What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that causes damage in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the arms and legs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.
MS is thought to be an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. Often the nerve fiber is also damaged.
The damaged myelin forms scar tissue (sclerosis). When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are altered or stopped.
Recent research indicates that people with MS may live an average of about seven years less than the general population because of disease complications or other medical conditions. Attention to overall health and wellness can help reduce the risk of other medical conditions, such as heart disease and stroke, that can contribute to a shortened life expectancy.
What are its symptoms?
The symptoms of MS vary widely in type and severity and may include generalized fatigue, tingling, numbness, painful sensations, slurred speech, and blurred or double vision. Some people experience muscle weakness, poor balance, poor coordination, muscle tightness or spasticity, tremors, or paralysis, which may be temporary or permanent. Problems with bladder, bowel, sexual function, or mood (particularly depression and anxiety) are also common. Memory, attention, and mental speed processing can also be affected by MS. Symptoms may come and go, appear in any combination, and be mild, moderate, or severe.
Can MS be treated?
Yes. Today there are many diseasemodifying medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat MS; these medications have been shown to be effective in reducing disease activity in relapsing forms of MS. Several are given by injection, some are taken orally, and others are delivered by infusion. Refer to nationalMSsociety.org/meds for the most up-to-date information.
The MS Coalition released a consensus about the disease-modifying therapies ntl.ms/ coalitionD MTsummary which summarizes research that shows that taking a disease-modifying therapy is the best way to reduce MS disease activity and can improve quality of life for people with MS. Experts agree that treatment with one of these medications be considered as soon as possible following a confirmed diagnosis of MS with a relapsing course.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has developed a practice guideline for starting, switching, and stopping disease modifying therapies for adults with clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and progressive forms of MS. To read those guidelines visit: aan.com/Guidelines/home/ GuidelineDetail/899
Treatment may be recommended even before an individual is definitely diagnosed if the person has experienced one episode of neurologic symptoms that are consistent with MS (clinically isolated syndrome) and has evidence of MS lesions as seen on an MRI scan.
Other medications are in various stages of clinical trials or are under review by the FDA, and researchers are hopeful that more treatments for MS will be available in the near future. For updates, please check nationalMSsociety.org.
Healthcare providers use a wide range of medications and management strategies to relieve or moderate MS symptoms. Some of the management strategies used to manage symptoms and help people maintain their independence and quality of life include physical therapy, exercise, vocational and cognitive rehabilitation, attention to diet, adequate rest, and counseling. Prompt management of symptoms is vital and should be discussed with a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
Who gets MS?
More than 2.3 million people are affected by MS worldwide. Most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and about two thirds are women. Studies indicate that genetic factors make certain individuals susceptible to the disease, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.
What happens in MS?
MS is an unpredictable disease. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and vary over time in the same person.
Periods of active MS symptoms are called attacks, exacerbations, or relapses. These can be followed by quiet periods called remissions. High dose glucocorricoids (steroids) are used to accelerate recovery from MS relapses. Not all relapses require steroids for recovery and the long-term outcome is not improved by using them.
The disease ranges from very mild and intermittent to steadily progressive. Some people have few attacks and little, if any, accumulation of disability over time. At diagnosis, most people have relapsing-remitting disease. This means they have attacks followed by periods of partial or total remission that may last months or even years. Others experience a progressive disease course with steadily worsening symptoms. The disease may worsen steadily from the onset (primary progressive MS) or may become progressive after a relapsing-remitting course (secondary progressive MS).
Because MS affects individuals so differently, it is difficult to make generalizations about disability. Statistics suggest that 2 out of 3 people with MS remain able to walk over their lifetime, though many of them will need a cane or other assistive device. Some will choose to use a scooter or wheelchair to conserve energy or manage balance problems. Others will require a wheelchair to maintain mobility.
The disease-modifying treatments, which have been in use only since the 1990s, may favorably alter this projection.
Is MS easily diagnosed?
MS is not always easy to diagnose because symptoms may come and go. In addition, other diseases of the central nervous system have some of the same symptoms. No single neurological or laboratory test can confirm or rule out MS.
Medical imaging, particularly MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), helps to clarify the diagnosis. A conclusive or definitive diagnosis requires evidence of multiple patches of scar tissue in different parts of the central nervous system and evidence of at least two separate attacks of the disease. A definitive diagnosis can take several months.
Do we know the cause of MS?
Not yet. The cause of MS and how we can stop progression, restore function, and ultimately end MS forever, are the subjects of intensive worldwide research. More than 380 research grants and fellowships are funded by the National MS Society. Knowledge about MS is expanding and many clinical trials are in progress.
The National MS Society
Information, local referrals, publications, programs, and volunteer opportunities are available across the country. Call 1-800-344-4867 or visit nationalMSsociety.org for more information.
Theta Xi Philanthropic Efforts
Philanthropic efforts are commonplace at colleges across the country. Many organizations raise awareness and hold fundraisers for good causes. One organization that is established at several colleges, Theta Xi, has been supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society since 1974. Theta Xi is a social fraternity that aims to provide wholesome mental, moral, physical, and spiritual growth to its members. To that end, Theta Xi has been supporting college and community efforts to mature its members and benefit society.
Theta Xi has a chapter located at Bradley University, the Alpha Sigma chapter. The Alpha Sigma chapter has consistently held events and fundraisers to raise awareness of and held end MS. They have also participated in Walk MS in Peoria for several years. Some events they have held include Pie a Xi, which involves pieing a member in the face, and a Rose Sale around Valentine’s day. Their efforts have raised hundreds to thousands of dollars every school year for the National MS Society.
This year, the Alpha Sigma chapter has been working directly with the Central Illinois chapter of the National MS Society in the fight against MS. With this, they hope to increase their presence at Bradley and the Peoria area. They look forward to continuing raising awareness of MS and aiding in the efforts to end MS once and for all.
We Need Your Help!
Join the National MS Society Central Illinois Community Council
Our Vision: A World Free of MS.
Our Mission: We Will Cure MS While Empowering People Affected by MS to Live Their Best Lives
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a movement by and for all people affected by MS. Our voices and actions reflect diversity equity and inclusion. We welcome and value diverse perspectives. We actively seek out and embrace differences. We want everyone to feel respected and empowered to bring their whole selves to ensure we make the best decisions to achieve our mission.
The Central Illinois Community Council is devoted to carrying out the vision and mission of the National MS Society.
OUR GOAL for Community Councils begins by prioritizing communities and territories for outreach and engagement to advance Society priorities. Community Council initiatives seek to create and enhance community presence and empower volunteers to propel the MS movement by raising awareness and leveraging resources to expand our reach. In Community Councils, we will engage grass-roots volunteers in leadership opportunities to build meaningful, enduring, and impactful relationships with Society.
SUCCESS is when the volunteers on our Councils have deep relationships within communities that continuously expand the MS movement. These relationships are cultivated and leveraged to generate revenue, increase the use of Society services, and broaden participation in advocacy efforts.
There are over 22,000 Illinois residents registered with the National MS Society that are affected by multiple sclerosis, including well over a thousand living in the heart of Illinois. Through research by the National MS Society Health Care Access Team, we know that number is double.
So we have work to do and we need your help!
Together We Are Stronger! To find out more about volunteer opportunities email Support@msplc.org.
We Will Cure MS While Empowering People Affected by MS to Live Their Best Lives
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