Multiple Sclerosis and Veterans (MS & Vets)

Veterans Health Administration

Nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with MS. This is more than double the original estimate from a few years ago and means answers for MS are now twice as important. The VA’s Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence (MSCoE) are dedicated to furthering the understanding of MS, its impact on Veterans, and effective treatments to help manage the disease and its symptoms. MS & Vets is a new podcast series from MSCoE and the VA’s Employee Education System that discusses important issues related to the health and quality of life for Veterans with MS. During every episode you’ll hear subject matter experts weigh in on MS issues and also talk about services the VA provides because every Veteran’s health really does matter. read less

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Cognitive Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis

Cognitive Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis

Cognition refers to a person’s ability to perform high-level brain functions and includes things like thinking, learning, remembering, and understanding. Up to 65% of individuals with MS will develop cognitive dysfunction over the course of their disease. For some people, cognitive dysfunction can be very mild and not easily noticed by those around them. For others, it can be significant and make it difficult to work or take care of things at home. Join Dr. Ernest Aucone, PhD to learn about cognitive dysfunction and how to recognize and manage this symptom of MS.

Episodes

Cognitive Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis

Cognitive Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis

Cognition refers to a person’s ability to perform high-level brain functions and includes things like thinking, learning, remembering, and understanding. Up to 65% of individuals with MS will develop cognitive dysfunction over the course of their disease. For some people, cognitive dysfunction can be very mild and not easily noticed by those around them. For others, it can be significant and make it difficult to work or take care of things at home. Join Dr. Ernest Aucone, PhD to learn about cognitive dysfunction and how to recognize and manage this symptom of MS.

Depression and Multiple Sclerosis

Depression and Multiple Sclerosis

Depression is a serious condition, and if left untreated, can lead to chronic depression. Depression is a medical disorder that can be mild, severe, or even life threatening. Not only can it affect a person’s quality of life, it can interfere with relationships, jobs, and a person’s overall health. Join Dr. Ashley Head to learn how to recognize depression, as well as ways to manage this symptom of MS.

Relapse Management for Multiple Sclerosis

Relapse Management for Multiple Sclerosis

A multiple sclerosis relapse is when inflammation in the brain and/or spinal cord causes a new symptom or worsening of an old symptom. Symptoms with a relapse can range from mild to severe enough to interfere with one’s ability to function. Join Dr. Carolyn Bevan to learn what causes relapses, how to recognize them, as well as management strategies.

Taking Care of the Multiple Sclerosis Caregiver

Taking Care of the Multiple Sclerosis Caregiver

Dedicating time, energy, and emotional commitment to another person can be fulfilling. For many, being a caregiver provides richness in life and an expression of love for the person who needs assistance. Yet, the physical, mental, and emotional demands of care giving are great, and this can sometimes lead to what many refer to as caregiver burnout. For caregivers to avoid burnout, it is vital that they be aware of their own limitations and learn to care for themselves. Join Alicia Sloan, MPH, MSW, LICSW to learn tools about caring for the caregiver.

Headaches and Multiple Sclerosis

Headaches and Multiple Sclerosis

Headaches can be common in people with MS, with between 20-70% of people with MS experiencing tension headaches, migraine headaches, and/or cluster headaches. Triggers for MS headaches include stress, muscle tension, or certain foods. However, a range of medications and alternative treatments may help relieve the symptoms. Join Dr. Zughayer to learn about preventive measures and treatment options.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Multiple Sclerosis

Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Multiple Sclerosis

Wellness is about physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being. Staying well with MS means not just keeping on top of your MS, but also taking charge of your general health. Staying well may require you to take a holistic look at the many areas of life that can affect your health — your work environment, relationships, diet, sleep patterns, and more. Join Dr. Suma Shah to learn about complementary and alternative therapies that may be beneficial for people with MS.

Research and Multiple Sclerosis

Research and Multiple Sclerosis

The VA ranks as one of the nation’s leaders in health research. Thousands of studies are conducted at VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes each year. This research has significantly contributed to advancements in health care for Veterans and other Americans from every walk of life. Join Dr. Lindsey Wooliscroft to learn about MS research studies taking place in the VA to improve our understanding of MS and improve the care of people with this chronic disease.

Osteoporosis and Multiple Sclerosis

Osteoporosis and Multiple Sclerosis

Bone fractures can be devastating. They can decrease quality of life by resulting in decreased mobility, increased need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), increased likelihood of institutionalization, increased risk of future fracture, and increased risk of death. People with MS are at increased risk for falls and increased risk of injury after a fall making the detection of osteoporosis even that much more important. Join Dr. Kathleen Burgess to learn about osteoporosis and what people with MS need to consider.

Importance of MRI in Multiple Sclerosis Care

Importance of MRI in Multiple Sclerosis Care

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent resource for people with MS. MRI studies provide a safe and non-invasive way to obtain detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, without any radiation exposure. Join Dr. Mitch Wallin to learn more about the importance of MRI in MS care.

Vision and Multiple Sclerosis

Vision and Multiple Sclerosis

Vision is very important in almost everything we do, including watching television, reading a book, driving, and many other activities. When MS disturbs vision, it can have a significant impact on quality of life. People with MS can have different kinds of vision problems. Join Dr. Kimberly Winges to learn about vision dysfunction in people with MS and how best to address those symptoms.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

MS symptoms are variable and unpredictable. The duration and severity of symptoms may fluctuate over time. Most people do not have all the possible symptoms of MS, and no two people have the same combination or severity of symptoms. Join Dr. Andrew Romeo, MD to learn about the symptoms of MS, as well as some methods to manage them.

Adaptive Driving and MS

Adaptive Driving and MS

MS can affect the ability to perform activities of daily living. Driving is the most complex activity of daily living performed every day. Driving requires adequate vision, motor, memory, and thinking skills, and MS can affect all these areas. Join Patricia Niewoehner, OTR/L, CDRS to learn how MS can affect driving, what to look out for, and the adaptive equipment available to help keep you safe.

Cognitive Rehabilitation and MS

Cognitive Rehabilitation and MS

Approximately 40-65% of people with MS experience noticeable changes in cognitive functioning related to their MS. For some, these changes are fairly minor, while for others, the cognitive changes significantly disrupt their daily lives. Declining cognitive functioning is among the top concerns for those with MS because this can affect employment, relationships, driving, health management, and other important areas of daily life. Join Annette Askren, CScD, CCC-SLP to learn about this important topic.

Choosing a Disease Modifying Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

Choosing a Disease Modifying Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

All people with MS should discuss taking a disease modifying therapy (DMT) with their MS provider. When offered, most people with MS choose to take them. Fortunately, we now have several DMTs that slow the course of MS. These medications have all been proven to benefit people with MS in well-designed large studies. Because DMTs, like any medication, come with risks, people with MS must decide for themselves. Join Dr. Kayla Martin to better understand your DMT options.

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

The cause of MS is currently unknown. What we do know suggests that there isn’t one single reason why someone gets MS. Instead, there are probably a number of different reasons, or factors involved - both genetic and environmental. Join Eric Williamson, MD to learn about what is known about the causes and risks for MS.

Occupational Therapy and Multiple Sclerosis

Occupational Therapy and Multiple Sclerosis

Occupational therapy focuses on enabling people to do the things they want and need to do in their day-to-day lives. It helps people find meaning and purpose in their lives by enabling them to participate in valued activities related to self-care, household management, healthcare management, community engagement, work/school participation, and leisure engagement. Join Lauren Yacks, OTR/L, ATP to learn how occupational therapy may be able to help you.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue

Managing Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue

Fatigue is a complex issue with no one-size-fits-all approach to solving it, but sometimes simple changes can have a big impact. For many, a combination of medications and other methods of treatment such as physical therapy, exercise, and diet changes can make a big difference. Join Anza Memon, MD to learn more about MS fatigue and the various methods to help manage this debilitating symptom.

Caregiver Burnout and Self-Care

Caregiver Burnout and Self-Care

Dedicating time, energy, and emotional commitment to another person can be fulfilling. For many, being a caregiver provides richness in life and an expression of love for the person who needs assistance. Yet, the demands of care giving are great and this can sometimes lead to fatigue, stress, and feelings of depression, what many refer to as caregiver burnout. Join Bethany Ferguson, LCSW to learn how to recognize and ideally avoid burnout in caregiving.

Pain is a common MS symptom that can occur at any time in the disease course. Studies show that more than half of people with MS have experienced pain associated with their MS at some time. Pain is important to understand because, if left untreated, it can affect relationships, mood, sleep, work, and the ability to have fun and generally enjoy life. Join Dr. Tamar Harel who will describe MS pain and the many ways to successfully manage pain.

How is MS diagnosed?

How is MS diagnosed?

The diagnosis of MS is complex. The symptoms and clinical signs of MS often come and go, and symptoms are not the same for every person. The diagnosis of MS in some people is quite quick, taking a few weeks, when the person has a very typical presentation. It may take months or even years, when a person’s presentation is less typical. Join Dr. Vicky Chen to learn more about the criteria used to diagnose MS.