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What is Multiple Sclerosis?
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What is MS?
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Signs & Symptoms
Who gets MS?
Managing & Treating MS
MS FAQs
Support Services
Community Advisors
Support Groups
Newly Diagnosed Programme
Webinars
Peer Support
Counselling
Exercise Support Fund
Guides
Friends and Whānau
Newly Diagnosed
Health and Fitness
Wellbeing
My Relationships
Work, Money and Rights
Home Help and Housing
Leisure and Travel
Stories
MS and Me
Diagnosis
Volunteer
Bequests
News, Events & Research
What’s Happening
Multiple News Magazine
Research Articles
Social Media News
Ways to Help
Volunteer
Fundraise
Bequests
Join Us
About MS Auckland
About Us
Our People
Our Supporters
Annual Reports
MS Auckland’s Strategy
Contact Us
Donate
Other Frequently Asked Questions about MS
We frequently get asked these things about MS
Our collection of MS Frequently Asked Questions
Is MS fatal?
MS is not generally considered to be a fatal disease. Most people with MS have a normal life expectancy. Only a small percentage of patients experience a rapidly progressive type of MS, which may cause more significant health issues early in the disease.
Is there a cure for MS?
Currently no cure exists for MS, in terms of permanently stopping and reversing nerve damage. However, there are several approved disease-modifying therapies now available for the long-term treatment of MS. These have been shown to slow disease activity by reducing the number and severity of MS flare-ups, reducing the number and size of lesions in the central nervous system, and for many, slowing disease progression, improving function and quality of life. Research advances every year, including research to find a cure.
Can I inherit MS?
While MS is not hereditary, individuals may be genetically susceptible, increasing their risk of MS. This risk is slight, with only a three-to-four percent chance of a child of a parent who has MS being diagnosed with MS sometime in their future.
Can women with MS have children?
Yes. MS does not affect fertility or childbirth and most women with MS experience fewer relapses during pregnancy. If you learn that you are pregnant, contact your MS Community Advisor, especially if you’re on treatment as some treatments are safer during pregnancy and breastfeeding than others.
What is a Multiple Sclerosis relapse?
Commonly called ‘attacks’, ‘exacerbations’, or ‘flare-ups’, MS relapses happen when new symptoms suddenly appear or old symptoms worsen for more than 24 hours. Relapses can last from several days up to several weeks.
You may not know if you are having a relapse. MS symptoms can come and go. You may feel worse than normal if you do too much, get too hot, get overtired or sick, or have surgery. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having a relapse.
Am I going to need a wheelchair?
Most people who have MS usually get around without help. But there may be a time when you’ll need to use a cane or a walker to make it easier. About 25% of people with the condition eventually need a wheelchair.
Will I get Optic Neuritis?
Optic Neuritis is the inflammation of the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. It can cause:
– Pain in the eye
– Blurred or graying of vision
– Blindness in one eye
If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away.
Optic Neuritis usually happens to one eye at a time, though it can affect both at once. It’s often the first symptom that someone has MS. About half of people with MS will have optic neuritis at least once. It can happen to people who have other health problems, too, so it doesn’t automatically mean that someone has or will get MS.
The key to protecting your eyesight is to catch the problem early. Your doctor can treat you with steroids to fight the inflammation in the nerve. Most people with optic neuritis recover fully, sometimes without any treatment.
What else can help me manage MS?
A regular program of exercise and physical activity is one of the most important and beneficial things a person with MS can do to maintain their health. Exercise techniques like, swimming, tai chi and yoga can relax you and give you more energy, balance, and flexibility. Always check with your doctor before you start a new fitness routine. Having a positive attitude can lower your stress and help you feel better.
Is there a special diet for people with MS?
It’s always a good idea to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet but with so many diet options it is very easy to get overwhelmed. Refer to our guide on Diet and Nutrition on this website, but talk with your GP before you make any major changes to your diet.
Any other questions?
Please contact us for help with any other MS questions
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