Learn about

Multiple Sclerosis
and how you can
manage with it
For quality information on MS and
to access an abundance of
services and support Australia
wide please visit:

https://www.ms.org.au A Patient's Guide to

Multiple
Sclerosis
References

1. Levin. Overview of demyelinating disorders,

neurologic disorders: multiple sclerosis. MSD
manuals. 2021.
2. MS Queensland [Internet]: Multiple
Sclerosis Australia. Health and wellbeing:
mental health. n.d [cited 2021 May 30].
Available from:
https://www.msqld.org.au/health-
wellbeing/mental-health/

What is
Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive
autoimmune condition affecting the central
nervous system (CNS). It interferes with
nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord
and optic nerves.
Multiple Sclerosis means "many scars".
The condition is due to an inflammatory
response within the CNS tissues, where the
body replaces healthy tissue with scar
tissue known as 'sclerosis'.
A build up of scar tissue over time within the
brain and spinal cord can result in many
sensory and motor symptoms to the skin,
eyes and muscles.
What causes MS?
Unfortunately the exact causes of MS are
unknown. It is understood that a
combination of environmental and
genetic factors likely occur in the
development of the disease.
Women aged 20-40 years are at a higher
risk however anyone aged 15-60 years
can be diagnosed (1).
Types of MS
The patterns of MS are unpredictable. There
are four known patterns however each person
will experience the condition differently.
Symptoms can flair up and disappear over a
number of years, so understanding your pattern
can take a long time.
The two most common types are (1);
- Relapse-Remitting MS, presenting as a series
of worsening attacks of symptoms over a
number of years with periods of remission, and
- Primary Progressive MS, where little to no
remission is experienced after onset.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person and can
be unpredictable. Common symptoms include
fatigue, pain, clumsiness, loss of bladder control,
brain fog, change in emotions and muscle
spasticity (1). Around half of those with MS will
experience a depressive episode (2).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on your presenting symptoms
and the results of blood tests and radiological
imaging, such as MRI scans. This will require
expert opinion of a Neurologist and diagnosis
can be difficult to confirm early on.
If you experience the onset
of, or a relapse of symptoms,
it is important to talk to you
GP as soon as possible.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to shorten
exacerbations, reduce the frequency of flairs
and delay progression of the disease.
Medications
Depending on your symptoms, your
Neurologist may prescribe corticosteroids,
immuno-modulators, muscle relaxants, and
antidepressants or anticonvulsants to help
with nerve pain.
Physical Activity
Keeping strong and active is the key to
managing both physical and emotional
symptoms.
A Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist
can build a program to manage flair ups.
Support Services
There is an abundance of services that
can help you with managing your
symptoms and living your best life.
Go to MS Australia's website for detailed
information and find the right advice for
you.