Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Multiple Sclerosis

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.