Multiple Sclerosis
On this page: How VCI Mobility Can Help, Resources
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune response attacks a person’s central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other.
Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are wrapped in an insulating substance called myelin. With MS, the body’s own immune system attacks and damages the myelin. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals.
The name multiple sclerosis refers to scars (scleroses—better known as plaques or lesions) in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. People suffering from MS can experience many different neurological symptoms or signs including changes in sensation, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, difficulty in moving, difficulties with coordination and balance, problems in speech or swallowing and/or visual problems.
Although much information is known about the mechanisms involved in the disease process, the actual cause of MS remains unknown. Many theories on the cause of MS include genetics or infections. Different environmental risk factors have also been found. MS usually occurs in young adults and is more common in females. MS has a prevalence that ranges between 2 and 150 per 100,000 people.
MS takes several forms, either with discrete attacks (relapsing forms) or slowly accumulating over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely, but permanent neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances.
MS treatments attempt to return function after an attack, prevent new attacks, and prevent disability. There is no known cure for MS; however, life expectancy of patients is nearly the same as that of the unaffected population.
How VCI Mobility Can Help
VCI Mobility understands the desire of individuals with MS to maintain their own independence. VCI also understands that as MS progresses, each individual’s needs will change. Our caring, qualified Mobility Consultants will work with you to determine the mobility products that will conform best to your unique, individual situation.
Whether it’s installing adaptive seating or adaptive driving aids into your existing vehicle, or getting you into a wheelchair accessible vehicle, VCI is there to help with your Multiple Sclerosis transportation requirements.