic equivalent of Copaxone 20 mg and 40 mg doses)
- Glatopa® (glatiramer acetate - generic equivalent of Copaxone 20mg and 40mg doses)
- Kesimpta® (ofatumumab)
What should I look out for with MS?
What are the early signs of MS?Painful vision loss in one eye. Vision problems can have many causes. ... Facial paralysis. When one side of your face becomes temporarily paralyzed or appears to droop, it's called facial paralysis or facial palsy. ... Persistent limb weakness or numbness. ... Severe, ongoing dizziness.
What do I need to know about MS?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can cause problems with vision, balance, sensation, and muscle control. This disease affects everyone differently. Some people have mild symptoms while others have debilitating symptoms that prevent them from doing daily tasks.
What is the best thing to do if you have MS?
Activities such as exercise, meditation, yoga, massage, eating a healthier diet, acupuncture and relaxation techniques may help boost overall mental and physical well-being, but there are few studies to back up their use in managing symptoms of MS .
What MS affects the most?
In multiple sclerosis, the protective coating on nerve fibers (myelin) is damaged and may eventually be destroyed. Depending on where the nerve damage occurs, MS can affect vision, sensation, coordination, movement, and bladder and bowel control.
How long can MS stay in remission?
A remission can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years. But remission doesn't mean you no longer have MS. MS medications can help reduce the chances of developing new symptoms, but you still have MS. Symptoms will likely return at some point.
Does MS get worse with age?
After many years (usually decades), many, but not all, people with relapsing remitting MS go on to develop secondary progressive MS. In this type of MS, symptoms gradually worsen over time without obvious attacks. Some people continue to have infrequent relapses during this stage.
What should MS patients avoid?
It's recommended that people with MS avoid certain foods, including processed meats, refined carbs, junk foods, trans fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
What are MS triggers?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) triggers include anything that worsens your symptoms or causes a relapse....Here are some of the most common triggers you may experience with MS and tips to avoid them.Stress. ... Heat. ... Childbirth. ... Getting sick. ... Certain vaccines. ... Vitamin D deficiency. ... Lack of sleep. ... Poor diet.More items...•
Is life worth living with MS?
Most people can enjoy a good quality of life with MS, especially if they have appropriate support. However, a person may need to make lifestyle adjustments in order to retain their quality of life.
Where does MS usually start?
Here's where MS (typically) starts Optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve, is usually the most common, Shoemaker says. You may experience eye pain, blurred vision and headache. It often occurs on one side and can eventually lead to partial or total vision loss.
How long can you have MS before it is diagnosed?
Signs of MS may start five years before diagnosis.
What causes MS flare ups?
What causes exacerbations? Exacerbations (relapses) are caused by inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). The inflammation damages the myelin, slowing or disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses and causing the symptoms of MS.
How does MS usually start?
Numbness or Tingling Numbness of the face, body, or extremities (arms and legs) is often the first symptom experienced by those eventually diagnosed as having MS.
What are usually the first symptoms of MS?
There are lots of symptoms that MS can cause, but not everyone will experience all of them.fatigue.numbness and tingling.loss of balance and dizziness.stiffness or spasms.tremor.pain.bladder problems.bowel trouble.More items...
Can I live a normal life with MS?
You may have to adapt your daily life if you're diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), but with the right care and support many people can lead long, active and healthy lives.
How long can you have MS before it is diagnosed?
Signs of MS may start five years before diagnosis.
What Exactly is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the nervous system with symptoms of:
What is a Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) attack?
A relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) attack occurs when the symptoms suddenly get worse or new symptoms appear. These symptoms last at least one full day and haven’t been present for one month or more.
How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is not an easy diagnosis. No specific symptoms, physical findings or laboratory tests can prove someone has MS.
Will I Still Be Able to Walk with MS?
Not everyone who gets multiple sclerosis (MS) will develop severe symptoms.
Should I Do Physical Therapy or Exercise?
Yes, if your doctor gives you the go-ahead, exercise is an important adjunct therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS).
What About Alternative Therapies?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in multiple sclerosis (MS) can include a wide variety of treatments, and may include:
Is There a MS Community to Join?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not considered a fatal disease, and most people with MS live a normal life expectancy. Networking with other people who share your same concerns, questions, and daily challenges is important for any chronic disorder. Having support of not only a healthcare team, but also a team of friends, family and loved-ones is paramount to your progress. Your caregiver may face challenges and stresses, too.
Why is it important to treat MS symptoms?
It's important to treat MS symptoms because they affect a patient's quality of life. The majority of women I see have RRMS, and many are able to manage it with a disease modifying treatment that addresses their individual symptoms.
How many types of MS are there?
Aliza Ben-Zacharia: There are four types of MS. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is the first episode of MS. The second type, relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), involves having at least two episodes separated by 30 days or more. About 85% of patients with MS have RRMS.
Why is it important to be active with MS?
Aliza Ben-Zacharia: It's so important to be active with MS. Activities like cycling and swimming can help patients feel stronger and more energetic. Physical activity may also help MS patients manage their comorbidities. If a patient with MS has diabetes, for example, exercise can address both conditions.
Why is mental health important for MS patients?
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so it's critical that patients with MS address their emotional issues. Stress management is also key, since stress can exacerbate MS symptoms.
Why was the interview edited?
The interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Who said women with MS should talk to their care team?
Aliza Ben-Zacharia: Women with MS who want to conceive should talk to their care team. Health care providers weigh the benefits versus risks when considering how we'll modify treatment and symptom management for a woman with MS pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and beyond. It's important for us to understand a patient's (and, where applicable, their partner's) care plan so we can make any necessary changes.
Does MS affect the whole body?
Aliza Ben-Zacharia: MS affects every system of the body, and no two people have the same experience. One person might have sensory symptoms like numbness and tingling, while another person might have blurred vision. Symptoms may also include weakness or problems with balance and coordination, trouble walking, cognitive impairment or sexual dysfunction.
What causes a swollen eye?
It's the inflammation of the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. It can cause: 1 Pain in the eye 2 Blurred vision 3 Graying of vision 4 Blindness in one eye
What is the immune system problem in MS?
MS is problem with the immune system called an autoimmune disease. Instead of targeting only bacteria, viruses, and other invaders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. In MS, it attacks the brain and spinal cord.
Why do people get multiple sclerosis?
Some scientists think people might get multiple sclerosis because they’re born with genes that make their bodies react to a trigger in the environment.
Why do people get a virus?
Doctors still don't understand why people get the disease, but genetics, a person's environment, and possibly even viruses may play a role .
How does a positive attitude help you?
A positive attitude can lower your stress and help you feel better.
Can you get optic neuritis at once?
It’s often the first symptom that someone has MS. About half of people with the condition will have optic neuritis at least once.
Can MS happen to people with other health problems?
But it can happen to people who have other health problems, too, so it doesn't automatically mean that someone has or will get MS.
How long does it take for MS to relapse?
A relapse (also called an exacerbation or "flare-up") is a temporary worsening of symptoms lasting more than 24 hours. Relapses are caused by inflammation within the central nervous system, and more severe relapses are typically treated with steroids or ACTH.
How long does MS relapse last?
To be considered a relapse, the new symptoms must last for at least 24 hours and be separated from a previous relapse by at least 30 days.
What is PPMS in MS?
Primary-Progressive (PPMS) – in PPMS, the progression of neurological dysfunction and/or disability is present from the onset of MS, without any distinct relapses or remissions. Temporary, minor improvements may be experienced, but are not common.
How long does RRMS last?
RRMS is defined by clearly identifiable attacks lasting days or weeks, with periods between relapses being stable and absent of disease progression. After an attack, many people experience a full recovery, but some will experience residual loss in mental or physical function upon recovery.
What test is used to test for MS?
The doctor may then order blood tests or other lab work to rule out conditions that mimic MS, or check for risk factors, such as low vitamin D. The MRI. MRI ( which stands for magnetic resonance imaging) is the most sensitive method available to detect areas of demyelination (damaged myelin surrounding the nerves).
What is MRI with contrast?
Typically, your doctor will order an MRI "with contrast.". An injection of a sort of dye called gadolinium is given, which allows active lesions in the brain to be more clearly seen. MRI is a painless and noninvasive technology that uses a powerful magnet.
What is the diagnosis of MS?
Diagnosis of MS typically involves a clinical and neurological examination, and MRI scan. Additional tests may or may not be necessary.
How to slow down MS?
The list of possible MS symptoms is long, but it’s unlikely you’ll experience all of them. A healthy lifestyle, including a good diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest, may help slow the progression of MS. Caring for your body may help extend periods of remission and make relapse periods easier to handle.
What are the symptoms of MS?
It damages myelin, a fatty protective substance that wraps around nerve cells. When your nerve cells, or axons, are exposed from damage, you may experience symptoms. The most common symptoms of MS include: difficulty with balance and coordination. blurred vision.
How do you know if you have MS?
The most common symptoms of MS include: difficulty with balance and coordination. blurred vision. speech impairment. fatigue. pain and tingling. muscle stiffness. As a result of the damage, your body’s electric impulses can’t move as easily through the exposed nerves as they could through protected nerves.
How to manage MS?
While the course of MS can be difficult to predict, you can take steps now to reduce your symptoms and slow progression of the disease. Learning as much as you can about your diagnosis, getting on treatment right away, and making lifestyle changes can help you effectively manage your MS.
How to slow down disability?
You can also help slow the rate of disability by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet to care for your body. Also, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Caring for your body as best you can may help you remain active and minimize your symptoms for as long as possible.
What to do when you have a relapse?
Still, you may need to make adjustments to your activities. This is especially true during relapse periods. An assistance device, such as a cane or crutches, may be necessary to help you maintain your balance. Don’t give up on your favorite things.
What is the most common type of MS?
The most common type of MS is relapsing-remitting MS. With this type, you may experience periods of increased symptoms, known as relapses. Then, you’ll have periods of recovery called remission. MS is unpredictable, though. The rate at which MS progresses or worsens is different for everyone.
