Health News / January 2008
Multiple Sclerosis
Although it is a disease that has seen a major expansion as far as awareness over the past couple of years, the disease is still somewhat of a mystery. The impact of the disease, what causes it, the different types, its treatments, and what a person living with MS can expect may be a little different for each person.
The first step is to become as educated about the disease as possible. There is always a certain amount of fear after the diagnosis is made. This is natural for both the person with the disease and family members. Learning as much as you can will help tremendously in dealing with the disease. You will undoubtedly come across several drugs and treatments which can help alleviate, delay, or prevent some of the symptoms of the disease. It’s really important to explore the options with your doctor, and once you have settled on a plan with your physician, it is important to follow it every day. Many of the treatments have proven to be very effective in preventing symptoms or lessening the effects and duration once they occur
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, disease that affects the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis affects neurons, the cells of the brain and spinal cord that carry information, create thought and perception, and allow the brain to control the body. Surrounding and protecting some of these neurons is a fatty layer known as the myelin sheath, which helps neurons carry electrical signals. MS causes gradual destruction of neuron axons in patches throughout the brain and spinal cord. The name multiple sclerosis refers to the multiple scars on the myelin sheaths. This scarring causes symptoms which vary widely depending upon which signals are interrupted. Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually affects woman more than men. The disorder most commonly begins between ages 20 and 40, but can strike at any age. People with a family history of MS and those who live in a geographical area with a higher incidence rate for MS have a higher risk of the disease.
Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States and probably more than 1 million people around the world. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, difficulties with coordination and speech, severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, problems with balance, overheating, and pain. Multiple sclerosis may take several different forms, with new symptoms occurring either in discrete attacks or slowly accruing over time. Between attacks, symptoms may resolve completely, but permanent neurological problems often persist, especially as the disease advances. MS will cause impaired mobility and disability in more severe cases.
Suspected Causes of Multiple Sclerosis
1. Autoimmune disease.
2. Genetic component.
3. Damage to the Blood-Brain-Barrier.
4. Biochemical events in utero.
5. Allergic reaction
6. Diet and vitamin deficiencies
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
1. Double Vision
2. Muscle weakness.
3. Depression.
4. Difficulties with coordination and speech.
5.Overheating.
6.Pain.
Several types of therapy have proven to be helpful. Different therapies are used for patients experiencing acute attacks and for patients who have the relapsing-remitting subtype. Your physician will explain all your options to you.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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