Welcome to Multiple Sclerosis Association,
South Africa.
MS Support For All
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) falls into the category of an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system attacks its healthy cells and eats away at the protective covering of the nerves. This covering is called the myelin sheath. The resulting damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body, causing damage to the nerves.
The symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage, and which nerves are affected. This can in result in loss of mobility in severe cases. In other cases people experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms, and are able to lead relatively normal lives.
There’s no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, but modern treatments, administered early, can help prevent further deterioration and slow further attacks. These modern medications are referred to as Disease Modifying Therapies.
Not already a member? Register today! It’s free, FOREVER!
To enjoy all the content that we have to offer, we invite you to join the familly. By becoming a member of the MA-SA family, you will be able to login to the website, and acess all the site has to offer.
Click Here To Register
The Four Common Types of Multiple Sclerosis
Although there are six basic types of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) we deal here with the four more common ones. Depending on how the MS manifests it can progress to another type. This is dealt with below in greater detail.
Doctors will normally identify the type of MS based on the clinical picture, and the results of a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI), where the images from the MRI will show lesions or scars on the brain and spinal cord. This results in damage to the myelin sheath covering the nerves and is referred to as demyelination.
Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It is a bit like the insulation that one finds on an electrical wire which, if destroyed, will cause a short circuit. This is exactly what happens to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord when the Myelin is destroyed – the signals from the brain go to the wrong place or get blocked.
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)
Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form of MS. About 85 percent of people with MS are diagnosed with this type.
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS)
About 15 percent of people with MS have Primary Progressive MS (PPMS), which generally affects men and women at equal rates, and is most often diagnosed in adults in their 40s and 50s.
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS)
Some people may be initially diagnosed with RRMS and then, as their disease progresses, it may become worse, resulting in increased disability. When this happens, they may be re-diagnosed with SPMS.
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is not really a type of MS but a condition that may or may not progress into MS. CIS means that a person has had one episode of neurological symptoms caused by demyelination, that lasted at least 24 hours.
Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
There are many different symptoms for MS and different people have different symptoms at different times.
Fatigue
Numbness and tingling
Loss of balance and dizziness
Stiffness or spasms
Tremor
Pain
Bladder problems
Bowel trouble
Vision problems
Problems with memory and cognition
Professional Care for MS
Doctor Appointments
When consulting your GP or Neurologist it’s important to get the most out of any appointment, and there are a few things you can do in advance of your appointment.
Medical terminology can be daunting, so don’t be afraid to ask for things to be repeated if they are unclear and ask for more details if you don’t understand something.
Finally, remember that if you are not happy with your care you can always ask for a second opinion.
Treatment Plans and Care Packages
When you see any health care specialist for the first time, they will generally assess your particular symptoms and discuss an overall treatment plan.
Monitoring and review
Health care professionals should monitor and review your situation on a regular basis, generally every 6 months.
Therapies
There are many therapies available for people with MS and we list some of the more common ones below for your information.
Our Vision & Mission
At Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSA), our vision is to empower and support all South Africans living with Multiple Sclerosis, ensuring that no one faces MS alone.
We are dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by MS through support services, education, advocacy, and community connection. Our goal is to provide individuals with the resources they need while raising awareness and promoting research to enhance the understanding and treatment of MS.
As a non-profit organization, we offer these vital services with no membership cost to those diagnosed with MS and those taking care of people diagnosed with MS. We rely on donations to continue our mission so please feel free to donate financially, voluntary services or expert advice should you wish to contribute to the organization.
Together, we can create a stronger, more informed, and more supportive MS community in South Africa ensuring no one with MS feels isolated and left behind.
