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Multiple Sclerosis
Overview
Symptoms
Treatment
Products
Resources
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease in which the nerves of the brain and spinal cord progressively degenerate. Inflammation causes the covering of the nerves, or myelin, to degenerate and eventually damages the nerves themselves. This injury to the central nervous system is manifested by changes in the motor and sensory functions of the body.
The cause of MS is still unknown, but current research has focused upon the bodys immune system and genetics. People with MS might have a virus or abnormal gene that alters the myelin, causing their immune system to perceive the myelin as a foreign object and attack it. Interferon is the current primary drug used to treat patients with MS to reduce the frequency of attacks and slow the diseases advance.
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Symptoms of MS
Symptoms vary in MS patients, ranging from mild and inconvenient to severe and debilitating. Some people report numbness in their limbs while others suffer from loss of vision or paralysis. Every individual experiences a unique combination of symptoms, the progress and severity of which cannot be predicted. However, there is a direct correlation between the location of myelin and nerve damage and the resulting motor or sensory bodily functional problems.
Current research has shown that not all symptoms affect all patients, no two people report the same complaints and no individual suffers from all of the symptoms. And while some symptoms are continuous others are periodic. Most MS patients report a episodic pattern of attacks and remissions in relation to the symptoms that occur.
The most common MS symptoms include numbness, fatigue, weakness, spasticity, loss of balance, loss of bladder and bowel control, loss of vision, tremors and depression. Only 25 percent become dependent upon using a wheelchair for mobility. Some patients lose their balance and muscle coordination, having difficulty in walking, while others suffer from slurred speech and loss of bladder control.
Because the symptoms that define the clinical picture of MS are the result of nerve lesions causing disturbances in electrical conduction in one or more areas of the CNS, the nature of the symptoms that occur is determined by the location of the lesion. For example: an optic nerve lesion may cause blurred vision; a brain stem lesion may cause dizziness or double vision; a spinal cord lesion may cause coordination/balance problems.
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Products for Multiple Sclerosis
Mobility products are available for MS patients that offer a full range of options from canes and walkers for stability and support while walking to power electric vehicles that provide mobility for those who can no longer walk. These include:
- Canes are used by people who are independent enough to use a one-handed walking aid. They have fairly good balance and just need the added stability and support that a cane provides. Canes are used in the hand that is on the opposite side of the body that is weaker or injured. They are available in numerous sizes, handles and styles. Aside from the traditional umbrella handle, ergonomic and orthopedic grip handles are now available. Wood canes are sized by cutting with a saw. Aluminum canes are adjusted by using a spring button.
- Quad Canes have a base with four points of contact on the floor to provide extra stability and support for people when walking. They are available with a small or large base and their size is selected according to the amount of support needed by the person.
- Forearm Crutches are used by people who have long-term or permanent mobility problems. The cuffs on the top of the crutches wrap around the forearms while the orthopedic handles are gripped below. The height is adjustable at the base with a spring button, and they are available in adult and child sizes.
- Walkers help people remain mobile by providing stability and support while walking. They transfer most of the weight and work from the users legs and feet to their arms and hands. Walkers are available in rigid and folding models, plus a variety of accessories are available such as wheels, baskets, pouches, backpacks, glide brakes, seats, trays and glass holders.
- Rollators are walkers with wheels and brakes to eliminate having to lift the walker to walk. They feature small or large wheels for indoor and outdoor use, respectively. Brakes offer extra security when going down inclines. The walkers fold for transport and many have seats so users can sit and rest when they get tired.
The U-Step Walking Stabilizer is specifically designed to assist MS patients with their mobility. View and learn more about it under the "New Products" section.
- Manual Wheelchairs are no longer one size fits all and are available in a variety of styles and sizes. The standard basic wheelchair folds easily for transport, has locking wheels, detachable foot rests that swing-away for transferring, footplates, elevating leg rests and arm rests that are either permanent full length or removable desk length. Optional features include reclining backs, adjustable seat length, hemi or low seat frames, articulating footrests, solid tires and anti-tipping devices.
- Transport or Companion Wheelchairs are popular with caregivers because they have four small wheels for convenience when transporting the chair in a car or other form of transportation. They are available in very lightweight models and are designed to be pushed by the caregiver.
- Lightweight Wheelchairs are also popular with end-users as they weigh so much less than standard chairs and are easier to self-propel. They are preferred for outdoor usage and wheelchair sports.
- Power Wheelchairs are motorized wheelchairs that are controlled by either a joy stick or a puff mechanism. These are primarily used by quadriplegics or people with medical conditions who are extremely weak and cannot push themselves in a manual wheelchair.
- Scooters or Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) provide motorized transportation for individuals who either need or prefer power mobility. Scooters can be used indoors and outdoors and are available in both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive models. They also come in lightweight models that break down into smaller parts for easier transport.
Disposables:
- Pads and Shields are for small loss of urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing, straining or pregnant. Usually this light incontinence is only a daytime problem.
- Guards are for temporary or long-term loss of bladder control after surgery, or when someone is unable to prevent urine leakage after feeling a strong urge to urinate. Leakage often occurs on the way to the bathroom.
- Undergarments are for frequent leakage usually of small amounts of urine, or for moderate loss of urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing or straining. Often this moderate incontinence is only a daytime problem.
- Briefs are for heavy or continuous urine leakage or heavy leakage at night or when lying down.
Reusable Systems
- Undergarments and Briefs are washable protective underwear that are made to use with liners and pads or by themselves.
- Liners and Pads fit into the above washable undergarments and are either reusable/washable for light incontinence or disposable for moderate to heavy incontinence.
Urologicals
- Catheters are available for permanent loss of urine control. They are available as either external or internal devices.
- Urine Collection Devices include leg bags and overnight bags that hang from the bed.
Related Incontinence Products
Underpads are flat pads filled with absorbent materials and covered with waterproof backing. They are designed to protect bedding and furniture. Available in disposable and reusable options, various sizes and different absorbencies
Skin Care is a concern for people with incontinence because they are prone to skin breakdown, especially when continuous washing with regular alkaline soap dries out the skin. Skin care products protect, soothe and replenish the skin. Antibacterial and anti-fungal products eliminate germs, yeast, bacteria and fungi.
- Cleansers cleanse and remove urine and fecal material. They are available in no-rinse and deodorizing formulas.
- Barriers and Skin Protectants protect skin from further exposure and irritation by creating moisture and antimicrobial, antifungal barriers on affected areas.
- Moisturizers and Creams replenish moisture to skin that is dried out or irritated by incontinence.
- Deodorizers eliminate odor as well as deodorize.
- Rinseless Shampoos, foot cleansers and shaving gels are also available.
Accessories include washcloths, air fresheners, powders and ointments.
Bath Safety Products help to maintain stability and compensate for loss of strength when toileting and bathing. These include:
- Bedpans and Urinals are available for patients who are unable to get up from bed to use a bedside commode or the bathroom.
- Elevated Toilet Seats enable patients who have difficultly in standing to remain independent in the bathroom.
- Bedside Commodes are stand-alone toilet seats with a removable pail for people who are unable to walk to the bathroom. They can also be easily converted to a raised toilet seat to be used directly over the toilet.
- Bath Chairs, Transfer Benches and Handheld Showers make getting into and out of the bathtub easier, safer and more convenient.
- Grab Bars provide stability when standing after sitting on the toilet or when entering and exiting the bath or shower.
- Personal Care items includes sitz baths, lubricant jelly and gloves.
- Accessories include washcloths, shampoo sets, air fresheners, powders and ointments.
Aids for Daily Living are helpful to help the patient remain independent and still function normally, such as when eating or dressing. These include:
- Reachers, Dressing Aids, Velcro Buttons, and Zipper Pullers
- Door Openers, Lamp Switches and Key Turners
- Pill Dispensers, Pill Cutters and Crushers, and Eye Droppers
- Long Handled Combs, Brushes and Bathing Tools
- Silverware, Plates, and Kitchen Aids to help open jar, containers and boxes.
Environmental control units enable immobilized patients to control the lights, temperature and technology in their home and work environments.
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Multiple Sclerosis Resources
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
800 532-7667
msaa@msaa.com
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
800 225-6495
www.msfocus.org
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
800 344-4867
www.nmss.org
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