Multiple Sclerosis Month
March 16, 2018 | Melissa Weisenberger
March marks Multiple Sclerosis Education Month. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an abnormal reaction to a person’s immune system which affects the central nervous system directly. While there is no cure for this disease, they are treatments available to address the symptoms associated with MS.1
The cause of MS is unknown, however gaining an understanding of the disease can help improve health, quality of life, and overcome its challenges.
It is diagnosed by a physician determining damage to at least two of the following: optic nerves, brain, and spinal cord with the destruction not happening at the same time and other diseases being ruled out.3
Individuals with MS may experience fatigue, visual deficits, dizziness, weakness, gait abnormality, numbness or tingling and other symptoms that result from damage to the central nervous system. This chronic disease can also cause bowel and bladder problems, pain, cognitive impairments, depression, and mood swings.2
Multiple sclerosis is not a contagious disease by any means. It can affect any one from any age, ethnicity, geographic location or race; it does not discriminate. Genetics can also have a huge impact determining who gets MS.1
If you or anyone you know may be experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend you contact your physician as soon as you can. Your physician may order physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech-language pathology. We urge you to say, “Yes” to all of these therapies to maintain your independence, prevent a functional decline, and manage your condition optimally. It’s always best to take care of your body since it will take care of you!
Eat Well and Stay Healthy!
Melissa Weisenberger, B.S.
Executive Assistant
Live Your LifeTM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!
Melissa Weisenberger graduated from St. Cloud State University (SCSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and minors in Human Resources, Marketing, & Psychology. She is passionate about Physical Therapy world & strives to help individuals get back to the living they deserve & doing the things they love. In her personal life, Melissa loves to be outdoors, fishing, going on road trips and staying active.
References
1 “Multiple Sclerosis.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 04 Aug. 2017. Web. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269 Date Accessed 12 Mar. 2018.
2 “MS Symptoms.” National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Web. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269 Date Accessed 12 Mar. 2018.
3 “Diagnosing MS.” National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Web. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/Diagnosing-MS Date Accessed 12 Mar. 2018