Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects balance, strength and sensation. Over half of people with MS fall every year.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis – abbreviated MS – is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. MS disease affects the brain and spinal cord and is one of the most common neurological diseases in young adults.
The disease involves the immune system attacking myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibres. When myelin is damaged, signal transmission between the brain and the rest of the body is disrupted [1].
Types of MS
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) – The most common form. The disease progresses with clearer periods (remission) alternating with relapses. Accounts for approximately 85% of all newly diagnosed cases.
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) – Many with RRMS develop SPMS over time, where the disease progresses more steadily without clear relapses.
Primary progressive MS (PPMS) – The disease worsens from the start without clear relapses. Affects men and women roughly equally.
Progressive relapsing MS (PRMS) – A rare form with continuous progression and occasional relapses.
How Common Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Globally, over 2.8 million people are estimated to live with MS [3]. MS typically begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is more common in women than men [1].
MS Symptoms
Common MS symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness – particularly in the legs
- Balance difficulties and coordination problems
- Numbness and tingling in arms, legs or face
- Vision problems – blurred vision, pain with eye movements, double vision
- Spasticity – muscle stiffness that makes movement difficult
- Pronounced fatigue – one of the most common and disabling MS symptoms
- Cognitive difficulties – problems with memory and concentration
- Bladder problems – frequent urgency or difficulty urinating
What Causes MS?
The exact cause of MS is not yet fully understood, but research points to a combination of factors:
- Autoimmunity – the immune system attacks the body’s own myelin
- Genetics – some hereditary tendency, but MS is not directly inherited
- Environmental factors – vitamin D deficiency, smoking and certain viral infections increase risk
- Gender and age – women are affected approximately three times more often than men
MS and Fall Risk
Falls are one of the most common and serious problems in MS. Studies show that over 50% of people with MS fall at least once a year [4]. Fall risk is linked to balance problems, muscle weakness, reduced sensation and fatigue.
Treatment of MS
There is currently no cure for MS, but effective treatment can slow the course of the disease. Treatment may include disease-modifying drugs, corticosteroids for acute relapses, symptom management and physiotherapy. Read more about how multiple sclerosis is treated.
A Personal Alarm with Automatic Fall Detection Can Increase Safety for People with a Higher Risk of Falling
Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with a higher risk of falling. The alarm can automatically detect falls and call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s location on a map in the Sensorem app.
