MS: Is this Normal?
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the nerves in the central nervous system. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerves in the brain and spinal cord, known as the myelin sheath. Consequently, there’s an interruption in the transmission of information throughout the brain and the communication between the brain and the body.
MS can be unpredictable, and people’s symptoms will vary depending on what part of the central nervous system has been affected. Fatigue is an overwhelming symptom that many face. Other common symptoms may include weakness of the body, vision impairment, mood changes and memory loss.
Who is affected by MS?
MS is a disease that usually affects young adults who are still working, raising children, and living in their prime. This is in contrast to dementia and Parkinson’s which typically affect older adults. In fact, most MS diagnoses are made in adults who are still in their 20s or 30s. Women are disproportionately affected, accounting for an overwhelming ⅔ of all diagnoses. This means that disability at a young age can significantly impact an individual’s ability to work and their decision to start or grow a family.
How does MS affect swallowing?
The following are ways that people with MS have described their swallowing difficulties:
‘I choke on my own saliva all the time!’
‘Food sticks in my throat so bad, sometimes I’m afraid to eat.’
‘Sometimes I can’t get the food to go down, then it all just comes back up.’
What are speech & language symptoms?
Below, you’ll find how some people with MS have described their communication challenges:
‘Dude, it can be so embarrassing when I’m talking and can’t come up with the right word. It happened to me while sitting around the table with a group of people at an event.’
‘I’m afraid to lead meetings at work now because I feel so dumb when I get stuck coming up with a word.’
‘Anyone else stutters and slurs their words?’
What are cognitive symptoms seen in MS?
The following are examples of how others with MS describe the impact of their memory loss:
‘I can be so forgetful. My husband says that sometimes he feels like he’s on 50 first dates.’
‘I’ll forget that I told someone a story already, so I tell it to them again and again.’
Managing speech, swallowing & memory loss associated with MS
If you have had your symptoms dismissed, thought that it was all in your head, or were told “that’s just how it is” then you will probably be surprised to learn that:
Speech, swallowing and memory loss can occur with MS
Speech pathologists are the allied health professionals who have specialized training to help you manage these symptoms
Speech & Language
Issues with the strength of your voice, breath to support your speech, speaking clearly and being able to come up with the right words can all be addressed here at Bright Speech. Beyond these foundational communication skills, advanced language treatment can also help you with both understanding and expressing thoughts that are more complex. You need these skills to excel in the workplace, when traveling, and the like.
Swallowing
Bright Speech has specialized dysphagia treatment geared at improving your swallowing safety. Sometimes in order to support safe swallowing, we must also address the strength and effectiveness of your cough. A strong cough helps to protect your airway from choking. These are all treatment options for dysphagia in MS.
Cognition
Cognitive communication skills are fundamental to your ability to continue working, to managing your personal affairs, and even for providing care to others (e.g. your children or an aging parent). At Bright Speech, we use tailored treatment to improve your focus, memory and problem solving skills. This may include strategies for how to adapt on days when fatigue feels overwhelming.
Living Independently with MS
You have multiple sclerosis, but you also have the drive to live independently for as long as possible. I encourage you to build a team of healthcare professionals who can partner with you to attain your goals. While your neurologist is the go-to for medical management, please reach out to Bright Speech today to address your speech, swallowing and memory concerns. Initial consultations are free, and booking is prompt.
