Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, neurological disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is thought to be an immune-mediated disorder, which is when the “immune system incorrectly attacks healthy tissue in the CNS interfering with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord and other parts of the body (Multiple sclerosis faqs, 2021).” There is currently no known cure for MS, however FDA-approved medications, therapeutic and technological advances are found to improve and manage symptoms.

Depending on the child’s stage of development, here are some key words you can use when explaining Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to children:
• Nerves have a special job to send messages to and from the brain to the rest of your body, but if someone has MS the nerves do not work the same. This means the signals do not get where they need to go.
• Nerves – parts of your body that carry messages to and from the brain to the rest of your body
• Brain – the organ inside your head that controls all the parts of the body
• Immune system – the parts of your body that protect you from germs that could make you sick

Common Types of Multiple Sclerosis (Multiple Sclerosis Foundation)

  1. Clinically-Isolated Syndrome (CIS) – “first episode of neurologic symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system lasting at least 24 hours (What is ms, 2021).”
  2. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) – the most common disease course characterized by defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms.
  3. Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS) – “characterized as either active (with relapses and/or evidence of new MRI activity during a specified period of time) or not active, as well as with progression (evidence of disability accumulation over time, with or without relapses or new MRI activity) or without progression (What is ms, 2021).”
  4. Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS) – characterized by worsening neurologic function (accumulation of disability) from the onset of symptoms, without early relapses or remissions.

According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), individuals with MS may experience a variety of symptoms possibly affecting individuals physically, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and/or in ways that others can’t see (“invisible” symptoms). These symptoms include:

  1. Common Physical Symptoms
    • Balance problems
    • Mobility and walking issues
    • Speech difficulties
    • Tremor
    • Bowel problems
    • Bladder dysfunction
    • Spasticity (stiffness)
    • Swallowing disorders
  2. Common Emotional, Mental, and Psychological Symptoms
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Cognitive changes
    • Pseudobulbar affect (PBA)
  3. Common “Invisible” Symptoms
    • Fatigue
    • Dizziness
    • Numbness
    • Sleep issues
    • Visual disorders
    • Weakness

Multiple Sclerosis Facts from National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Worldwide, more than 2.3 million people have a diagnosis of MS.
• Nearly 1 million people over the age of 18 live with MS in the United States.
• There are more than 2 to 3 times as many women living with MS than men.
• MS is most common in Caucasians of northern European ancestry.
• Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.

Resources

  1. Websites
    • https://www.nationalmssociety.org/
    • https://mymsaa.org/
    • https://msfocus.org/
  2. Books
    • Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Fifth Edition by Jock T. Murray, MD
    • Managing Multiple Sclerosis Naturally: A Self-help Guide to Living with MS by Judy Graham
    • Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis: The Evidence-Based 7 Step Recovery Program by George Jelinek, MD
    • The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Plan and Cookbook: 101 Easy Anti-Inflammatory Recipes by Noelle DeSantis
  3. Applications
    • MS Healthline
    • BelongMS – Multiple Sclerosis

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References
Multiple sclerosis faqs. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2021). https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/MS-FAQ-s.
Types of ms. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2021). https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS.
What is ms? Multiple sclerosis foundation – common questions. (2021). https://msfocus.org/Get-Educated/Common-Questions#What%20is%20Multiple%20Sclerosis.