World MS Day Around Allentown and Bethlehem, PA

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the immune system that currently has no cure.

Did you know that May 30 is designated as World MS Day? Our founder, Dr. Jean Griswold, had multiple sclerosis (MS) toward the end of her life. In 1982, Jean found out that a fellow community member had died of preventable complications because they lacked a support system. This inspired her to set out and create one of the first non-medical home care organizations in the entire country. 40 years later, we’re now known as Griswold, and we aim to help Jean’s legacy live on every day.

In honor of Dr. Jean Griswold and World MS Month, we’re raising awareness about what MS is, what the different types of MS are, and where you can find MS support in the Lehigh Valley.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

MS is a chronic disease that can cause your immune system to attack healthy tissue in your central nervous system. MS can also disrupt brain signals to other parts of the body, like the spine. There are four different types of MS:

• Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): CIS is an initial neurological episode that lasts at least 24 hours. It refers to the first episode of symptoms like those associated with MS. Some with CIS go on to develop MS, while others do not.
• Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common type of MS. RRMS patients may experience attacks or exacerbations, which are relapses of neurologic symptoms. RRMS involves periods of relapse, followed by periods of remission where MS symptoms may disappear.
• Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): SPMS can follow RRMS. This diagnosis is reserved for those who previously had RRMS. It can cause relapses and disability progression.
• Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): PPMS affects about 10-15% of those impacted by MS. In PPMS, there are no early relapses, and no remissions; neurologic symptoms and disability progression get more severe over time.

What Are MS Symptoms?

Some people with MS experience short episodes with symptoms that resolve afterwards, while others have symptoms that get worse over time. Some of the symptoms associated with MS are:

• Double vision
• Vision loss
• Eye pain
• Muscle weakness, stiffness, and spasms that can be painful
• Tingling and numbness
• Difficulty balancing
• Bladder issues
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Problems concentrating
• Memory issues

Where Can I Find MS Resources?

Here are a few places where you can find support for MS in the area:

• The Lehigh Valley Health Network (LHVN) MS Center offers an array of medical, psychosocial, and rehabilitation services to help patients manage symptoms with dignity and independence. They have two locations: LVH Neurology in Allentown and LVH Neurology-Muhlenberg in Bethlehem. They also have free support groups and educational sessions, and their social worker can connect you to other local resources.
• The National MS Society works to cure MS by funding research while raising awareness and sharing resources to get connected to support, including with financial planning. You can explore events and sign up for a clinical trial on their website. Learn about their Pennsylvania-South Jersey-Delaware chapter here.

Is There In-Home Support for MS?

At Griswold Home Care for Lehigh Valley, we’re proud to provide neuromuscular care support for those with conditions like ALS, MS, and Parkinson’s disease. Our Caregivers can assist with full-time or part-time homemaking, companionship, and personal care such as toileting and bathing. We also offer around-the-clock care for those needing overnight, live-in, and 24-hour options. Or, if you’re a Caregiver in need of a break, our respite care might be right for you. Please give us a call to learn more.