Millions of people all over the world suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), and there’s still a lot of information about it that we probably don’t know. People with multiple sclerosis somehow consider the help of a professional that can guarantee proper guidance or counseling. One way to get that is from BetterHelp. BetterHelp is an online platform that gives us access to therapy at the tip of our fingers. It is one of the best online support system you can get.
However, in terms of psychological support, it is believed that “Under the right circumstances, online counseling can be just as effective as the traditional in person therapy model, or sometimes even better. Knowing what factors to be aware of from the beginning can help you find the best online therapist for you,” according to MICHELE QUNITIN, LCSW. Since almost everything they do depend on the central system, they opt to find solutions to the problematic situation they have. But what can multiple sclerosis do? We compiled a list of things you need to know to be able to understand what MS is all about.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system of the body where the spinal cord, brain, and optic nerve are connected. It disables a person’s normal function that hits his daily activities. He can also experience weakness in his legs and arms. Balance problems, difficulty articulating words, bowel and bladder complications, muscle weakness, numbness, and poor coordination are also among the manifestations of MS. It progressively affects each person in different ways, and there are no certainties as to where the course of the disease will take. As of Charlotte Judd, NCC, LPC, “Typically, treatment most often focuses on the physical part of the disease; meanwhile, the emotional aspects may not be given appropriate attention.”
How Does MS Affect Nerve Function?
One thing that is certain about MS is its interruption in the essential communication between your brain and body. It somehow strips away the myelin sheaths or the cover that protects your body’s nerves, making it impossible for the nerve signals to function. Once the nerve fibers become exposed, damaging plaques (the sticky buildup outside the nerve cells) disrupt them from sending a message to the body making one unable to do functions such as walking and other bodily activities.
Aside from its effects on the bodily movement, it also damages your eyes. However, some cases are rarely permanent since some of the multiple sclerosis-related vision problems resolve on their own even without undergoing several treatments. Since multiple sclerosis harms almost every nerve in the body, your optic nerve that connects your eyes to the brain is not safe either. It may lead to color blindness and blurry vision. In some cases, it can also cause blindness on each or even both sides of the eyes.
Treatments And Medications
While some of the treatments and medications of MS are considered applicable to different types of people, there is no specific cure for the disease, although since symptoms can come and go over time. For some people, the symptoms may last longer than expected. The only thing that you can do is keep multiple sclerosis from progressing quickly, treat its symptoms, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In general treatment, holistic therapy is advised. Though some healthcare professionals consider the use of drugs in regulating the disease, it somehow does not support long-term benefits for some of the people.
The study of multiple sclerosis is ongoing and not yet conclusive. There are considerations that health specialist needs to address such as genetics and environmental factors. However, proper health care and a holistic lifestyle are an excellent way to assess the disease so make sure you ask for the right professional help. Depression may also occur in this situation, but according to Randy Withers, LPC “The good news is that it’s treatable, often with a combination of therapy, medication, and emphasis on lifestyle changes.” With this, there is nothing to worry about if the patient gets the treatment needed.