Multiple Sclerosis Cure

What Is Multiple Sclerosis ?

Multiple Sclerosis means “many scars” and refers to the scar tissue that builds up in the central nervous system. The scars usually appear along the myelin sheath and on the brain. The scars cause the signals that are being sent to and from the brain to interrupt, much like a frayed electrical cord can cause an interruption or short. Multiple Sclerosis is thought to be an auto immune disease in which the damage is caused by an immune system that has begun to attack those areas that it now sees as a virus. Unfortunately there is currently no cure available, but new drugs to slow the disease and treat symptoms are being introduced on a regular basis, so a cure is in the foreseeable future.

Why Does MS Happen?

There is still no absolute reason why people develop MS. There seems to be a variety of possibilities, but no absolutes, and we know that once they know why, the cure is sure to follow!

Some of the things they are paying attention to: Ancestry, early childhood environment, genetic predisposition, age, and viruses. At least we do know MS is not contagious!

What causes Multiple Sclerosis?

Many experts believe that MS is an autoimmune disease — one in which the body, through its immune system, launches a defensive attack against its own tissues. With MS, it is the nerve-insulating myelin that comes under attack. Such assaults may be linked to external factors, such as: a viral infection, environment, or genetic predisposition. At this time they just don’t know the specific cause.

What is the difference between an exacerbation and remission?

An MS attack is called an exacerbation and is characterized by the sudden and rapid appearance of symptoms that may last one week to six months(in rare case even longer). During an exacerbation, the myelin becomes inflamed and nerve impulses are slowed or stopped. The timing and duration of exacerbations vary from person to person.

When the signs and symptoms of MS clear after an exacerbation, this is known as remission. During periods of remission, the body tries to repair the scar tissue that is built up on the myelin.

Who Diagnoses MS?

Most doctors will refer patients to a neurologist for further testing, the neurologist will take the history, symptoms, and tests and try to find the cause. If the diagnosis is MS, then the patient will see the doctor as needed.

Common Symptoms

Because the area which can be affected is so large, the symptoms can vary drastically from person to person, but many of those affected by the disease have symptoms in common. Those symptoms may include: fatigue, numbness and tingling, gait problems, loss of balance, muscle weakness, optic neuritis, bladder and bowel problems, spasticity, loss of articulation and short term memory. Some affected by MS may develop only a few of the symptoms, others may be affected more severely, depending on the type of MS they have.

There are currently 4 recognized types of MS:

1) Relapsing/Remitting
2) Primary Progressive
3) Secondary Progressive
4) Progressive Relapsing.

Current Treatments

We recommend that you try to live a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, eating healthy with a minimum of fats, avoid stress and try to keep a positive attitude. Of course, the reality is that may not help, but it’s still not a bad goal. However, it’s good to know you can talk to your doctor about the many drugs now available for the symptoms we may have to deal with. Many of these drugs are being FDA approved regularly and are improving lives. So talk to your doctor about what’s available for your symptom management.

What changes will I have to make because I have MS?

That depends entirely on you and your lifestyle. The main thing is listen to your body and use common sense. But if you feel up to white water rafting, go for it!

How many people suffer from Multiple Sclerosis?

In the United States, there are approximately 350,000 reported cases of MS. This estimate suggests that nearly 200 new cases are diagnosed each week. In Central CA, we get 3-5 calls a week from newly diagnosed MS’ers.

Who gets Multiple Sclerosis?

Although MS can strike anyone, it most commonly occurs in those between the ages of 15 to 50. For many years, it was estimated that there were three women to every one man diagnosed. However, recent studies have indicated that men are closing the gap and the number may be 2 women to every 1 man diagnosed. One doctor who spoke at a recent seminar (4-2001) feels that the number may be closer to one woman for every one man diagnosed. Caucasians are more likely than other ethnic groups to develop MS, but population base does need to be taken into consideration, as well as ancestry. In addition, MS is more prevalent in temperate climates — such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe.