Multiple Sclerosis Prognosis - Understanding the Disease and Making a Difference in Your Future

Once a person has been diagnosed with MS the next question most people ask is "What is my prognosis with multiple sclerosis?" If they have heard about the disease, many have heard only the worst case scenario and expect to only have a few years at best to live. Due the nature of this particular disease the prognosis for the majority of patients is that they will live for many years, in many cases their lifespan is at worst only likely to be shortened by a few years.

Defining the Prognosis of Multiple Sclerosis

The very nature of this disease and the fact that it does not seem to affect any two people in the same way can make predicting prognosis for multiple sclerosis very difficult. However there are certain factors that can help doctors determine a short term prognosis that can be adjusted depending on how rapidly the disease progresses. To start with less than 55 of all people diagnosed with MS are known to have the most severe form of progressive MS.

Of all people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis some 10-20% are found to have the benign variety which progresses so slowly that any progression may not even be detectable. A recent study shows that at least 7 out of every 10 patients who are diagnosed with MS will still be alive 25 years after they are diagnosed. This is close to the 9 out of 10 people of the same age who do not have this disease.

Factors that can affect a Multiple Sclerosis Prognosis

There are many factors that can affect the prognosis of multiple sclerosis. Whether you are a male or a female makes a difference as the disease has been shown to shorten the lives of men by an average of 11 years and women by only 6 years. In most cases when you are diagnosed with the benign type of MS your chances of becoming disabled are relatively small. Those who do experience some level of disability in the first five years are likely to see a 75% increase in the disability by the time 10-15 years has passed.

There are actions you can take to improve your multiple sclerosis prognosis beyond the drug therapies that your doctor is likely to put you on. While the disease is likely to make you become easily fatigued, regimen of exercise has been found to help slow down the progression and reduce the impact of any exacerbations you might experience. Even if your symptoms include partial paralysis you can still continue to exercise.

Eating a well balanced diet will have a major impact your prognosis. Eliminating overtly processed foods and red meats can help reduce the amount of inflammation in your body. Stick to leafy green vegetables and fruit as well as lean meats and foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids has been proven to have a major impact on relapses and how long you can expect to live comfortably.