Multiple sclerosis - the basic facts

MS can affect any part of the body. The most common symptoms are: double or blurred vision; loss of sight in one eye; spasticity or tremors; bladder and bowel problems; poor co-ordination; weakness and fatigue; tingling, pins and needles, numbness and itching.

At its worst, MS can cause severe disability, and in some cases people with MS do have to use a wheelchair in order to improve their mobility. The cause of MS is not known, although it appears that for some reason, the body's immune system begins to attack and damage tissues.

MS is a very unpredictable condition and it is difficult to predict its course in any individual. About two thirds of people with MS have 'relapsing/remitting MS', with on average a relapse once or twice every year. Many go on to develop a more progressive form of the condition (secondary progressive MS). A small proportion of people have a rapidly progressing form from the outset (primary progressive MS). About 10% of people with MS have a benign form of the disease with only occasional relapses and little disability

Diagnosis of MS can be difficult, although the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans has increased the speed of diagnosis for many people with MS. There is no known cure for MS but significant advances have been made in the development of new drug therapies over the last five years. The treatments available fall into three main categories:

• Those which are used to manage specific symptoms.
• Steroids, which are often used to reduce the length or severity of a relapse.
• New classes of drugs, such as beta interferon, which have an impact on the disease process itself.

Many of the common symptoms of MS, such as bladder problems, double vision, fatigue, pain and spasticity can be improved by a variety of medications, aids and appliances or treatments such as physiotherapy. Steroids (corticosteroids), in the form of tablets or injections, are the standard treatment for a relapse or exacerbation of MS. Treatment is usually restricted to a few days.

Beta interferon is a disease modifying drug, in that it is the first to have an effect on the underlying course of the disease, rather than just managing specific symptoms. It is not a cure for MS but is able to reduce the number and severity of relapses and slow the progression of disability. Initially, beta interferon was licensed for relapsing remitting MS but it can now be prescribed for people with secondary progressive MS. The expense of treatment (approximately £10,000 per person per year) means that availability varies across the country because of differences in funding policy among health authorities.

Many people with MS turn to complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homoeopathy, yoga, massage and use of evening primrose oil in an attempt to manage their condition more effectively . There is very little clinical evidence to demonstrate which therapies are beneficial but many people with MS report relief from symptoms and a general feeling of wellbeing.

Anyone wishing to try a form of complementary therapy would be well advised to discuss the issue with their GP and should check that practitioners are adequately qualified and experienced.

Some studies have shown that oral or inhaled cannabis can have a positive effect on reducing spasticity, muscle spasm, tremor, pain and fatigue. At present, cannabis is illegal in the UK and cannot be prescribed, although research is now under way to assess its effectiveness in the treatment of spasticity.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves sitting in a pressurised chamber similar to a diving bell and breathing oxygen at increased pressure through a mask. Many people who undergo this form of therapy report improvement in symptoms, notably bladder control and a lessening of fatigue.

Because of the potential variety of symptoms of MS, many different health professionals may have a useful role in helping people to manage their MS, including neurologists, GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, counsellors, continence advisers, neuropsychologists, speech and language therapists and dietitians.

The MS specialist nurse provides a pivotal role in co-ordinating the activities of all health professionals involved in the care of people with MS. The MS Research Trust believes that everyone diagnosed with MS should have access to an MS specialist nurse in the same way that Macmillan Nurses are available to people with cancer.

For further press information, please call

Alexa Forbes or Kelly Blaney,
Packer Forbes
Tel: 020 7978 6278
Fax: 020 7978 6292

MS Research Trust
Spirella Building,
Bridge Road,
Letchworth,
Herts.
SG6 4ET

Tel: 01462 476700
Fax: 01462 476710
Website: www.msresearchtrust.org.uk

We are indebted to the MS Trust for their help in compiling this section.