Culturally Competent Care for Multiple Sclerosis

An autoimmune disease is a health disorder where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the brain and spinal cord.

When a person has MS, the immune system attacks myelin, a protective tissue that covers nerve fibers. It also causes damage to the nerves normally protected by the myelin. This damage disrupts how the nervous system communicates with other parts of the body.

This can cause many different symptoms. Symptoms of MS can include:

• Fatigue
• Vision problems
• Numbness, tingling, pain
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Changes in how a person walks
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle stiffness
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Problems with controlling bladder and/or bowels
• Problems with memory and thinking

The cause of MS is not fully understood. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. MS is more common in females. It affects people of all races and ethnicities. It is most common among people who are white and Black. MS is less common among people who are Latin American, but people who are Latin American are often diagnosed with MS at younger ages and experience more severe symptoms.

As MS causes more damage to the nervous system, symptoms can get worse. There is no known cure, but there are treatments that can help slow the progression of MS.

Treatment for MS

MS is a different experience for different people. Treatment will depend on the type of MS a person has, their symptoms, and other factors. All people with MS require treatment and treatment should begin as soon as possible. A treatment plan can include:

• Disease-modifying therapies. These are medications that help slow the progression of MS.
• Treatment for relapses. Relapses are episodes where disease activity increases and symptoms get worse.
• Treatment for specific symptoms caused by MS. This can include medication and non-medication therapies, like physical therapy.

Lifestyle and habits are also an important part of managing MS. This includes eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, getting enough rest, and exercising. It also includes things like avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking (which can worsen MS progression and symptoms).

MS healthcare team

Diagnosis and treatment for MS is typically overseen by a neurologist, a medical doctor that specializes in diseases that affect the nervous system. Other providers on a healthcare team can include a primary care provider, physical therapist, occupational therapist, mental health professional, social worker, ophthalmologist (eye doctor), gastroenterologist, urologist, and pain specialist. The members of a healthcare team depend on what a person needs from treatment.

Culturally competent care

It is important to consider cultural competence when choosing a healthcare provider. Cultural competence is a healthcare provider’s ability to recognize how race, ethnicity, cultural background, and language affect a person’s healthcare needs.

For example, it is important that you and your healthcare provider are able to communicate in a language you feel comfortable speaking. In the U.S., many medical centers are required to offer interpretation services. While it can help to bring a trusted friend or relative to an appointment to offer support and take notes, people are encouraged to use interpreters who specialize in communication between providers and patients.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering working with a new healthcare provider:

• Can you be honest with this healthcare provider?
• Do you feel the healthcare provider and staff treat you with respect?
• Do you feel comfortable bringing up questions and concerns?
• Do you feel your questions and concerns are taken seriously?
• Do you feel that your healthcare provider is able to understand what you mean when you ask a question or explain something?
• Do you understand what your healthcare provider means when they provide an explanation?
• Do you feel you can be honest with your healthcare provider?
• How does this healthcare provider compare to other providers you have worked with in the past?

If you answered no to any questions, you may want to keep looking for a healthcare provider. If you are unsure, trust your instincts and keep looking.