Understanding multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, degenerative neurological disease affecting the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerve). MS impacts more young people is Australia than any other chronic progressive neurological disease.

In MS, the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks and damages fatty material (myelin) around the nerves. Myelin is important for protecting and insulating nerves so that electrical messages the brain sends to the rest of the body travel quickly and efficiently. As the myelin breaks down, nerves become exposed and scarred. As a result, the brain cannot communicate effectively with other parts of the body, leading to a range of symptoms . This can include difficulties walking, reduced hand and arm function, loss of sensation, pain, vision changes and changes to thinking and memory.

While there is no known cure as yet, therapeutic and technological advances are helping to manage symptoms and get the best out of life. A coordinated multidisciplinary care approach can help people living with MS, which is why MSWA is dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey and your daily needs.

Our comprehensive range of services is designed to empower you to live life the way you want and not be bound by limits, whatever your goals may be.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis

No two people will experience MS in the same way, and symptoms can be variable and unpredictable depending on which part of the central nervous system is affected and to what degree.

Symptoms can be any combination of the five major functional impairments.

Motor control

Unsteady movements
Muscular spasms and tremors
Muscle weakness
Impaired gait
Coordination problems
Speech and verbal difficulties
Abnormal tone
Hyper-tonicity
Swallowing and breathing difficulties
Heart problems
Imbalance and impaired upper and lower limb function

Neurological

Dizziness and vertigo
Pins and needles
Nerve pain and ongoing pain
Visual disturbances
Inability to regulate body temperature

Neuropsychological

Brain fog
Impaired memory and concentration
Changes in processing speed and ability
Impaired executive function
Personality changes
Emotional changes
Anxiety
Depression
Cognitive impairment
Sleeping difficulties

Fatigue

Debilitating fatigue
Heat sensitivity and intolerance
Difficulty walking distances
Difficulty concentration or ability to complete daily tasks and work

Bladder and bowel dysfunction

Incontinence
Failure to store or empty the bladder
Urgency
Nocturia
Faecal impaction and constipation
Diarrhoea
Sexual problems

Types of multiple sclerosis

Relapsing remitting MS is the most common disease course characterised by clearly defined attacks or increased neurological activity followed by periods of complete or partial recovery.

Causes of multiple sclerosis

There is no known single cause of MS, but many genetic, environmental and behavioural factors have been shown to contribute to its development. Factors that can increase the risk of the development of MS are outlined below.

Genetics
MS is not considered a hereditary disease, and the majority of people who develop MS have no previous family history of the disease. Over 200 genetic changes have been associated with the development of MS, but they will only increase susceptibility to MS in combination with other environmental factors.
Epstein-Barr virus
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been linked to the development of MS. It can trigger an immune response that predisposes someone to MS, rather than the virus itself directly causing the disease.
Geographic location
MS is found to be more common in areas farthest from the equator. However, prevalence rates may differ significantly among groups living in the same geographic area regardless of distance from the equator. In Australia, those living in northern Queensland are two times less likely to develop MS than those in Tasmania.
Vitamin D
Numerous research studies have seen a correlation between vitamin D levels and MS. Most of the vitamin D we need is made in our body in response to sunlight through exposure to UV radiation. Low levels of vitamin D is linked to an increased risk of developing MS.
Smoking
It has been clearly shown that smoking significantly increases chances of developing MS. Smokers, and people exposed to second-hand smoke, are almost two times more likely to develop MS.

Living with multiple sclerosis/What happens next?

Whether you've been diagnosed with MS recently or sometime in the past, MSWA is here to provide you with vital support and services throughout your journey. Your wellbeing, safety and comfort is top priority – we offer flexible services via phone or video call, in a safe way in your home and/or in a safe way in our Centres.

The range of services we offer include counselling, dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, in-home care, social welfare and community support.

Contact us

For more information to see how we can best help you and to contact us, visit our Get Support page.
Alternatively, call us on 1300 097 989 (metropolitan WA) or 1800 287 367 (regional WA).

Additional resources and support

Some resources you may find useful

Visit the Australian Government’s Health Direct website for key facts and health service information.
Visit MS Australia's website for detailed information and educational resources on MS. As the national peak body for people affected by MS, MS Australia provides comprehensive resources on treatments, research and advocacy.

Other sources to reference

Information on this webpage was partly obtained from the below official resources.