Multiple sclerosis (MS)
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder of the central nervous system, the most common neurological disease in young people, affecting approximately 85,000 people in the UK (MS Society). MS is usually diagnosed in people between 20 and 40 years old and affects women twice as often as men.
MS is a lifelong condition that affects the central nervous system, by the demyelisation of neurons in the central nervous system. It is incurable but manageable, although the cause is unknown and a cure is still to be discovered.
MS is an autoimmune condition which means that the body's immune system, which fights off infections, confuses the body's tissue with a foreign body and attacks it. As a result, messages from the brain travelling along nerve fibres are slowed or distorted.
Prevalence
MS is more prevalent in the 20 - 40 year old age group, although it has been diagnosed in children and the over 65's. It affects twice as many women as men. In addition, it is now possible to identify regions of low, medium, and high prevalence of MS.
What causes MS?
While the exact cause of MS is still unknown, research has identified that it has nothing to do with lifestyle or behaviour, but suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute.
MS is not inherited and there is no single gene which causes the condition, however it is possible that a combination of genes can make some people more prone. While MS can occur more than once in a family, it is more likely not to occur.
MS is more prevalent in areas further away from the equator. It is almost unheard of in Malaysia or Ecuador, but relatively common in Britain, North America and Scandinavia. Research has also shown that even if you move further away from the equator after the age of 15, your chances of developing MS still relate to your country of origin.
What are the symptoms?
MS can cause a broad range of symptoms, not all of which must be present in order for a diagnosis to be made. Different symptoms can appear at different times and while some are more common than others, there is no 'one size fits all' approach to the condition.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Difficulties with balance
- Decreased bladder control
- Constipation and bowel incontinence
- High levels of fatigue
- Memory lapses
- Mood swings, anxiety, depression
- Muscle spasms and stiffness
- Pain
- Sexual problems, lack of libido, erectile dysfunction
- Speech and language difficulties
- Problems swallowing
- Loss of muscle strength and dexterity
- Temporary loss or blurring of vision
How Priory can help
Priory has been helping to treat people with multiple sclerosis for over 25 years. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.
The type and management of treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition.
Priory offer inpatient and residential care for those people where remaining at home is no longer an option due to the progress of their condition. Priory staff are committed to providing a management programme which is individually based to meet specific needs, and includes members of the multidisciplinary team working to maximise your potential and empower you to make active decisions regarding your care and management. This may be a short respite service to allow your relatives/carers to have a break, or it may be for rest for an extended period or for life depending on individual circumstances.
Our therapy input includes programmes involving the following:
- Physiotherapist - to maintain physical function, review muscle tone, exercise.
- Occupational therapist - Upper limb function, assessment, positioning, utensils/equipment to augment problematic activities, daily living activities.
- Speech and language therapy - to maintain speech, review swallowing and mastication, prevent aspiration, advise on diet type.
- Dietician - to provide nutritional assessment and advice.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or email info@priorygroup.com. To view a list of the Priory hospitals that can help with MS please click here.
For more support
If you feel you or a friend or relative may need support and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations:
Multiple Sclerosis Society
www.mssociety.org.uk
0808 800 8000
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.org
08457 909090
Priory
0845 2 774 679
If you are interested in receiving treatment from us, your GP will be able to refer you.