MS isn’t a fatal condition in most cases, and most people with MS have a close-to-normal life expectancy . But since the disease varies so much from person to person, it can be difficult for doctors to predict whether their condition will worsen or improve.
Can you live a happy life with MS?
Because multiple sclerosis varies so much, no one can predict what will happen in the future. But do remember, MS is not a fatal disease for the vast majority of people with MS, and disability is not inevitable. Several studies have shown that people with MS can expect to live 95% of their normal life expectancy .
How does MS affect daily life?
Constant fatigue is common for people with MS. This tiredness can impact all aspects of life, including effective brain use and the ability to go out and partake in activities. The symptoms of MS can cause constant discomfort and disability that limit a person’s ability to go about daily activities.
How long can you live normally with MS?
In a large 2015 study published in the journal Neurology, scientists compared 5,797 people who had MS with 28,807 people who didn’t but who did have things in common like age and location. The study found that people with MS lived to be 75.9 years old , on average, compared to 83.4 years old for those without.
Does MS get worse with age?
About 15 percent of people with MS are diagnosed with the primary progressive form. PPMS usually appears during the mid to late 30s . In PPMS, nervous system damage and symptoms steadily get worse over time.
How bad is having MS?
MS itself is rarely fatal , but complications may arise from severe MS, such as chest or bladder infections, or swallowing difficulties. The average life expectancy for people with MS is around 5 to 10 years lower than average, and this gap appears to be getting smaller all the time.
What are the final stages of multiple sclerosis?
- Vision problems, including blurriness or blindness.
- Muscle weakness.
- Difficulty with coordination and balance.
- Problems with walking and standing.
- Feelings of numbness, prickling, or pain.
- Partial or complete paralysis.
- Difficulty speaking.
What foods are bad for MS?
It’s recommended that people with MS avoid certain foods, including processed meats , refined carbs, junk foods, trans fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Do all MS patients end up in a wheelchair?
Only 25 percent of people with MS use a wheelchair or stay in bed because they are unable to walk, according to a survey completed before the new disease-modifying drugs became available.
Can MS be stopped if caught early?
Starting treatment early generally provides the best chance at slowing the progression of MS . It reduces the inflammation and damage to the nerve cells that cause your disease to worsen. Early treatment with DMTs and other therapies for symptom management may also reduce pain and help you better manage your condition.
How long does MS take to disable you?
However, if MS does progress to advanced stages, a person’s quality of life can be impacted. For instance, it may become very difficult to walk, write, or speak. Although only very rarely fatal, MS can shorten a person’s life by up to 7 years .
At what age do people get MS?
MS can occur at any age, but onset usually occurs around 20 and 40 years of age . However, younger and older people can be affected. Sex. Women are more than two to three times as likely as men are to have relapsing-remitting MS .
Is MS considered a disability?
If you have Multiple Sclerosis , often known as MS, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if your condition has limited your ability to work. To qualify and be approved for disability benefits with MS, you will need to meet the SSA’s Blue Book listing 11.09.
Can MS go away forever?
Multiple sclerosis treatment. There is currently no cure for MS . The goal of treatment is to help you cope with and relieve symptoms, slow the progress of the disease and maintain a good quality of life. This can be done through a combination of medicine and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Can you drive with multiple sclerosis?
Although a diagnosis of MS itself does not automatically preclude you from driving , the loss of function associated with MS may affect driving skills.
How can I stop my MS from progressing?
- Stick With Your Treatment.
- Exercise.
- Eat a Healthy Diet.
- Vitamin D.
- Get Restful Sleep.
- Don’t Smoke.
- Get Vaccinated.
