K.N.O.W. Home Health - MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

General Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patient Education

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves called myelin. This causes problems with how the brain sends signals to the rest of the body.

Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes MS.
It may happen because of a mix of genes and things in the environment, like viruses.
You are more likely to get MS if:
- You are a woman.
- You are between 20 and 50 years old.
- You live in places farther from the equator.
- Someone in your family has MS.

Signs and Symptoms (Early Warning Signs)

Feeling very tired.
Numbness or tingling in arms, legs, or face.
Weakness or trouble walking.
Blurry or double vision.
Problems with balance or coordination.
Trouble thinking clearly or remembering things.
Bladder or bowel problems.

Complications if Untreated or If You Don’t Follow Treatment

Symptoms can get worse over time.
You may lose the ability to walk or do daily activities.
You could have more frequent flare-ups or attacks.
Depression or anxiety may develop.
Other health problems like infections may occur.

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

There is no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow MS.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
Get regular exercise to stay strong.
Eat a healthy diet.
Get enough rest.
Manage stress.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
Protect yourself from infections by washing hands and staying up to date on vaccines.

Common Types of Medications

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs): Help slow MS progression and reduce flare-ups.
Steroids: Used for short-term treatment during flare-ups to reduce inflammation.
Muscle relaxants: Help with muscle stiffness or spasms.
Medications for symptoms: Like fatigue, pain, or bladder problems.

Purpose and Side Effects of Medications

DMTs aim to reduce attacks and delay disability.
Steroids reduce swelling but can cause mood changes, sleep problems, or upset stomach.
Muscle relaxants can cause drowsiness or weakness.
Always tell your doctor about side effects.

Dietary Needs

Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Stay hydrated.
Some people find vitamin D helps; check with your doctor.
Limit salt, sugar, and processed foods.

Lifestyle Changes

Stay active but avoid overheating.
Use assistive devices if needed (canes, walkers).
Plan rest times.
Avoid smoking.
Keep a positive attitude and seek support groups.

Safety Considerations

Be careful to avoid falls; clear clutter at home.
Use handrails on stairs.
Use mobility aids if balance is poor.
Avoid extreme heat (hot tubs, very hot weather).
Inform your healthcare team about new symptoms right away.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Take medicines as prescribed.
Attend all medical appointments.
Manage stress through relaxation or counseling.
Maintain healthy weight.
Avoid infections.

Extra Tips to Help Reduce Flare-Ups and Hospital Visits

Stay cool — heat can worsen symptoms. Use fans or cooling towels.
Manage stress through breathing exercises or meditation.
Keep a symptom diary to notice patterns and tell your doctor.
Follow your medication schedule closely.
Avoid infections by washing hands often and staying away from sick people.
Get enough sleep every night.
Ask family or friends for help when you feel weak

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:
- You notice new or worsening symptoms.
- You have signs of infection like fever or chills.
- You have trouble walking or daily activities.
- You feel very tired or weak.
- You have side effects from medications.
Go to the Emergency Room if:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Severe vision loss.
- Severe headache or neck stiffness.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Please choose True or False for each statement. Correct all False statements

True or False: Multiple sclerosis is caused by the body attacking its own nerves.
True or False: MS only affects older adults over age 60.
True or False: Fatigue is a common early symptom of MS.
True or False: There is a cure for MS.
True or False: Disease-modifying therapies help slow the progress of MS.
True or False: You should avoid exercise if you have MS.
True or False: Steroids are used to treat flare-ups in MS.
True or False: You should stop taking your medication if you feel better.
True or False: Smoking can make MS worse.
True or False: It is safe to use hot tubs and saunas if you have MS.
True or False: Vision problems can be a symptom of MS.
True or False: You should call the doctor if you have new numbness or weakness.
True or False: A balanced diet can help manage MS symptoms.
True or False: MS symptoms always get worse without treatment.
True or False: Stress does not affect MS flare-ups.
True or False: Muscle relaxants can help with stiffness in MS.
True or False: It is normal to have bladder problems with MS.
True or False: You should skip doctor appointments if you feel fine.
True or False: Avoiding infections is important for people with MS.
True or False: Sudden loss of speech or vision requires a visit to the emergency room.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Patient Questions

What type of MS do I have, and how will it affect me?
What lab tests or MRI scans will I need and how often?
Are my current medications working, and what side effects shou watch for?
What changes should I make in my diet to support my health?
How can I manage fatigue and stay active safely?
What signs should I look for that mean my MS is getting worse?
How can I reduce my chances of having flare-ups?
What vaccines or precautions should I take to avoid infections?
What support services are available if I need help at home?

Answer Key for Multiple Sclerosis True/False Questions

True
MS is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective covering (myelin) of nerves.
False
MS usually affects adults between 20 and 50 years old, not just people over 60.
True
Fatigue is one of the most common early symptoms of MS.
False
Currently, there is no cure for MS, but treatments can help manage it.
True
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) help slow the progress and reduce flare-ups.
False
Exercise is helpful for people with MS and can improve strength and balance.
True
Steroids are often used during flare-ups to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
False
You should not stop taking medications without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
True
Smoking can make MS symptoms worse and increase flare-ups.
False
Hot tubs and saunas can raise body temperature, which may worsen MS symptoms.
True
Vision problems like blurry or double vision can be symptoms of MS.
True
New numbness, weakness, or other symptoms should be reported to your doctor.
True
A balanced diet supports overall health and may help manage symptoms.
True
Without treatment, symptoms may worsen over time, and disability can increase.
False
Stress can trigger or worsen MS flare-ups, so managing stress is important.
True
Muscle relaxants can help reduce muscle stiffness or spasms in MS.
True
Bladder problems are common in MS due to nerve signals being affected.
False
You should keep all medical appointments, even if you feel fine, to monitor MS.
True
Avoiding infections is important because infections can worsen symptoms or trigger flare-ups.
True
Sudden loss of speech, vision, or weakness requires emergency care immediately.