Multiple Sclerosis and Veterans (MS & Vets)

Bowel function is not something most people want to bring up in casual conversation. The topic can be uncomfortable, especially when things aren't working as they should. But having a conversation about bowel function with your MS team is important in helping you manage your symptoms and improve your function. Join Dr. Iliescu to learn about how MS can affect digestion and ways to improve bowel function. 

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Recent studies show that people with MS are slightly more likely to have a seizure or develop epilepsy than the general population. The more physical disability a person has from MS (as assessed using the EDSS disability scale for MS), the more likely they are to develop seizures. Also, the longer duration someone has MS, the more likely they are to develop seizures. Join Dr. Marissa Kellogg to learn about seizures and epilepsy.

Mindfulness has received a great deal of attention in health care. This upsurge in interest has been fueled by multiple studies showing that becoming more mindful (being more aware of what is happening in your life, thoughts, and emotions in the present moment) results in lower stress and a greater sense of wellbeing. Join Ms. Ekaterina Davis to learn about mindfulness and how to implement it into your life.

Spasticity is a common symptom affecting many people with neurological diseases, including those with MS. Although the stiffness associated with spasticity can sometimes be helpful when performing daily activities such as getting in and out of a wheelchair or walking, spasticity can also be a nuisance and even lead to serious health concerns. The good news is that there are a growing number of treatments available to help ease the burden of troublesome spasticity. Join Dr. Ileana Howard to learn more about spasticity and MS.

An exacerbation of MS, also known as a relapse or flare-up, is the occurrence of new symptoms or the worsening of old symptoms. The experience of an exacerbation is varied, they can be mild or severe enough to interfere with functions of daily living and they can last a few days up to several months. While not all people with MS experience relapses, most do. Join Dr. Yohance Allette to learn about exacerbations of MS, as well as what to do when you experience one.

Because MS can affect any part of the brain or spinal cord, it can cause different problems for each person. Many people with MS have poor balance, problems with walking, and are at risk for falling. Studies show that between 50-70% of people with MS have reported a fall within the last 2-6 months, while about 30% reported multiple falls. Join Dr. Michelle Cameron to learn about what causes falls and how to reduce your risk of falls.

Sleep plays an important role in your physical health and well-being. It supports healthy brain functioning, is involved in the healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels, regulates mood, reduces stress, and even helps your immune system defend your body against foreign or harmful substances. Yet, many people with MS say they sleep poorly at night and are fatigued in the daytime. Join Dr. Eilis Boudreau to discuss the most common sleep problems experienced by people with MS as well as ways to help you improve your sleep.

Studies have shown that diet change and nutrition are the most used non-conventional approaches for treating MS symptoms. Diet can make people with MS feel that they can take charge of their disease, and it's been shown that establishing and maintaining a healthy body weight is associated with decreased risk for MS-related disability. Join Dr. Vijayshree Yadav to talk about the various diets associated with MS, and how eating right and staying healthy can help with your MS.

Age appears to be a strong predictor of MS disease activity. With increasing age, relapse frequency and new inflammatory MRI lesions decline, and the accumulation of neurological disability accelerates. Also, there is a relative lack of efficacy of disease modifying therapies in people with progressive MS. Join Dr. Olaf Stuve to discuss disease progression in MS and options for people with a progressive disease course.

Many people with MS have used non-traditional products or therapies either along with their prescribed medical regimen, considered complementary, or instead of traditional medicine, known as alternative. Called Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), these products and therapies can include herbs, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, massage, diet, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, and visits to naturopaths, homeopaths, and chiropractors. Join Dr. Heidi Maloni to discuss CAM and MS, including recommendations and things to consider when choosing CAM.

Physical activity in people with MS has been shown to improve walking speed and balance. It also improves depression, quality of life, and it is one of the best therapies we have to treat MS fatigue. There is evidence that high levels of physical activity may postpone the onset of MS and may even modify the disease. Join Dr. Lindsey Wooliscroft to learn how physical activity can help improve MS symptoms.

MS affects women nearly three times as often as men, and often presents during childbearing years, making pregnancy issues very important for people living with MS. Questions around pregnancy and MS are a common part of our patient-physician conversations. Join Dr. Jennifer Graves to discuss things to consider when planning for or going through a pregnancy.

The goals for MS disease modifying therapies are to reduce the frequency of relapses, slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. There are many choices when considering an MS therapy, including the mode of administration (injectable, oral, infused), frequency, and side effects. Join Dr. John Rinker for a discussion on what to consider when choosing a DMT.

Our home is the place where we live, and it is filled with an abundance of memories. But what happens when your home presents challenges to your safety and independence? A home safety evaluation can identify hazards that may affect your safety in the home. It provides recommendations for eliminating hazards through the use of assistive devices and home repairs and modifications. Join Ms. Lisa Mitchell to understand the benefits of a home safety evaluation, and how it can increase use of your home as well as safety, security, and independence for you.

Outdoor adventure programs allow participants to actively partake in instructor-led outdoor adventurous activities like kayaking, cycling, hiking, and skiing, in small, supportive groups. They provide stimulating outdoor learning experiences that foster personal growth and improve quality of life. Join Dr. Lindsey Knowles to discuss the importance of outdoor adventures and how VA can help Veterans become more active in the outdoors with adaptive equipment.

People with MS may find that the challenges of living with MS are hard to face day after day. Practicing behaviors which promote resilience may help people not just cope with MS but thrive with it. Resilience is commonly described as the ability to bounce back from difficult circumstances - to find happiness and life satisfaction despite challenges. Join Dr. Sarah Brindle to discuss the benefits of resilience and learn ways that you can practice resiliency and progress toward your valued goals in the face of adversity.

Fatigue can be a tremendous burden in people with MS. It is not only the most common symptom of MS but also one of the single biggest causes of disability and decreased quality of life. To make matters worse, fatigue is one of the most difficult symptoms to communicate to others. Join Dr. Chris Hollen to learn about understanding and recognizing fatigue, as well as finding ways to help manage this symptom of MS.

VA has a large network of health care professionals, with various specialties, who are available to help you with your care. The members of your Multidisciplinary Care Team will work with you to ensure you get the care you need, when you need it. Join Dr. Rebecca “Becca” Spain, Associate Director of Clinical Care for the VA MS Center of Excellence West, to learn about who may be involved with your care and how you can be an active participant in your health care plan. Remember, as the person with MS, YOU will get to know more about your condition than anybody else. The more you know, the more you can share, helping your MS Multidisciplinary Care Team help you.

The VA is America's largest integrated health care system, serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. Each Veteran's medical benefits package is unique. While eligible Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, only some will qualify for added benefits. Join Ms. Maggie Kazmierski, the VA MS Center of Excellence East Social Worker and SCI Clinic Coordinator for the Baltimore VAMC, to gain a better understanding on the benefits process and what benefits and resources might be available to you.

The VA ranks as one of the nation's leaders in health research. Thousands of studies are conducted at VA medical facilities each year. Join Dr. Aaron Tuner, Co-Associate Director of Research for the VA MS Center of Excellence West, to learn how VA research has significantly contributed to advancements in health care for Veterans and other Americans from every walk of life. Hear about some of the MS studies that are improving functioning and quality of life of Veterans living with MS.

Dr. David Greaves, Director for the Whole Health program at the VA in Portland, Oregon, discusses VA's cutting-edge Whole Health approach to care that supports Veterans health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to Veterans, not what is the matter with them. Join us to learn how VA is developing personalized health plans based on Veteran's values, needs and goals.

The VA is leading the way in telehealth innovation to make sure Veterans can access care when and where they need it. From your home, the clinic, or the hospital, VA telehealth technologies make it easier for you to connect with your VA care team. Join Dr. Elizabeth Silbermann, MS specialist and Neurology Virtual Visit Champion at the VA HCS in Portland, OR, to learn about telehealth for MS care, how to optimize a telehealth visit and whether it might be a good option for your MS care.