Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative condition that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. MS is characterised by a range of symptoms which include partial or complete loss of vision, weak legs, tingling sensation, or balance.

In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the sheath around the nerves called myelin and there causes communication problems between the brain and other body parts. This results in poor coordination, balance, and other symptoms that may interfere with one's daily life.

MS can affect younger and older people but is usually diagnosed in people between 20 to 40 years of age. It is one of the most common causes of disability in young adults and can, over time, cause permanent impairment of the nerves.

The content on this page is provided solely for information purposes and provides an overview of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have multiple sclerosis, please seek further information. The information on this page is subject to change without notice.

Information on assistance and support you can offer as well as workplace accommodations that can be considered are available to Sunflower Members. Find out how to become a Sunflower Member here.

MS is an invisible disability 

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    Not Contagious MS is not contagious or hereditary 
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    It is an autoimmune condition that attacks the central nervous system
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    MS is the most common condition of the central nervous system affecting young adults
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    MS is a lifelong condition but it is not a terminal illnessll backgrouds 
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    It’s nearly 3 times more common in women than in men
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    2.8 million people are estimated to live with MS worldwide is not contagious or hereditary 
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    MS is different for everyone so no two people will have the same range and severity of symptoms

Symptoms of MS

The early signs of  MS are not the same for everybody and can be a combination of symptoms for some people. However, problems with vision and sight are the most common first signs to show in people.

Symptoms of  MS may vary and continually evolve.and a person with  MS may experience all or any of the following:

Vision symptoms

An individual with this MS may experience problems with sight and seeing in any of the forms below:

  • Double vision
  • Blurry vision
  • Pain during eye movement
  • Partial or complete loss of vision

Autonomic and motor symptoms

These symptoms are involuntary and are often related to the nervous system. They include:

  • Sudden involuntary muscular contraction
  • Difficulty in speaking
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Reduced sensitivity and perception
  • Stiffness and weakness of the muscles
  • Problems with balancing and coordination
  • Difficulty in walking

Sensory symptoms

A patient with MS may experience certain changes relating to sensation or physical senses that may include:

  • Tingling sensations
  • Slow response to touch

Psychological symptoms

In relation to the mental or emotional state of the person with MS, some symptoms may be noticed such as:

  • Depression
  • Mood-swings

Other symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Problems with normal bladder functions
  • Memory complications

Living with MS and challenges faced in daily life 

The symptoms experienced by someone living with  MS can have an extreme and life changing effect that impacts on the person’s day to day life. Here are some challenges faced by people living with  MS:

  • Difficulty in focusing because of coordination and concentration problems
  • Visual problems could affect and make work that involves operating machinery, computer, or screens difficult
  • Delayed thinking can affect the ability to make quick decisions
  • Constant tiredness and fatigue
  • Inability to notice imminent danger because of delayed sensation and slow response to touch

Assistance and support you can offer

 MS like other hidden disabilities is different for everyone, and it is impossible to generalise the below recommendations for all.

To support someone with  MS, it is important that:

  • You learn as much as you can about MS and be aware of what the symptoms might be
  • You do not make assumptions about how MS affects someone - speak to them to find out how you can support them
  • Ask how you can help

Look out for these Sunflower icons

  • I may need more time
    I may need more time
  • I cannot stand for long periods of time
  • I may need a place to sit down and rest
  • I have sight loss
  • I have a hidden disability

 

The content on this page is provided solely for information purposes and provides an overview of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have multiple sclerosis, please seek further information. The information on this page is subject to change without notice.