F.A.Q
Does multiple sclerosis affect a person’s life expectancy?
Overall, the life expectancy of a person with MS is lower by 10 years in comparison to the non-affected population. However this is based on the national average. This condition is complex and unpredictable, making it almost impossible to determine specific life expectancies of each individual.
Since the 1960’s, advancements in science and technology have been reflected upon the discovery of known causes and treatments of multiple sclerosis, and as a result the life expectancy of sufferers has greatly increased since then.
What are the chances of offspring of an MS sufferer from developing the disease?
MS is not hereditary; a complex combination of genes and environmental factors are required to develop the condition. There is an amplified risk of developing MS if a parent has it also, but it is very slight; approximately a 2% chance, and if an older sibling has MS, the chances of a second child having MS also is approximately 5%. Even in identical twins, the chances of both having MS is only 30%.
The causes of MS are not known. But it is safe to say that genetic factors alone are not enough for it to manifest. For more information: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/downloads/Factsheet_Genes_and_MS_2010.0251775f.pdf
Is there anything a person with MS can do personally, to improve their quality of life?
Aspects of your life which you have control over, such as diet and exercise, can be refined in order to improve your quality of life, despite having multiple sclerosis. Many advantages come from a healthy diet combined with regular aerobic exercise. These include the maintenance or even increase of muscle strength, higher energy levels leading to less fatigue and fewer depressive feelings, and it can even help to maintain bladder and bowel control.
Once diagnosis of MS is confirmed, a diet and exercise plan can be individually mapped, in order for the sufferer to personally improve their quality of life from the start.
If the side effects of the current treatment are too much, is it possible to switch to an alternative?
The list of possible symptoms of MS is extensive, and the symptoms that express themselves vary from individual to individual.
As the disease progresses the symptoms will become more prominent, and drugs may have to be administered in addition to physiotherapy. A number of drugs are available to treat most symptoms, for example gabapentin, baclofen and diazepam all treat muscle spasms, so alternatives are available if one drug doesn’t suit you personally.
Similarly for disease modifying drugs, a range of equally effective options are available. It will take the physician time to determine the best drug plan for each individual, which is very much a ‘trial and error’ exercise.
Is there any support available for a sufferer of multiple sclerosis?
A wide range of support is available, be it face to face or online. It is often beneficial to discuss and compare symptoms, treatments and day to day life with fellow sufferers. Therapy centres are distributed around the country also, which offer non-drug therapies in addition to group support sessions.
· https://www.mssociety.org.uk/branches/index.html
https://www.mstrust.org.uk/information/services/default.jsp?stype=MS+Therapy+centres