The bottom line is that MS is not inherited but there is an increased risk in families who already have a member with MS because they carry some of the same genes. However, other factors are needed to trigger the condition and, overall, MS is still considered as a relatively rare condition compared with, for example, diabetes or breast cancer.
The risk of MS in a family member depends on how closely related they are. The more closely related, the more likely that both will have MS. In a recent study of over 42, people in Sweden who had a parent with MS, only 1. This translates into roughly a one in eighty chance of a parent and their child both having MS.
This compares with a roughly one in chance in completely unrelated people. Returning to the original question at the top of this blog: MS is not inherited in the true sense of the word and this is what many neurologists tell people with MS. However, there is an increased risk in families so it is not surprising to sometimes hear of two members of the same family both having MS.
Print this page. Skip to content. Skip to navigation. How is MS diagnosed? Guidance for young people with MS Cabbages and an MS King Call for national neurology plan following largest ever survey of people with neurological conditions Can't take the heat? Challenged myself to walk miles throughout May Christmas cards are here!
But what do the new rules mean for people with MS? Focus on: self-compassion and resilience Focus on: sleep problems in MS Focus on: using orthoses to improve walking difficulties Gabapentin and pregabalin - new rules for prescriptions Good news! It can slow them down, jumble them, send them the wrong way, or stop them getting through completely. These attacks, particularly if frequent and repeated, can eventually lead to permanent damage to the underlying nerves. It seems likely that it's partly caused by genes you inherit from your parents and partly by outside factors that may trigger the condition.
Further research is needed to understand more about why MS occurs and whether anything can be done to prevent it. Page last reviewed: 20 December Next review due: 20 December What's known so far suggests it's caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Bladder problems: tolterodine, oxybutynin. Constipation: stool softener, laxative. Depression: venlafaxine, paroxetine.
Pain: phenytoin, gabapentin. Muscle stiffness and spasms: dantrolene, baclofen. Urinary problems: desmopressin, methenamine, phenazopyridine. Erectile dysfunction: tadalafil, alprostadil. Other types of medicine can affect the long-term outcomes of the disease. Interferons are a group of natural proteins made by human cells. Studies show they can slow down the worsening of symptoms. These medicines are often given as an injection a shot.
Interferons may cause serious liver damage. Other side effects include flu-like symptoms and depression. Glatiramer acetates are thought to block the cells that damage myelin.
It can lead to fewer relapses and fewer new lesions. The medicine is taken as a shot once a day. Side effects may include hives or pain at the injection site, heart tremors, and shortness of breath. Two other type of medicine may be used to treat severe or advanced MS.
Natalizumab: This is an option for people who have tried other drugs first and not had good results. It can have serious side effects, and should not be used in combination with other disease-modifying drugs.
One known side effect is an increased risk of a fatal brain infection. Mitoxantrone: This is an option for people who have increased relapse and remission periods, progressive MS, or worsened symptoms.
Side effects include weakened immune system and an increased risk of blood and heart disease. Therapy Different therapies can be helpful for people who have MS. Physical Therapy PT can help with walking, strength, balance, posture, fatigue, and pain. PT can include stretching and strengthening exercises, and training to use mobility aids like canes, scooters, or wheelchairs. Your therapist can help you adapt your exercise routine to accommodate your symptoms and flare-ups.
Occupational Therapy OT can improve your level of freedom and safety at home and at work. Your therapist can show you how to use tools to help in daily tasks. They can also recommend changes to your home or work space to make tasks easier. Your therapist may help you learn how to adapt to activities or hobbies that you enjoy.
Speech Therapy can help you better control muscles used for talking and swallowing. Pre-pregnancy planning is important for women.
Certain medicines used to treat MS symptoms are not safe for your baby during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest that you stop taking these medicines before trying to get pregnant. Some other medicines that are considered safe during pregnancy can be helpful in treating MS symptoms. Your doctor may recommend that you change medicines while you are trying to get pregnant and during your pregnancy. Some medicines used to treat MS may be passed on to babies during breastfeeding.
This is not safe for the baby. Talk to your doctor about your breastfeeding plans. Living with multiple sclerosis Living with MS, a chronic ongoing illness, can be physically and emotionally hard. Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fiber. A nutritious diet will keep your immune system strong and give you the best chance of good health. Physical activity. Continue to exercise if your doctor says it is okay.
Exercise can improve your muscle tone and strength, balance, coordination, and even your mood. Stretching exercises can help with stiffness and mobility. It is also important to get plenty of rest. MS causes fatigue, so pay attention to your needs. You may have to adapt your work or personal schedule to include time for rest.
Too much heat can cause nerve pain and lead to extreme muscle weakness. Be careful using hot tubs or saunas, and taking hot baths or showers. If heat bothers you, find ways to cool down.
A cool bath or air conditioning may help. Get support from your friends, family, and community. They can provide encouragement to help you cope with your disease. You can also look to your doctor, who may recommend a counselor or support group. Try to maintain as normal a life as you can, and continue to do the things you enjoy.
This can help you keep a good mood and healthy state of mind. Pregnancy care. If MS affects your ability to walk, you may notice that walking is more difficult during pregnancy. This is because the weight you gain during pregnancy can shift your balance.
Be extra careful to avoid falls. You may need crutches or other walking assistance devices. You may need to use a wheelchair. You may become tired more easily. This is true later in the pregnancy. Plan ahead so your schedule allows for plenty of rest.
0コメント