More Info About MS and How It May Affect You

More InfoAbout MS and How It May Affect You

More Information About MS

There are four types of MS,

• Relapsing-Remitting MS
  People with this type of MS experience clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic function. These attacks, which are called relapses or flare-ups, are followed by partial or complete recovery periods (remissions). Approximately 85% of people are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS.
• Secondary-Progressive MS
  Following an initial period of relapsing-remitting MS, many people develop a secondary-progressive disease course in which the disease worsens more steadily, with or without occasional flare-ups, minor recoveries (remissions), or plateaus. Approximately 50% of people with relapsing-remitting MS develop secondary-progressive MS within 10 years.
• Primary-Progressive MS
  With this type of MS, neurologic function slowly worsens. There are no distinct relapses or remissions. Approximately 10% of people are diagnosed with primary-progressive MS.
• Progressive-Relapsing MS
  In this relatively rare course of MS, people experience steadily worsening disease from the beginning, but with clear attacks of worsening neurologic function along the way. They may or may not experience some recovery following these relapses, but the disease continues to progress without remissions. Approximately 5% of people are diagnosed with progressive-relapsing MS.

How MS May Affect You

Multiple Sclerosis can cause a variety of symptoms. These include;

• sensation changes
• muscle weakness
• muscle spasms
• movement difficulties
• reduced coordination and balance
• speech or swallowing problems
• visual disturbances
• fatigue
• acute or chronic pain syndromes
• bladder and bowel difficulties
• cognitive impairment
• depression

One important thing to remember about MS is that it effects everyone person differently. People normally only have a few of these symptoms.