What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological condition.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the transfer of messages from the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
It involves the immune system attacking sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which results in nerve damage and scar tissue. This damage means that the brain can no longer send signals to the rest of the body effectively.
Types of multiple sclerosis
There are three types of MS; the differences lie in the way the disease affects the body over time:
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
The most common form of multiple sclerosis (about 85% of MS diagnoses) is relapsing-remitting MS. People who are living with RRMS experience periods where new symptoms appear. These are called relapses, flare-ups or exacerbations and fade away completely or at least partially.
Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)
PPMS is not a very common form of multiple sclerosis, with it affecting only 10–15% of people. This form is characterised by the first symptoms, such as problems with walking, gradually progressing rather than the person experiencing relapses.
Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)
As a secondary stage of MS, SPMS usually occurs after the relapsing-remitting form. However, with this type of multiple sclerosis, the symptoms steadily worsen over time and the likelihood of having relapses which then get better afterwards is lessened.
What causes MS?
While the exact causes of multiple sclerosis are not completely clear, there are some possible contributing factors.
It is believed that the condition comes from a mixture of inherited genes and environmental factors. Research also suggests geography and ethnicity play a role.
Some possible causes behind MS are:
Smoking
Studies have shown that the chemicals in cigarette smoke can affect the immune system, with smokers being twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis
Infections
Some viruses may trigger MS, a common one being the Epstein Barr virus which had previously been linked to the condition
Lack of vitamin D
Recently, there has been more and more research into the connection between low levels of vitamin D in people who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Being overweight
Being overweight as a child or young adult has been linked to later developing MS, due to obesity causing inflammation and forcing the immune system to become overactive
Signs and symptoms of MS
Due to the various types of MS, there is a long list of symptoms of the condition. These can be unpredictable and, as some people show different symptoms during relapses, it can be difficult to pinpoint exact signs of multiple sclerosis.
If you are worried you are showing these signs, arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss. It is important to note that these symptoms are shared by many other conditions and so they do not necessarily point towards multiple sclerosis.
How is multiple sclerosis treated?
There is currently no cure for MS, but there is treatment available to help speed up the recovery between relapses, slow the progression or simply manage the symptoms.
While being supported by different medical professionals, people with multiple sclerosis can have a good quality of life and receive specific treatment to help with their needs. People who have been diagnosed with MS may need some time to adapt to daily life, but can go on to live full and healthy lives with the right support.
Treatment for relapses
Treatment for symptoms
Disease-modifying therapies
The benefits of MS care at home
MS home care allows people to remain in their own homes for fully personalised care.
Carers, specially trained in multiple sclerosis care, will undertake regular home visits or move into the home of the person they’re responsible for looking after to provide dedicated support.
A trained multiple sclerosis carer can pay home visits at arranged times of the day and even overnight. Home care visits can be used to provide breaks for family members or other carers, or to assist with personal care or continence care, for example.
Some of the benefits of MS care at home are:
Remain in your own home
Multiple sclerosis care at home allows you continue to live in the comfortable, familiar surroundings of your own much-loved home
Receive one-to-one support
Personal one-to-one support from a dedicated, compassionate carer who will be completely familiar with your condition and circumstances
Cared for by specialists
All Helping Hands MS carers receive MS care training to deliver exceptional, compassionate support for people with a range of conditions
Remain closer to loved ones
Staying at home means you’ll be able to set your own schedules, and spend more time seeing friends and family on your own terms
Personalised symptom relief
You’ll be provided with an MS care plan that focuses specifically on your condition – whatever stage you’re at, and whatever your symptoms
Peace of mind for the family
MS care provides peace of mind both for you and for your loved ones, which is something you simply can’t put a price on
How to arrange multiple sclerosis care
We try to make arranging care simple and stress-free so that we can focus on what really matters: your care needs. Speak to our team today to begin your journey.
Speak to our team
Our friendly, knowledgeable team can answer your questions and talk you through your options. We are available 7 days a week.
Book a free care assessment
Your local Helping Hands care manager will visit you to understand your needs and preferences and discuss how we can help. We can visit you at home, in hospital or even a care home to carry out the care assessment.
Confirm your care package
We create a tailored care plan for you to review. Once you’ve agreed the plan, we can organise care in as little as 24 hours.
A fully regulated home care provider
Here at Helping Hands, our service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
This means we need to consistently meet high standards and are monitored by our regulators.
