Living with MS can feel overwhelming. The symptoms look different for everyone, treatments keep evolving, and it’s easy to feel lost while searching for answers. If you’ve just received a diagnosis, are caring for someone with MS, or want trustworthy facts, this FAQ guide is designed to answer the most commonly asked questions about this condition.
Living with MS can feel overwhelming. The symptoms look different for everyone, treatments keep evolving, and it’s easy to feel lost while searching for answers. If you’ve just received a diagnosis, are caring for someone with MS, or want trustworthy facts, this FAQ guide is designed to answer the most commonly asked questions about this condition.
Optic neuritis is an acute inflammation of the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This condition can cause sudden vision impairment, eye pain (especially with movement), and changes in color perception or central vision. The underlying issue is typically demyelination, the loss of the protective myelin sheath around optic nerve fibers, which disrupts nerve signal transmission and compromises visual clarity.
Optic neuritis is closely linked to multiple sclerosis (MS); in fact, it’s often the first clinical symptom for up to 20% of people with MS, and nearly half of all individuals with MS experience it at some point. Research suggests that about 50% of individuals with typical optic neuritis may develop MS within 15 years, especially if MRI scans reveal additional brain lesions.
As both a standalone neurological event and potential early indicator of MS, optic neuritis highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis, treatment, and neurological monitoring to manage or mitigate MS progression.
It’s worth noting that MS is not typically fatal, and most people with MS die from common causes like heart disease, cancer, or stroke, rather than the disease itself.
While it can modestly shorten life expectancy, advancements in treatments and care have significantly improved outcomes, enabling many individuals to live long, fulfilling lives. The gap in life expectancy has narrowed over time, largely due to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), with standardized mortality ratios dropping dramatically over the last few decades.
While MS may still reduce lifespan by several years on average, early and effective treatment is helping people with MS live increasingly closer to the lifespans of those without the disease.
No, it’s not mandatory that you’ll end up in a wheelchair if you have MS. The progression of MS varies greatly from person to person, and many people with MS live active lives without needing a wheelchair. With modern treatments and care, it’s possible to manage symptoms and slow disease progression, allowing for a good quality of life.
While some people with MS do face mobility challenges, most do not end up in a wheelchair. Early and effective management, along with lifestyle adaptations and treatment, can maintain independence and significantly reduce the chances of severe physical disability.
Pregnancy is generally safe for both mother and child, and MS does not impair a woman’s ability to conceive or carry a baby to term. In fact, many women experience fewer MS relapses during pregnancy—most notably in the second and third trimesters—though the risk of relapse increases during the first three months postpartum, particularly if disease activity was high before conception or if disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) were used pre-pregnancy.
Children born to a parent with MS have only a slightly elevated lifetime risk—approximately 1.5 to 4%—of developing the disease. When considering starting or expanding a family, many choose to weigh this small genetic risk thoughtfully. Planning also involves managing MS treatment: many DMTs are not advised during pregnancy due to uncertainties around safety, so timing the discontinuation (and eventual resumption) under medical guidance is critical.
There’s no single “MS diet” universally prescribed- but eating a balanced and anti-inflammatory diet that suits your culture and preferences can be helpful..
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) recommends a wholesome, immunity-supportive diet featuring whole grains like jowar, oats, and unrefined rice; lentils and beans; nuts and seeds; vegetables and fruits; as well as fish rich in omega‑3s and lean proteins such as skinless chicken or fish, while minimizing red meat, highly processed foods, sweets, and saturated fats like vanaspati or excess dairy.
Another trusted source advises incorporating a high-fiber, low-fat approach that includes omega fatty acids, modest amounts of ghee, varied cooking oils, and rice bran—while avoiding bakery items and aerated drinks
Internationally, the Mediterranean diet—full of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, and fish—has been linked with reduced MS severity, better cognitive outcomes, and a lower overall risk of disability. You can consult your dietician for a personalized diet plan suited for you.
Yes, lifestyle changes are a key part of managing and living well with MS. Adopting an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich diet, like ones featuring traditional whole foods, can help manage symptoms. For instance, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) recommends small, frequent meals of low-fat, high-fiber foods, with healthy fats such as omega‑3s, rice bran, a teaspoon of ghee daily, and regularly rotated cooking oils—while avoiding baked goods and soft drinks; supplements like vitamin D, omega‑3, and biotin (e.g., radiance) may be considered under medical advice.
Gentle physical activity—such as walking, swimming, yoga, and simple stretches—is strongly encouraged to build strength, enhance balance, reduce fatigue, and improve quality of life.
Stress reduction techniques like meditation, pranayama, and yoga are accessible, culturally grounded options that can improve emotional well-being and potentially ease. Additionally, standard health practices—adequate hydration, rest, sun exposure for vitamin D, smoking cessation, and avoiding overheating support overall symptom control.
In short, combining balanced nutrition, physical movement, stress management, and self-care habits all aligned with Indian lifestyles and traditions forms a holistic, effective complement to medical therapy for MS.
If you experience a sudden MS relapse, a noticeable worsening of symptoms that lasts at least 24 hours- taking immediate and thoughtful steps can make a significant difference.
First, contact your neurologist or MS care team right away to distinguish between a true relapse and a pseudo-relapse (worsening due to factors like fever, heat, or stress) and plan your response swiftly. While awaiting treatment or in milder relapses, rest, stay hydrated, and manage your environment to avoid overheating, which can exacerbate symptoms. Document your symptoms—their onset, nature, and any possible triggers—to inform your care team. Following the acute episode, rehabilitation support with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or other specialists can aid your recovery and help you regain function.
If you’re living with MS in India and looking to connect with others who understand your journey, several meaningful support networks are available.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), established in 1985, is the foremost national organization offering support to people with MS and their families. With nine regional chapters, including active ones in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, MSSI organizes events like webinars, rehabilitation services, counselling, home nursing, and wellness programs. For example, the Delhi chapter offers “Keep Moving” physiotherapy visits, home nursing, and personalized emotional support; similarly, the Chennai chapter provides treatment guidance, assistive aids, and counseling to help with daily living
If you’re keen to get involved, you can enroll as a member or volunteer via the MSSI website to attend local support events, access resources, or join peer groups—both in-person and online. Additionally, there’s an MSSI Delhi Facebook group where MS individuals and their caregivers share experiences, support, and care tips in a more informal setting.
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