Multiple Sclerosis - How to Improve Your Quality of Life

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Introduction     |    Symptoms     |    Risk factors     |    Treatment     |    Aids for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects millions of people around the globe. MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the myelin lining of the nerves. This damage interrupts signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the body’s muscles. This may result in damage to the nerves themselves and is not reversible. Symptoms of MS can vary and often disappear for months at a time. Although there is no cure, some treatments can help with MS attacks and symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

Spotting multilpe sclerosis is generally easy as the symptoms are visible easily to the naked eye. They include:

  • numbness/weakness in one or more limbs
  • partial or complete loss of central vision, usually in one eye & painful eye movement
  • double vision or blurring of vision
  • tingling or pain in parts of your body
  • electric shock sensations that occur with head movements
  • tremors or lack of stability
  • slurred speech, dizziness, and fatigue

Heat sensitivity of common in patients with MS and small changes in temperature can trigger or worsen symptoms. Many patients often experience relapses of symptoms, especially in the early onset of the disease. These symptoms can lead to spasms and rigidity in muscles, paralysis, bladder/bowel problems, changes in cognitive function (memory), and even epilepsy. Tests such as blood tests, MRIs, spinal taps, and an evoked potential test can be used to diagnose MS or rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms.

What are the Risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis?

Sex: Women are generally more vulnerable to be affected by MS than men.

Family History: If your parents or immediate relatives are affected by the multiple sclerosis, then you are at a higher risk of developing MS.

Age: MS can affect people of any age groups from 15 to 60 years of age.

Autoimmune Diseases: Sometimes other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid, type-1 diabetes or IBD can also be a factor is causing multiple sclerosis.

Infections: An infectious virus such as Epstein-Barr that causes infectious mononucleosis has shown signs of being linked to MS.

What are the Complications in Multiple Sclerosis?

Complications associated with multiple sclerosis include:

  • Muscle spasms and stiffness
  • Paralysis of the lower body
  • Loss of bladder, bowel or sexual function
  • Forgetfulness or mood swings
  • Depression
  • Epilepsy

What are the Treatment Options for Multiple Sclerosis?

Since there is no cure for MS, treatments are tailored to manage the symptoms and treat attacks of the disease. During a recurrence of symptoms, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation or a plasma exchange may be utilized for patients not responding to intravenous steroids. Treatments to slow the progress of the disease include prescription medications and other anti-immune drugs. You should consult your physician to determine the right medication for your illness. To combat muscle stiffness and spasms, a doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants.

Aids for Multiple Sclerosis

As we said before, there is no complete cure for multiple sclerosis and so one has to use a wide range of aids to cope with the multiple symptoms and effects of MS.

Mobility Aids – Several mobility aids can be used by an individual suffering from MS. Multiple sclerosis results in the loss of limb function and so mobility, walking or moving around, slowly becomes a difficult and painful task. Mobility aids such as scooters, canes, lift chairs, rollators, standers, and wheelchairs can be of great help in walking and moving around, both indoors and outdoors.

Daily Living Aids – Daily living aids can help cope with the several difficulties that a patient of MS faces in their daily lives. These aids include bath safety aids, bedroom aids, dining and drinking aids, reading and writing aids, dressing and grooming aids, household aids, kitchen aids, and much more.

Patient Care Aids – Reduced nerve function can also affect a person’s ability to control their voluntary functions. Hence it is very important to ensure the safety of the patient at all times, as well as care for the patient always. Patient safety includes fall prevention alarms, fall protection, head-face protection, and fall restraints. Patient care includes specialized beds, mattresses, and several bed accessories. Patient transfer aids can be used to enhance transferring patients that have completely lost bodily function of movement and mobility.

Where to Buy Products for Multiple Sclerosis Online?

At Rehab Store we have a wide range of products that help you to ease the symptoms of MS and enhance your overall health and well-being.

 

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