{"id":346058,"date":"2025-11-01T18:27:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T18:27:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk\/?page_id=346058"},"modified":"2025-11-28T18:33:05","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T18:33:05","slug":"what-is-multiple-sclerosis-ms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk\/home-care-services\/condition-led-care\/multiple-sclerosis-care\/what-is-ms\/","title":{"rendered":"What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is multiple sclerosis (MS)?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\"What\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n
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What is multiple sclerosis?<\/h2>\n \n

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological condition.<\/p>\n \n \n

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the transfer of messages from the central nervous system to the rest of the body.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Types of multiple sclerosis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are three types of MS; the differences lie in the way the disease affects the body over time:<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n \n Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)<\/span>\n <\/h5>\n \n
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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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)<\/span>\n <\/h5>\n \n
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PPMS is not a very common form of multiple sclerosis, with it affecting only 10\u201315% of people. This form is characterised by the first symptoms, such as problems with walking, gradually progressing rather than the person experiencing relapses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)<\/span>\n <\/h5>\n \n
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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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What causes MS?<\/h2>\n \n \n \n

While the exact causes of multiple sclerosis are not completely clear, there are some possible contributing factors.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Some possible causes behind MS are:<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n \n Smoking<\/span>\n <\/h5>\n \n
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Studies have shown that the chemicals in cigarette smoke can affect the immune system, with smokers being twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Infections<\/span>\n <\/h5>\n \n
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Some viruses may trigger MS, a common one being the Epstein Barr virus which had previously been linked to the condition<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Lack of vitamin D<\/span>\n <\/h5>\n \n
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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<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Being overweight<\/span>\n <\/h5>\n \n
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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<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Signs and symptoms of MS<\/h2>\n \n \n \n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n

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  • \n <\/use><\/svg> Issues with mobility <\/li>\n <\/div>\n
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  • \n <\/use><\/svg> Blurred vision, sometimes even temporary blindness <\/li>\n <\/div>\n
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  • \n <\/use><\/svg> A numbing or \u2018pins and needles\u2019 sensation <\/li>\n <\/div>\n
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  • \n <\/use><\/svg> Incontinence <\/li>\n <\/div>\n
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  • \n <\/use><\/svg> Cognitive impairment <\/li>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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    \n Call today to discuss your support options <\/div>\n \n\n \n \n 0000 000 0000 <\/span>\n \n \n <\/a>\n <\/span> \n\n \n \n Request a callback <\/span>\n \n \n <\/a>\n <\/span> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
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    How is multiple sclerosis treated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDisease modifying therapies (DMTs) can slow the progression of MS and can also limit the amount and severity of relapses.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
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