Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the transmission of nerve impulses through the central nervous system. The nerves in the nervous system are surrounded by a protective covering called the myelin sheath. In patients with MS, areas of the myelin sheath are destroyed. The process is similar to what happens when the covering of an electrical cord is broken or cut. The delicate nerves are exposed, causing damage and a short circuit. Sometimes the area heals and nerve transmission is somewhat restored. However, scar tissue can form, leading to the development of plaques that permanently interfere with nerve transmission in the affected area. Patients may experience multiple areas of damage and scarring in the central nervous system.

Symptoms associated with MS depend upon what area of the nervous system is involved. Patients may experience muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness or tingling, problems with balance or coordination, dizziness, vision impairment, difficulties with memory or thought, bowel or bladder problems and sexual dysfunction.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, about 400,000 Americans have MS. The condition is most commonly diagnosed between 20 and 50. Women are affected about two to three times more often than men.

There are four main types of MS. Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common, affecting 70 to 85 percent of all patients. Patients with this form of the disease have clear periods of symptoms (relapses or flare-ups) and recovery or remission (partial or complete disappearance of symptoms). Primary-progressive MS is the second most common form of the disease, affecting about 15 percent of patients. This form is characterized by a continued progression of symptoms (with no distinct remissions or flare-ups). In progressive-relapsing MS, patient experience continued progression of symptoms with occasional bouts of severe symptoms. It affects about 10 percent of patients with MS. The last form is a variation of relapsing-remitting MS. In secondary progressive MS, patients with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease eventually develop a slow progression of symptoms and disabilities. About half of all patients with relapsing-remitting MS eventually develop the secondary progressive form of the disease.

Patients with MS have good days and bad days (when they may not even be able to get out of bed). Often the occurrence of severe symptoms is unpredictable. Family support is important to cope with the unexpected changes in needs. Some household chores normally performed by the mom (like cooking, cleaning and laundry) may need to be done by fathers, older children, family members, neighbors or friends. In some cases, families may choose to hire extra help to take care of the children and household responsibilities.

Children may also have a hard time understanding and coping with the changes they see in mom. Younger children may be frightened over a parent's inability to function or provide care. Older children may feel frustrated by a mom who "can't always do things" like other moms. In some cases, children who need to take on extra household chores and responsibilities may feel frustrated and overburdened by the workload.

MS Study Researchers at Temple University are studying how moms with MS cope with their symptoms and the effects of the disease on their life and family. Mothers with MS are surveyed regarding their ability to participate in family responsibilities, the role of social support in their ability to cope, overall sense of well-being and the management of symptoms in relation to their ability to participate and maintain a support network. So far, the investigators have found moms with MS are about equally satisfied in their roles as moms without the disease. However, those with MS often have a wide variety of disease-related problems to deal with.

The information from the survey may provide some clues as to how moms with MS adapt to their symptoms and continue to function as parent and caregiver for their families. Researchers may be able to use some of the information to help other moms with MS find a better balance between symptom management and parental responsibility. The information may also help doctors provide better support and services for moms with MS.

For general information on multiple sclerosis:
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, http://www.msaa.com
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, http://www.msfacts.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/multiple_sclerosis.htm
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, http://www.nationalmssociety.org