Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Why did I get MS?
Your blood has an army that attacks viruses, and stops you from getting sick (anti-bodies). These anti-bodies are not supposed to attack your body (immunity). In MS, your anti-bodies starts attacking your nerves.How long will I have MS?
It will stay with you for life. You will experience decreased mobility at times of a flare up (attack). This may last 24 hours to 4 weeks.- You may not have symptoms between attacks. (Relapsing, Remitting)
- You may continue to get weak (Primary Progressive) Your symptoms may get worse later in life (Second-ary Progressive)
What are my chances of getting MS?
You may be at a higher risk of getting MS if you- Are a female
- Are Caucasian/White
- Are between 20-40 years old
- Have a relative with MS
- Live in British Isles, Germany, Scandinavia, North America or New Zealand (high-risk areas)
- Have lived in a high risk area in the first 13 years of life
- Have been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus or herpes virus
What medicines may my doctor suggest in MS?
He may give medicine to:- Adjust your immunity. These medicines can make your attacks less severe and less frequent. Betaseron, Copaxone, No-vantrone, Tysabri and Gilenya have been approved to change immunity in MS
- Help recover from an attack quickly, as by using cortico-steroids.
How will my body change with MS?
You may have one or few of these symptoms. You may:- Have double vision
- Feel fatigued
- Get pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in arms and legs
- May have less balance sitting, standing and walking
- Less control over your movements (ataxia)
- May not have clear speech (slurring)
- Not be able to hold urine (in-con-ti-nence)
- Experience muscle stiffness/spasticity