Muriel knows only too well what she is talking about regarding MS, as she cared for her daughter Ruth for over 17 years, who sadly, died in 2008.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). The central nervous system acts like a switchboard sending electrical messages along the nerves to various parts of the body. These electrical messages instruct the body to perform various tasks, such as movement or thought. Most healthy fibres are insulated by myelin, a fatty substance which aids the flow of messages. In MS, the myelin breaks down or becomes scarred. This distorts or even blocks the flow of messages, resulting in the many symptoms of MS. Many people explain MS like a faulty electrical flex on a kettle. If the insulating flex breaks, it exposes the wires underneath making them more vulnerable to damage.

Treating and Managing MS

Managing the symptoms and affects of MS can often be achieved using a variety of medical and non-medical interventions. In addition, a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, regular exercise and the reduction of stress can also help. It is extremely important that all and any treatments or interventions are discussed with your GP or neurologist as they can best advise on what is most suitable to the individual.

Medical treatments for MS concentrate on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation during relapses or changing the course of the disease in some way with disease modifying drugs. The use and benefit of these treatments differ from person to person due to the unpredictable nature of MS and the variance in the presence, severely and duration of symptoms. It is therefore very important to seek advice from a neurologist or your GP before starting any treatment.

A number of non-medical interventions can help to manage the impact of MS greatly. Rehabilitation is a collective term used to describe a number of therapies that can help to maintain, restore or improve physical and cognitive functioning. Physiotherapy plays a significant role in maintaining muscle strength and mobility. Speech and language therapy help with speech and swallowing and an occupational therapist can advise on techniques, aids and appliances that can increase independence.

While access to rehabilitation services is limited, there are many community out-patient services available to people living with MS.

Some people with MS use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAMS) such as reflexology and massage as part of the management programme.