MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

About 400,000 Americans have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and about 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. MS is an autoimmune disorder that affects the neurological system and is usually diagnosed in young adulthood. The causes are still unknown, however a number of factors, like genetics, childhood infections, and environment also impact the likelihood of a person being diagnosed with MS.

What is MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

MS is a disease of the central nervous system and is the most common neurological disorder in young adults. It is a non-contagious disease that affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord, causing symptoms throughout the body. The most common symptoms are loss of balance, muscle spasms, numbness, abnormal sensation, problems moving the arms and legs, and bowel and bladder issues. Other symptoms include cognitive problems like memory loss, hearing loss, eye discomfort, loss of vision, sexual issues, speech problems and fatigue.

Stages of MS

MS affects each patient differently. Some patients experience symptoms for short periods of time, then go weeks or months without symptoms. There is no cure for MS, but many people with the disease lead normal lifestyles and life expectancies.

MS Treatments

Treatment of MS targets the symptoms that patients are experiencing. The goal is to slow down the progression of the symptoms, so that patients can experience a high quality of life. Medication, therapy and lifestyle changes are all be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patient.

Home Care Services for People with MS

HealthNow Home Healthcare draws from many years of expertise helping patients and their families cope with MS. HealthNow Home Healthcare can design a personalized program to manage MS symptoms that includes:

• Medication reminders and assistance with administration
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Providing relief for primary caregivers with assistance in housekeeping, laundry and similar tasks
• Physical therapy to assist with mobility
• Occupational therapy to enhances the performance of everyday activities
• Exercises to maintain speech and swallowing abilities directed by a speech and language pathologist

Assistance with elimination problems, including catheter and bowel management