For most people with MS the answer is 'Yes', but there are some things you need to be aware of. To drive safely you need good perception, judgement, responsiveness and reasonable physical capability. As the MS experience (and symptoms) differ for everyone, so too can the impact on driving vary from person to person.
Contents. You may have to adapt your daily life if you're diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), but with the right care and support many people can lead long, active and healthy lives.
After a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, you're bound to worry about how the condition might impact your independence: 'Can I still drive? ' is a common question. For most people living with multiple sclerosis the answer is 'yes', but there are some things you need to be aware of.
If MS changes your vision, avoid driving at night. It might help to visualize your route before you go. Think about the roads you'll take and the things you usually see like traffic lights, houses, bridges, or shopping centers. Think about where you'll have to turn and what the streets look like.
People with MS can benefit from at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least three days a week.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It is known as a degenerative and inflammatory autoimmune condition. It is not classed as a terminal illness.
Disease Course of MS Is Unpredictable
A person with benign MS will have few symptoms or loss of ability after having MS for about 15 years, while most people with MS would be expected to have some degree of disability after that amount of time, particularly if their MS went untreated.
Constant fatigue is common for people with MS. This tiredness can impact all aspects of life, including effective brain use and the ability to go out and partake in activities. The symptoms of MS can cause constant discomfort and disability that limit a person's ability to go about daily activities.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) appears in the NDIS List B disabilities. These are permanent conditions where the functioning capabilities of the person diagnosed are variable.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funds to support people with a permanent disability who are under 65 years old, including people living with MS.
Median survival time from onset of symptoms to death was 42 years. When expected survival rates are compared with those of the Australian population, there is approximately a 10% reduction in survival time in multiple sclerosis patients, after 20 years or more from disease onset.
Pulmonary complications.
MS can weaken the muscles that control the lungs. Such respiratory issues are the major cause of sickness and death in people in the final stages of MS.
Over time, more than two-thirds of people remain able to walk, although they may need an ambulation aid such as a cane or walker to do so. Some may choose to use a motorized scooter or wheelchair for long distances, in order to conserve energy and remain more active; others may need to use a wheelchair all the time.
Outlook. The outlook for benign MS isn't clear. Some people who are diagnosed with it never go on to have a more serious disease progression, while others do. Remember, just because you have mild symptoms when you're first diagnosed with MS doesn't mean that they'll stay that way.
In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) fatigue is the most common symptom and one of the most disabling features.
It can cause symptoms like problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability. In many cases, it's possible to treat symptoms. Average life expectancy is slightly reduced for people with MS.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) triggers that worsen symptoms or cause a relapse can include stress, heart disease and smoking.
Many foods we eat today can cause inflammation which is something you want to avoid when you are living with multiple sclerosis. There are many foods that can cause inflammation in the body. Processed foods, dairy products, red meat, and fried foods are some of the most common offenders.
MS is not directly inherited from parent to child. There's no single gene that causes it. Over 200 genes might affect your chances of getting MS. But genes are only part of the story.
People living with MS often continue working long after their diagnosis. On the flip side, some people with MS decide to leave their jobs when they are first diagnosed or experience their first major exacerbation, often at the suggestion of their family or doctor.
Multiple sclerosis usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 50 years, and the average age of onset is approximately 34 years. Multiple sclerosis can affect children and teens (pediatric MS). It has been estimated that 2%-5% of people with MS develop symptoms prior to age 18.