Multiple sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory disorder that disrupts the flow of information between the brain or spinal cord and the rest of the body, and may lead to symptoms such as fatigue and problems with mobility, balance, vision.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary from person to person, and even from day to day for an individual—and this causes stress and uncertainty for both people with MS and their families. These psycho-social effects, and how to handle them, were the subject of a virtual talk by Andrea Arzt, LCSW, MSCS, Director of Healthcare Engagement, and Debby Bennett, Program Implementation Manager with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It can be viewed here.
Andrea Arzt, LCSW, MSCS, Director of Healthcare Engagement, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
“MS is variable and unpredictable, with no clear road map,” Ms. Arzt said in the talk, “Multiple Sclerosis: A Clinicians Update,” which was hosted by the Mount Sinai Office for Diversity and Inclusion. It was part of a series featuring speakers from around the Mount Sinai Health System as well as the community to raise awareness and promote an inclusive and equitable health care environment for people with disabilities.
MS is a neuroinflammatory disorder that affects the central nervous system. It disrupts the flow of information between the brain or spinal cord and the rest of the body, and may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, problems with mobility, balance, vision, and bowel and bladder function. Many of these symptoms are not visible to casual observers, adding another layer of challenges for people with MS as they seek accommodation and support. “It’s the ‘but you look so good’ syndrome,” Ms. Arzt said.
Debby Bennett, Program Implementation Manager, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
When a person and their family are affected by MS, there may be grieving and depression as they face the ups and downs of the unpredictable disease, she said. Although there is no cure for MS, focusing on general wellness is an important piece of managing this disease. This includes continuing treatments, controlling things that one is able to control, such as diet and exercise, and increasing skills of resilience.
Ms. Arzt pointed out that Mount Sinai’s Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, offers holistic and compassionate care for people with MS. The team includes neurologists, nurse practitioners, a neuropsychologist, and social workers. And the Center collaborates with specialists in ophthalmology, rehabilitation, urology, pain management, neuroradiology, psychiatry, and any other area that people with MS might need. The Center also participates in advanced research and offers enrollment in clinical trials.
Ms. Bennett said that the hopeful vision of the Multiple Sclerosis Society for the future is a world free of MS. “To that end we are guided by a plan to mobilize all human and financial resources to find solutions for people with MS every day,” she said. Advocacy, research, and volunteerism are the foundation of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. To learn more about clinical treatment of MS, to get support, or to learn how to get involved as a volunteer, visit this site.
Additional disabilities-related resources are available on the Mount Sinai Office for Diversity and Inclusion site.