Many people with MS choose to use wheelchairs or scooters , perhaps because of symptoms like fatigue or weakness, or to conserve energy. Find out more about getting a wheelchair or scooter, insurance, road tax and registration.
Does MS run in the family?
The inheritance pattern of multiple sclerosis is unknown, although the condition does appear to be passed down through generations in families . The risk of developing multiple sclerosis is higher for siblings or children of a person with the condition than for the general population.
Can you catch multiple sclerosis from someone?
Is MS contagious or inherited? No. MS is not contagious or directly inherited . Studies do indicate that genetic factors and certain environmental factors may make certain individuals more susceptible to the disease.
Can you get MS at any age?
It's most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, although it can develop at any age . It's about 2 to 3 times more common in women than men. MS is 1 of the most common causes of disability in younger adults.
What is my chance of getting MS?
The average risk of developing MS in the United States is roughly 3.5 in 1,000 , or less than half of one percent. For first-degree relatives (such as a child or sibling), the risk increases to three or four percent.
What are the four stages of MS?
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) This is the first episode of symptoms caused by inflammation and damage to the myelin covering on nerves in the brain or spinal cord. ...
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) ...
- Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) ...
- Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)
What triggers MS to start?
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown . It's considered an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS , this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).
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 stress cause MS?
Exposure to stress has long been suspected as a factor that can aggravate MS . There are many studies showing that among people diagnosed with MS, stressful life events are associated with a significant increase in risk of MS exacerbation in the weeks or months following onset of the stressor.
What does MS feel like in the beginning?
A lack of feeling or a pins-and-needles sensation can be the first sign of the nerve damage from MS. It usually happens in the face, arms, or legs, and on one side of the body. It also tends to go away on its own.
When should you suspect multiple sclerosis?
People should consider the diagnosis of MS if they have one or more of these symptoms: vision loss in one or both eyes . acute paralysis in the legs or along one side of the body . acute numbness and tingling in a limb .
Is multiple sclerosis more common in males or females?
Every week in the U.S., about 200 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis , or MS. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, four times as many women have MS as men , and more and more women are developing it.
Can MS go away?
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.
What happens with untreated MS?
And if left untreated, MS can result in more nerve damage and an increase in symptoms . Starting treatment soon after you're diagnosed and sticking with it may also help delay the potential progression from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary-progressive MS (SPMS).
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.
What is end stage MS?
When a patient with multiple sclerosis begins to experience more pronounced complications , this is considered end-stage MS. Some of the end-stage MS symptoms patients may experience include: Limited Mobility – Patient may no longer be able to perform daily activities without assistance.
