30th May is World MS Day: Here’s What You Need to Know About MS

World MS day falls on the 30th of May every year, and it aims to raise awareness of the condition and support those affected by it. So, what exactly is MS? What are multiple sclerosis causes and what do you need to know about it?

Multiple Sclerosis: Everything You Need to Know!

Multiple sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is a chronic, inflammatory neurological condition that attacks the central nervous system. When someone has MS, their immune system incorrectly attacks healthy tissue in the central nervous system affecting communication between the brain and the body, leading to a wide range of potential symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis causes are not fully understood, but it’s thought to be due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. MS commonly first appears between the ages of 20 and 40 and is about twice as common in women as men. It’s estimated that over 9000 people are living with MS in Ireland.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Common symptoms of this progressive condition include:

– Fatigue

– Muscle weakness

– Muscle spasms

– Numbness or tingling in the limbs

– Problems with balance and coordination

– Bladder and bowel issues

– Sexual problems

– Vision Problems

– Paralysis

These symptoms can be mild or severe and differ from person to person. However, if you experience any of them, it’s important to seek medical assistance.

MS Treatment Options

While there’s no cure for MS, there are several treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with. These include:

– Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)

These are drugs that can slow down the progression of MS by reducing the number of relapses and delaying the onset of disability.

– Symptom-Management Therapies

These are drugs that can help relieve specific symptoms of MS, such as pain, spasticity, and bladder problems.

– Rehabilitation Therapies

These treatments can help people with MS manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

– Complementary Therapies

These therapies can be used alongside conventional treatments to help people with MS manage their symptoms. These include massage, acupuncture, and yoga.

Brennans Pharmacy: We Are Here to Help

Do you have any questions about MS or its treatment? Our pharmacists are always ready to help. We can offer advice on various topics, from managing fatigue and pain to coping with bladder problems and sexual difficulties. We also stock a range of products that can help make life with MS easier, from mobility aids to continence products. So, if you need any help or advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.