What Is Multiple Sclerosis

by Emily Raw

Article by Boba Jenkinss

There are lots of different symptoms of several sclerosis and many of them go unnoticed as they seem relatively inconsequential or indicative of numerous other problems. For many individuals in the early phases of MS, numb toes could be the extremely initial signs and symptoms that happen. Unfortunately numb toes aren’t sufficient to really ring any bells and are often blamed on things like tight footwear, investing too numerous hours on their feet or poor circulation.

Signs and symptoms, Regardless of How Small Should Not be Ignored

Occasional numbness of physique components such as the toes might not seem like something to worry about especially when it arrives and goes. What many individuals do not realize is that when it comes to MS, numb toes can be a symptom of a potentially devastating disease. Although having numb toes as soon as or twice might not appear like big deal, if the numbness keeps returning, you need to think about speaking to your doctor and asking him to look in to the problem further.

If you have been coping with numbness in your toes for a period of time, you might also want to spend much more attention and appear for any other feasible symptoms of several sclerosis that you have been ignoring such as situations where for no cause you seem to shed your stability or your eyes go blurry. Within the early phases of this disease, most of these signs and symptoms arrive and go extremely quickly. They may only final a couple of minutes or a couple of hrs, but both way you need to see a doctor about them.

What precisely is Several Sclerosis?

Understanding how you can acknowledge the symptoms of multiple sclerosis is all well and great, but what exactly is this disease and what causes it? No one as of but understands exactly what causes MS, but current research is beginning to stage at a serious deficiency of vitamin D may be in the root of what causes this debilitating disease.

There is a great deal greater than numb toes to MS, the disease leads to the gradual demyelination of the myelin sheath that protects the spinal cord. When this happens, the signals from your nerves towards the brain and this is what trigger the numbness that you simply had been so reluctant to see a doctor about. Now you comprehend why it is so essential not to disregard the smallest symptoms as they are often an indication of a significantly larger issue that needs correct treatment.

I have benefited significantly from a guide which has examined the hyperlink between what we consume and multiple sclerosis. In the event you would like to understand what meals are attacking your body, what supplements you must get and the way to make the power that you simply need, then this guide is really a should read. Reverse Multiple Sclerosis

About the Author

Learn more about numbness in toes and neuropathy in feet here…

by Chuck “Caveman” Coker

Article by Mike Selvon

Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease that attacks the body’s central nervous system. These can lead to a number of physical and neurological symptoms that can be debilitating and frightening to the patient. While there is not yet a cure, significant advances have been made in multiple sclerosis treatment. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of treatments and help you decide which is best for you.

Before you speak to your doctor about multiple sclerosis treatment, prepare a list of questions beforehand and take notes about the responses. For each drug option, find out how effective it is, how it is administered and how often, and what the potential side effects are. Because MS is a chronic disease, you will need to use the medication for a long time. You should be comfortable with any multiple sclerosis therapy that you choose.

Researchers believe that damage to the brain and spinal cord may be happening early in the development stage, before the symptoms of multiple sclerosis occur. That’s why it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible.

Research has shown that the progression of physical disability can be slowed if you start treatment early. Some patients choose injected therapies for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Avonex is an intramuscular injection given once a week.

This form of MS treatment is used for patients in remission to slow the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency attacks. Depression or feelings of sadness are a common side effect of Avonex.

Rebif is another injectable treatment that is administered three times a week and includes a naturally occurring human protein. It has the same effect as Avonex. Other similar injected treatments include Betaseron and Copaxone.

Infusion therapies for symptoms of MS may be an option for patients who are having an inadequate response to their current treatment or are having issues with side effects. These medications are administered directly into the bloodstream through a vein to help stop inflammation and prevent further damage.

Ask your doctor or nurse if infusion therapy may be right for you, as well what the latest infusion therapies are, and what the most important information is that you should know. In addition to medication, you may also want to consider making lifestyle changes. Diet, exercise and other changes can help you manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, then you should talk to your doctor about which multiple sclerosis treatment is right for you. Some of the most common side effects of drug therapy include fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches and tiredness.

For many people, these symptoms lessen or go away over time. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms continue longer than the first few months of therapy, or if they are difficult to manage.

About the Author

Enrich your knowledge further about multiple sclerosis treatment from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our muscular dystrophy blog where a free gift awaits you.

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Introduction To Multiple Sclerosis – Tips To Help You Learn All About MS

Introduction To Multiple Sclerosis – Tips To Help You Learn All About MS

Are You Experiencing Numbness or Tingling In Your Extremities?

Do You Frequently Have Blurred Vision?

Are You Having Trouble Keeping Your Balance?

Learn How to Spot the Symptoms and Understand Multiple Sclerosis!

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be on a track for experiencing multiple sclerosis you need answers to those burning questions and you need them now!

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by mtsofan

Article by Mike Selvon

What is multiple sclerosis? It is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. Although the often debilitating symptoms of the disease are clear, scientists have yet to nail down a cause. Some researchers believe that MS is triggered by the body’s own immune system, while others attribute it to viruses such as Epstein-Barr.

Other scientists believe that its virtual absence from tropical countries points to a deficiency of vitamin D during childhood. With so many theories about multiple sclerosis, it’s difficult for patients to know what to believe. In this article, we’ll examine the known facts about the disease and MS treatment options.

The disease multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord by attacking the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system. This causes inflammation and often destroys the myelin in patches.

MS has well defined attacks followed by complete or partial recovery. The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis.

Multiple sclerosis can occur at any age, and is three times more likely to occur in women than in men, and is seen most commonly in people of northern European background. There is also some evidence to suggest that MS is triggered by a common virus, and that genetics makes some people more susceptible to the disease.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary greatly from person to person and can include vision disturbances, extreme fatigue, loss of balance, problems with coordination, stiffness of muscles, speech problems, bladder and bowel problems, short-term memory problems, and even partial or complete paralysis.

One thing that’s important to remember about multiple sclerosis is that patients will not necessarily experience all the symptoms, and the symptoms improve during periods of remission. The main clinical measure of disability progression and severity of the symptoms is the Expanded Disability Status Scale or EDSS.

The one thing that can be said definitively about multiple sclerosis is that there is not yet a cure. While the disease does induce painful symptoms, it is not fatal. Researchers have developed a number of medications that effectively control some symptoms, so patients can continue to love a normal life. These medications do have reported side effects, but the search for better medications is ongoing.

MS treatment and medications have proven to be effective in controlling the symptoms, and there is hope for a cure. Researchers are trying to develop techniques to repair damaged myelin and nerve fibers. Scientists are also trying to understand why the immune system attacks the body’s myelin so that these attacks can be prevented.

Given enough time and funding, hopefully one day there will be a cure for multiple sclerosis. Until that time, continue to live as full a life as you can.

About the Author

Enrich your knowledge further about multiple sclerosis from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our muscular dystrophy blog where a free gift awaits you.

The Truth About Migrains to Multiple Sclerosis and more What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You But Science Has Proven

The difference between this book and all other books about migraines/multiple sclerosis is that it clearly lays out the underlying cause. Ask a doctor the cause of your disease, and you’ll likely be told “we don’t know”. But we do know. Ms. Tancredi clearly shows – only when you know the cause of a disease as devastating as migraines and MS can you stop its progression, begin healing damage already done, and prevent future damage – in yourself and your offspring. This book proves the o

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If you have questions about multiple sclerosis, read below. Answers to questions about multiple sclerosis include what the disease is, the causes, the common symptoms, who is typically affected, how a diagnosis is determined, and the treatment options.

What is multiple sclerosis?

 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects central nervous system. With this disease, the body’s own immune system attacks the nervous system and causes inflammation and subsequent damage to the protective covering of nerve cells, called the myelin sheath. This is why sometimes multiple sclerosis is referred to as a demyelinating disease.

 What are the causes?

 The exact cause of multiple sclerosis remains a mystery. However, the most common theories by researchers are a virus, genetic defect, or combination. In addition, the prevalence in certain areas indicates that the environment may play a role.

 What are the common symptoms?

 Symptoms can vary because the disease can affect any part of the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, MS patients can experience problems affecting the muscles, the bowel or bladder, vision, thought process, sexual organs, speech and/or swallowing. Most of these symptoms or attacks can range from difficulty functioning to uncontrolled or loss of function.

 Who is affected by MS?

 This disease typically affects more women than men and common diagnosis occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. However, MS has been diagnosed at various ages.

 How is diagnosis determined?

 Neurological exams and vision tests may help to determine nerve function damage or certain issues. However, an MS diagnosis is not usually given without an MRI, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), and/or nerve function tests.

What is the treatment?

Thankfully, much progress has been made with MS. Although there is no cure, medications can be used to achieve close-to-normal or even normal life expectancy. Women and/or people with fewer lesions (visible on MRI), with a relapsing-remitting MS diagnosis (a couple attacks followed by a period of no symptoms), and/or who experience infrequent attacks have the best prognosis.

 If you are having any balance issues, uncontrolled muscle spasms, partial blindness, or any other symptoms associated with MS, call your healthcare provider. If MS is suspected, it could be to your benefit to schedule an appointment with a facility that is familiar with the disease and has a dedicated MS Center.

Find More Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis Articles

Many people may know a little bit about multiple sclerosis (MS) but it’s surprising how even those who have the disease or know someone very close to them with it have a misunderstanding about what it is, what it is not, and how to deal with the symptoms of the condition.  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is an organization dedicated to informing patients and family members about this disease and usually has some of the most up to date information available, much of which is very surprising even to its patients.

For one thing, multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system.  This system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.  This is different from muscular dystrophy, which is a group of diseases that actually attack the muscles themselves.  In MS sufferers, their muscles are fine but the nerves cannot signal them to move and function properly.  In muscular dystrophy, the nerves are fine but the muscles cannot function as they should.  While the patients of both may have similar symptoms they are actually two very different diseases.

Many people assume that those with multiple sclerosis will die at a young age but this just isn’t true at all.  Most patients with this condition have a normal life expectancy.  It’s also thought that it is an inherent disease; while the gene responsible for the condition can be found in families it is not directly inherent.  Most with MS will see it skip a generation or two, or will find that there are patients in their extended family (aunts and uncles, distant cousins, etc.) rather than having the gene passed on from parent to child.

It’s interesting also that most persons with multiple sclerosis do not become severely disabled.  They may have certain problems or limitations that they will need to accommodate; many have issues with coordination and balance, or have trouble walking that means assistance with a cane, walker, or occasional wheelchair, but the vast majority of MS patients are able to have careers and families and function normally with only minor inconveniences.  Typically just knowing that you have the disease or condition will help tremendously in being able to make accommodations around the house and place of employment; many patients with multiple sclerosis simply ask to be relocated to a desk or work station nearer the restroom so they have less distance to walk; they may request to be able to phone in to conferences and meetings rather than travel or even walk to the conference room, and of course they become quite adept at email and instant messaging so they don’t need to get to a coworker’s desk either!  These minor accommodations are usually happily provided by an employer.

Those with MS usually experience quite a different set of symptoms than another patient or sufferer with MS.  It’s important to be in contact with your doctor as well because there are always new medications and treatment options being developed for MS that may not be able to cure the disease outright but that can make the symptoms that much more bearable.

A New Treatment Theory

Dr. Paul Goldberg has advanced the theory that a plentiful year round supply of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which trigger the production of vitamin D in human skin, is the reason why multiple sclerosis is almost non-existent in tropical regions.  He argues that in temperate climates the disease strikes those who inherit an unfulfilled need for the high levels of vitamin D that the sun bestows on tropical humans.  If his theory proves correct then multiple sclerosis should be easy to prevent but unfortunately not cure.  Multiple Sclerosis is primarily in adults between the ages of 20 and 40.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

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Question by SaraB: Question about Possible Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis?
A very good friend of mine has recently been going thru serious health issues. He was admitted to the ER almost four weeks ago. They did very little, he was dismissed. He went in to the ER as his arm had gone numb and tingly, barely able to use it, confusion, disorientation, not walking straight, clearly a neurolgical issue of some sort. The next day it worsened so he went to his regular MD. An MRI of the brain was ordered, but he had to wait a week – despite these serious symptoms he still had to wait a week (sounds bizarre to me as this sounds like a serious emergency). He got the MRI and his MD told him that it did come back abnormal, but that he was not a specialist and he would have to refer him to a Neurologist. He said the white matter on the MRI suggested a possible stroke, MS or a brain tumor. I think the doctor feels most strongly that it is MS. However, it seems that most people get MS under the age of 30. He is 45 years old and has never had any type of attack before this one. The neurologist appt was scheduled three weeks out. Again, this seems crazy to me that they are waiting this long to treat this man.

Iin the meantime since that first ER visit he has gone way downhill. The numbness has progressed to his leg, so he can barely use his left arm or his left leg. He can no longer work or drive. He can feel tingling in his face which makes him fear that might be next. He has confusion and disorientation. He has basically went from a healthy 45 year old male to almost an invalid. I feel so horrible for him because he has fallen several times and he even thinks right now he has broken his shoulder, but the medical profession seems to act like they simply don’t care. I even called his neurologist myself to ensure they knew how serious this was, and the woman on the phone said ‘i’m sorry, we don’t have any openings for 3 weeks, he can try going to emergency, but they won’t know how to read his MRI”.

Is this normal to be treated this way? And if anyone has knowledge of MS, does that sound like this is what is going on? Or brain tumor? Stroke? I initially thought maybe he had a stroke since his age seems old for a new MS diagnosis, but I clearly am not an expert at all.

If anyone has anything to share on this please comment. Am I crazy for thinking that a brain issue should be handled immediately in case there is swelling that needs to be addressed to avoid permanent damage? I kow someone recently who had a brain injury and he was treated very stealthy and swiftly so as to try to avoid permanenet damage.

Best answer:

Answer by Dr. House
For what it is worth from afar and without any of the test results available -but don’t quote me- it looks more like a stroke to me than MS. Is only ONE SIDE of his body impaired? Is he slurring his speech? Has he got aphasia: this situation where you say: OMG what is the name of the quarterback of the Cow Boys. I see him in front of me?
Of course the neurologist should be able to explain the situation in detail and direct the patient to rehab. All the best.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Living with Multiple Sclerosis involves a myriad of issues that will affect your family. These include:

financial

social

emotional

physical

employment

housing

How you deal with them is unique to your situation, just as your MS is different from everyone else’s. You need to think about each issue and make decisions along with your loved ones as to what is best for you and your family.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, ms, financial issues, social issues, emotional, physical issues, family,

Financial Issues

Raising a family as we all know, is hard enough nowadays as a healthy person. When you or a family member has MS, everyday can be a challenge. Family finances can be strained to the limit when health care costs come into the picture. And if you have always been the sole income earner or even the second income:

What do you do if you can no longer work?

Have you looked into working at home as an option?

Have you thought about another retraining for another career that is less stressful or physical?

Again, preparation is the key. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. Make sure your finances are in order. Begin now to make plans for the future. Even if you never become disabled, being prepared is still a good thing. It definitely can’t hurt.

Emotional and Physical Issues

Managing the stress of daily living as well as your symptoms can sometimes be difficult on your own. The emotional and physical issues associated with MS may eventually require the help of professionals. It’s not a sign of weakness to know when you may need a little help. Making the ultimate decision to turn to a professional is best made with the help of your family and your doctor.

To deal with physical issues, your doctor may suggest a physical or occupational therapist, or both depending on your needs. Emotional issues may range from cognitive problems to severe depression. Cognitive impairment may be helped by daily planning, learning memory tricks and organizing. The treatment for severe depression may be medication and or professional help. There is help available, so you don’t need to suffer needlessly.

Employment Issues

If you have gotten to the point where you feel you can no longer work, then what happens next?

Does your job know that you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?

If so, have they made every reasonable accommodation to help you keep working if you want to? The Americans with Disabilities Act has put several laws in place to deal with these issues. Learn about your rights and what is available to you.

If you have health insurance, is there a disability clause?

Will it be enough to cover your health needs and expenses if and when you decide to stop working?

These types of questions should ideally be asked before you let your employer know and if possible even before you receive your MS diagnosis. That way if you need to make changes to your insurance you can do so before you become disabled and are no longer able to work.

If you have made the decision to stop working, and know that you won’t have insurance, the question of Social Security Disability Insurance is an inevitability. Applying for it and getting approved can be a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. Doing your homework before you leave work, will make working through this task a whole lot easier.

Find out everything, and I mean everything, that will be required and follow it to the letter. Answer every question on the application truthfully and thoroughly. Follow-up with your doctor to make sure they have submitted everything they need to submit. If you are not approved the first time, try again. And above all, don’t give up. You will succeed.

Social Issues

Depression and loneliness can become a big problem if you have limited mobility and no longer feel like going out. Many people with MS, have led active lives and while some can continue to do so, others just can’t. There are several ways to get around this issue.

First of all, are there support groups in your area?
Have you joined your local National MS Society?
For those of you who have stopped working, what do you do with your time?

They are a great source of information and support for events happening in your area. If you have a computer and internet service, get on-line. There are many support groups and several chat rooms where people with MS get together regularly.

If you are still mobile, (and about 75% of people with MS will never need a wheelchair), consider doing yoga or some other exercise to stay healthy. The MS clinic in our area offers a water exercise class, yoga, and a Tai Chi class as well. All of these are geared toward multiple sclerosis patients and people with limited mobility. So whether you can walk or even if you can’t, there are ways to be involved in these types of classes. You can learn something new and meet new people in the process.

Housing Issues

Accessible housing may be something that you may never need to worry about. But our little mantra comes into play in this area, too. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. It won’t do for you to have a dream house planned for your retirement that has multi-level living. If you become disabled to the point where you can no longer navigate the stairs, what will happen then?

Plan your dream home for this eventuality and include things like wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms with grab bars and kitchens with easy to reach counters and cabinets. Wide open spaces, hardwood floors, tiles, or Berber carpeting, are just a few of the other things you may want to consider when planning your home. Condominiums may also be a good choice so that yard work won’t be an issue.

As you can see, living with MS brings up a myriad of challenges that you as a person with multiple sclerosis will inevitably deal with from day to day. But living with MS is not impossible to do. Watching my husband live with this disease has taught me a lot of things. One thing stands out. It may not always be easy, but people with MS have the strength and determination to live fulfilling lives in spite of having multiple sclerosis.