Multiple Sclerosis: A Closer Look at the Disease You Can’t Always See

Are More People Being Affected By MS? Who Is At Greater Risk?

Yes, it seems that cases of MS are on the rise. A recent study completed by the University of Auckland showed that the prevalence of MS rose by nearly a third between 2006 and 2022.² In New Zealand, around one in every 1000 people have a form of the disease, with over 4000 people currently diagnosed.³

You are at greater risk of developing MS if you are a smoker, were considered obese during childhood, have had exposure to a virus such as Epstein-Barr virus or have low Vitamin D levels. Toxin exposure such as secondhand smoke or pesticides are thought to be risk factors, and genetics also plays a role. While MS is not directly inherited, people can inherit a ‘genetic susceptibility’ to the condition – 10% of people with MS have a close relative who also has the disease.

MS Has Many Non-Specific Symptoms

Symptoms commonly start in the 30’s and can start to appear many years before a person is finally diagnosed. Because of the relapsing and remitting nature of MS these symptoms can come and go over many years. The symptoms can be very variable, depending on the person, location of the damage in the nervous system and how bad that damage is. Common symptoms are:

• Tingling, numbness
• Electric shock sensations
• Lack of coordination
• Weakness
• Vision changes
• Dizziness, vertigo
• Slurred speech
• Mood changes
• Muscle spasms
• Pain
• Incontinence
• Constipation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Heat sensitivity.⁴

Are There Treatments Available For MS?

Yes, the treatment aims for MS are to modify the course of the disease, help speed recovery from attacks, manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for people. Treatment includes medicines, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and/or speech therapy, glasses for vision symptoms and mobility devices. Lifestyle factors are also important – focusing on a nutritious diet, adequate rest and moderate exercise.

Different types of medicines are used depending on whether a person needs treatment for a current attack or if the treatment is to modify the progression of the disease. For some people who have mild symptoms, they may not need medications. Steroids are the main medicine used for an MS attack as these help to decrease nerve inflammation.

Disease-modifying treatments are medicines called immunomodulators and immunosuppressants that decrease inflammation and decrease the demyelination of the nerve fibres to ultimately slow the formation of new lesions and slow down the rate of disability.

Getting an early diagnosis is really important as some of the medicines for MS, if used aggressively at the start of the disease, can lower relapse rates and slow down the formation of new lesions in the central nervous system. MS is a difficult disease to diagnose and diagnosis can take some time. Contact your GP if you think your symptoms may be linked to MS. They will refer you to a neurologist, a specialist in conditions of the nervous system.