SUTTON COLDFIELD & DISTRICT BRANCH
ADVICE AND INFORMATION CENTRE
Phone No.073 42 10 39 06
EW e-mail mssutton2017@gmail.com
www.suttoncoldfieldms.co.uk
Reg charity nos. 1139257/SCO41990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales no. 07451571
ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Many people know someone with multiple sclerosis (MS). However there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about the disease. Our aim is to offer honest and accurate information to all interested people.
WHAT IS MS
MS is a chronic, often relapsing condition which damages the central nervous system, the brain and spinal chord. Approximately 85,000 people are affected nationally with a ratio of 3 women to 2 men. Diagnosis is often given between the late twenties to mid forties.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
Symptoms can include blurred or double vision, weakness in the limbs, numbness, extreme fatigue, incontinence, paralysis, pain,speech disturbances and emotional instability. Some people with MS experience patterns of relapses and remissions, symptoms come and go, others find their symptoms gradually worsen.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MS
MS occurs because of scarring to the myelin which insulates cells in the central nervous system. This interferes with delivery of the nerve impulses between the brain and the parts of the body. The multiple Sclerosis Society fund many projects to try and find out what may trigger this process.
SUPPORT
At our Branch of the MS Society we have a very active team of dedicated volunteers. They offer advice, information and support to people with MS in the community and their carers, friends and families.
People with MS have diverse needs and the aim of the team is to accommodate them. These may range from help to source special equipment, to giving information on benefit entitlements and funding availability.