What Is Multiple Sclerosis

B cells and MS: research points to new treatments for MS.(I want you to know): An article from: Inside MS

This digital document is an article from Inside MS, published by Thomson Gale on April 1, 2007. The length of the article is 796 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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Title: B cells and MS: research points to new treatments for MS.(I want you to know)
Author: John Richert
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Article by Groshan Fabiola

Multiple sclerosis is quite difficult to be diagnosed because its symptoms vary according with its stages. In young people multiple sclerosis occurs with the following symptoms: blurred vision, suddenly double vision and movement problems and abnormal sensations in scattered parts of the body.

AIDS, lupus, arteritis, hereditary ataxias, Guillain-Barr?? syndrome, Lyme disease, a cyst in the spinal cord are the diseases with which differential diagnosis must be done so as to clarify the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. To perform various tests samples of cerebrospinal fluid are needed. In multiple sclerosis the antibodies concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid is high, the white blood cell count and protein content of the fluid may be higher. MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is the best procedure to detect multiple sclerosis and confirms the diagnosis, helps detecting the areas of active inflammation and demyelination.

In multiple sclerosis the brain???s response to the stimuli such as: flashing lights and other sensory stimuli are slow because of the interrupted conduction through demyelinated nerve fibers.

Treatment

Early treatment is very important because the brain is not damaged entirely and physical disability can be slowed in its progression. Learn from your doctor about optional therapies and any possible ways of getting your life improved. The most used treatment in multiple sclerosis were corticosteroids, for example Meticorten. But they do not stop the progression of the disability. For people who have affected the optic nerve corticosteroids are given intravenously. If used for a long time corticosteroids have many side effects such as: ulcers, weight gain, diabetes, fatigue, decreased bone density. Other treatments are: interferon-beta Betaseron injections, Rebif, Avonex that reduce the frequency relapses and help prevent the later disability.

There are available the following products: acetate injections Copaxone, Novantrone which can reduce the relapses and the progression of the disease. Interferons and gamma globulins interviene in the distruction of the myelin and destroy the abnormal antibodies. For relieving the pain propanolol is used. To reduce the tremor doctors prescribe Inderal, Symmetrel to relieve the fatigue, to treat depression Endep, Elavil and Zoloft.

It is important to maintain an active lifestyle with physical exercises such as: riding a stationary bicycle, swimming, walking, stretching that reduces spasticity and maintain a muscular, cardiovascular, psychologic health. Do not expose yourself at high temperatures and do not have hot baths or showers. In choosing a multiple sclerosis treatment one should consider effectiveness, side effects and convenience because multiple sclerosis is a long life disease. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits your treatment provides you safety, side effects, ease of use.Changes in your life style have great effect, in treating multiple sclerosis so try to exercise, keep a diet.

About the Author

We recommend you clicking this site http://www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com for more multiple sclerosis subjects like multiple sclerosis information or multiple sclerosis information

by mtsofan

Article by Groshan Fabiola

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system and makes it attack the sensitive membrane that protects the many nerve endings that can be found throughout the body. When one of these attacks occurs the sense that corresponds to the affected nerve endings is damaged and in some cases it’s temporary lost. For example, the patient can temporary lose his/her vision or suffer severe balance problems.

The cause of multiple sclerosis has not been discovered yet, it is not known why when the nervous system is affected by multiple sclerosis sends the white blood cells and antibodies against the myelin steath membrane which protects the nerve endings. The cells mentioned above are sent to attack viruses and bacteria that enter the body and can cause an infection, so the reason for the attacks is mysterious.

So because the cause is unknown there is no treatment that can cure multiple sclerosis, but many things can be done against it.Currently the goal of the multiple sclerosis treatment is to decrease the frequency of the attacks and their severity, and to make the disease advance slower.

One of the most popular treatments for multiple sclerosis is immunotherapy. Immunotherapy drugs are usually injections with substances that can reduce the frequence and severity of the multiple sclerosis attacks by slightly modifying the way the immune system works. Immunotherapy is done with the help of drugs called beta interferons, that aid the immune system in its fight against infections and make the multiple sclerosis attacks less severe.Unfortunately immunotherapy drugs have side-effects that include fever and coughing, indigestion, skin irritation, and drowsiness, any many patients avoid using them for this reason.

Some doctors say that Mitoxantrone,a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer, has great effects against multiple sclerosis, but it’s side effects are really bad and it can even damage the body if it’s administered for a long time.

Other medication must be administered in the multiple sclerosis treatment, depending on the symptoms that it presents. If it causes loss of balance and muscle coordination then the patient should receive physiotherapy and take muscle pain reliving drugs.

If the visual sense is affected and the patient experiences blurry vision, or even loss of vision then doctors recommend steroids. Steroids can fight and relieve these symptoms.

Other drugs depend on the nerves that multiple sclerosis affects. Consult your doctor for more information about the secondary multiple sclerosis treatment.

Drug therapy can be combined with alternative therapy for best results. Alternative treatment for multiple sclerosis is acupuncture, yoga or massage.

If you suffer from multiple sclerosis you should also consult a support group. There are many organizations that have the purpose of aiding those that suffer from multiple sclerosis and to give them the best treatment options.

About the Author

We recommend you clicking this site http://www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com for more multiple sclerosis subjects like multiple sclerosis treatment or symptoms of multiple sclerosis

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by groundreporter

Article by marry

Optic neuropathy refers to optic nerve abnormalities or damage caused by blocked blood flow or toxic exposure. Another less serious eye condition is optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve.

People with optic neuritis may have symptoms such as blurry vision, distorted vision, decreased color vision, blind spots and potential vision loss. Underlying changes caused by optic neuritis can be abnormal pupil appearance. The pupil performs abnormally that it will dilate instead of constricting in the presence of bright light. And the optic nerve may appear normal or swollen.

eye exams can detect signs of optic neuritis, including IOP measurement and pupil dilation for better eye interior structures viewing. Optic neuritis is caused by loss and damage to protective nerve coverings that surround the nerve. As a result, optic neuritis occurs commonly in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), which are caused by immune system’s attack towards those optic nerve coverings. Related nerve damage in MS can also lead to loss of mobility and sensory function. There are still other causes of optic neuritis and neuropathy, such as certain infections, ocular herpes, sinusitis, neurological disorders, nutritional deficiency and toxins including alcohol and tobacco.

Treatments that were ever used include intravenous (IV) steroids, oral steroids and placebo. However, the most widely used treatment is typically three day of IV steroids, followed by 11 days of oral steroids, according to the results of a landmark series of studies known as the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trials (ONTT). The ONTT has revealed that steroids can not affect the final visual outcome in neuritis patients. However, the combination of IV steroids and oral steroids can both reduce the recurrence of optic neuritis and the risk of developing MS. Separate placebo treatment is much less effective.

There are several prognoses for those who have optic neuritis. Statistics show that about 95% of optic neuritis patients will recover much of their vision within six months, and less than 20% will suffer from a second optic neuritis or an optic neuritis in the other eye. Doctors may recommend a MRI to prevent the development of MS.

Article Source:http://vision.firmoo.com/eye-diseases/causes-treatments-for-optic-neuritis.html

About the Author

Vision Library is the information source in area of vision care, including eyeglasses, sunglasses, vision surgery, ageing and kid’s vision etc., solely sponsored by Firmoo.com, an emerging online optical store offering high quality eyewear at the lowest prices.Firmoo’s return and refund policy make any purchase risk-free.

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by mtsofan

Article by Ruel Hinaloc

It would be virtually impossible to write anything but a book in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, because there are so many. The reason for this is because the disease can produce either a range of symptoms from blurred vision to complete paralysis. Symptoms are treated as they occur. This article will cover some of the most common treatments for this disease.

The most common treatment for MS is fatigue, it is the most common symptom. For fatigue, the generic drug modafinil is usually prescribed. This is a nervous system stimulant. Improved wakefulness and less likely to cause nervousness, anxiety or over activity. Side effects so far appear to be mild. Less common are anxiety, insomnia, irritability and aggressiveness. However, in 2007, the FDA ordered the manufacturer to include in the prospectus of this drug a warning about the potential harm of long-term including the various syndromes such as Stevens-Johnson.

Another common symptom of MS is muscle spasms. These spasms are caused by imbalances in the electrical signals from the brain and spinal cord. These spasms can be treated with physiotherapy alone. When therapy is not effective, muscle relaxants like baclofen is used. Valium is sometimes used to treat these spasms.

And then of course there are problems with balance, they become more common as the disease progresses. Vertigo is quite common among MS patients. Depending on how severe the vertigo, this symptom can be treated with something as soft as an antihistamine like Benadryl. Naturally, the stronger the drug, the most serious side effects.

Naturally, this only scratches the surface of the symptoms and treatments for common symptoms of MS. Of course, there are drugs used as a generic battle against the disease itself in terms of what is in phase (relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive.)

For more information, see the link in my signature. Although there is no cure for MS, there are a lot of hope for sufferers of this terrible disease.

About the Author

Ruel has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. His newest interest is in ms. So come visit his latest website that discuss about ms treatment and protein requirements.

by Oregon Chapter, National MS Society

Article by Richard Kuehn

Pebble Beach, CA Multiple-Sclerosis MS Treatments Take A Leap Forward: View From A Private Duty Caregiver Serving, Carmel, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas & Seaside, California

Multiple-Sclerosis (MS) treatments are taking a giant leap forward as a number of treatments in pill form are being rolled out, designed to control flare-ups of the disease and make treatment easier. There have historically been a number of treatments on the market for MS, however, they were all administered by injection. Physicians say some patients are reluctant to give themselves injections and having multiple therapies available in pill format could spur a greater number of MS patients to take medication as needed. Since disability from MS is cumulative, getting those diagnosed to seek earlier treatment could improve their quality of life for years. There are drawbacks. Novartis was the first to hit the market with an oral treatment. Its Gilenya is priced at about ,000 per year Although steep, they will likely come down over time as more drugs hit the market and competition heats up. A recent analysis by Novartis showed that Gilenya reduced relapses among MS patients by 54%. Disability progression was reduced by 30% using a standard measurement of this process. Treatment with the current regime of injection based drugs are expensive too, roughly ,000 per year. Most insurance plans will cover the cost of treatment with just a co-pay. Some Doctors are waiting until more drugs hit the market and they are widely used so side effects can be gauged. Gilenya can cause a risk of infection, potentially lead to toxicity of the liver and an eye disease called macular edema, clinical trials have shown. Side effects of the current injection based therapy include injection-site irritation, flu-like symptoms and liver damage. One patient who recently started on Gilenya said switching from injections made her feel more positive about having MS and it even allows her to forget she has the disease. There is currently no cure for MS, a chronic, inflammatory condition which occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own central nervous system. It afflicts about 400,000 people in the U.S. and can cause vision problems, limb numbness and paralysis according to the National Multiple-Sclerosis Society. For more information on this organization and the disease, click here. At Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey we help seniors remain independent in their own homes. We also have a number of younger Clients that are crippled from disabling diseases like MS and Parkinson’s. It’s tragic to see these diseases progress. But it’s also heart warming when you can help them become more mobile and enjoy the little things in life like a walk in the park.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704681904576319662989399214.html

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx

About Richard Kuehn & Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey:

After more than a decade of caregiving, both in a professional environment and for a 97 year old family member Richard Kuehn was dissatisfied with service from local caregiving agencies. He became convinced of the need for a service which provides very personal assistance to the elderly and founded Family inHome Caregiving serving the Monterey Peninsula. Please visit his blog where he talks about important senior issues at:http://www.familyinhomecaregiving.com/Blog/

About the Author

About Richard Kuehn & Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey:

After more than a decade of caregiving, both in a professional environment and for a 97 year old family member Richard Kuehn was dissatisfied with service from local caregiving agencies. He became convinced of the need for a service which provides very personal assistance to the elderly and founded Family inHome Caregiving serving the Monterey Peninsula. Please visit my blog where I talk about important senior issues at:http://www.familyinhomecaregiving.com/Blog/

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Multiple sclerosis is quite difficult to be diagnosed because its symptoms vary according with its stages. In young people multiple sclerosis occurs with the following symptoms: blurred vision, suddenly double vision and movement problems and abnormal sensations in scattered parts of the body.

AIDS, lupus, arteritis, hereditary ataxias, Guillain-Barr?? syndrome, Lyme disease, a cyst in the spinal cord are the diseases with which differential diagnosis must be done so as to clarify the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. To perform various tests samples of cerebrospinal fluid are needed. In multiple sclerosis the antibodies concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid is high, the white blood cell count and protein content of the fluid may be higher. MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is the best procedure to detect multiple sclerosis and confirms the diagnosis, helps detecting the areas of active inflammation and demyelination.

In multiple sclerosis the brain???s response to the stimuli such as: flashing lights and other sensory stimuli are slow because of the interrupted conduction through demyelinated nerve fibers.

Treatment

Early treatment is very important because the brain is not damaged entirely and physical disability can be slowed in its progression. Learn from your doctor about optional therapies and any possible ways of getting your life improved.

The most used treatment in multiple sclerosis were corticosteroids, for example Meticorten. But they do not stop the progression of the disability. For people who have affected the optic nerve corticosteroids are given intravenously. If used for a long time corticosteroids have many side effects such as: ulcers, weight gain, diabetes, fatigue, decreased bone density. Other treatments are: interferon-beta Betaseron injections, Rebif, Avonex that reduce the frequency relapses and help prevent the later disability.

There are available the following products: acetate injections Copaxone, Novantrone which can reduce the relapses and the progression of the disease. Interferons and gamma globulins interviene in the distruction of the myelin and destroy the abnormal antibodies. For relieving the pain propanolol is used. To reduce the tremor doctors prescribe Inderal, Symmetrel to relieve the fatigue, to treat depression Endep, Elavil and Zoloft.

It is important to maintain an active lifestyle with physical exercises such as: riding a stationary bicycle, swimming, walking, stretching that reduces spasticity and maintain a muscular, cardiovascular, psychologic health. Do not expose yourself at high temperatures and do not have hot baths or showers. In choosing a multiple sclerosis treatment one should consider effectiveness, side effects and convenience because multiple sclerosis is a long life disease. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits your treatment provides you safety, side effects, ease of use.

Changes in your life style have great effect, in treating multiple sclerosis so try to exercise, keep a diet.

We recommend you clicking this site http://www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com for more multiple sclerosis subjects like multiple sclerosis information or multiple sclerosis information

More Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis Articles

SCLERODERMA: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Effective Treatments Official Guide from the National Institute of Skin Diseases

This Kindle booklet is for people who have scleroderma, as well as for their family members, friends, and others who want to find out more about the disease. This Kindle booklet describes the different forms of scleroderma and provides information on their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, including what patients can do to help manage their disease and the problems associated with it. This booklet also highlights current research efforts into the understanding and treatment of scleroderma, man

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VITILIGO: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Effective Treatments Official Guide from the National Institute of Skin Diseases

Vitiligo causes white patches to appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Learn who is affected, other symptoms, including emotional and psychological aspects, treatment options, and more.

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Despite the fact that there is no specific cure for multiple sclerosis in present, existing treatments are effective in slowing down the progression rate of the disease and preventing the development of further complications. Considering the fact that most of the effects of multiple sclerosis are irreversible, it is imperative to timely diagnose the disease and begin the administration of the appropriate course of medications. With the right treatment and with the aid of supportive therapies (physiotherapy and kinetotherapy), patients with multiple sclerosis can regain control of their bodies and live normal, active lives.

The medications available today are used to accomplish a series of goals in patients with multiple sclerosis: some medication treatments are aimed at slowing the progression rate of the disease, while others are aimed at ameliorating its generated symptoms and prolonging the periods of remission. The medications that are nowadays extensively used to delay and control symptomatic flare-ups among patients with multiple sclerosis are known as “ABC drugs”. This category of medications consists of Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone.

The so called ABC drugs are crucial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, as they reduce the intensity, duration and frequency of the immune system’s attacks on healthy nervous cells. These medications act by triggering a series of biologic mechanisms that decrease the autoimmune response of the body. Prescribed in the appropriate dose, each of these previously mentioned multiple sclerosis medications can reduce the frequency and intensity of specific neurological symptoms by up to 30 percent.

Avonex (Beta-interferon-1a) is a very effective multiple sclerosis medication that is administered under the form of intramuscular injections. This medication is used to successfully alleviate a series of symptoms such as muscular weakness, visual problems, as well as cognitive affections (poor concentration, memory loss, confusion). Administered in the appropriate dose, Avonex can also reduce the frequency of symptomatic flare-ups. Due to the fact that it also generates various side-effects ranging in intensity from mild to moderate, Avonex is usually associated with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, drugs that minimize the undesired effects of Avonex on the body. The side-effects produced by the prolonged use of Avonex comprise fever, chills and muscular pain. However, these symptoms are completely eliminated when the treatment is interrupted.

Betaseron (Beta-interferon-1b) is an effective multiple sclerosis medication primarily administered to patients with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis. Betaseron is administered under the form of subcutaneous injections and produces the best results on long-term use. The side-effects generated by Betaseron are usually mild and consist of flu-like symptoms and local skin irritation at the site of the injection.

Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate or Copolymer-1) is yet another efficient medication used to decrease the frequency and duration of multiple sclerosis flare-ups. This medication is also administered as subcutaneous injections. Unlike interferon-based medications, Copaxone is very well tolerated by the body and produces no perceivable side-effects. Under special circumstances, Copaxone can produce temporary irritation and tenderness at the injection site.

Apart from the popular ABC drugs, the treatment of multiple sclerosis often includes medications such as steroids (anti-inflammatory drugs), as well as anticonvulsive and antispastic medications. Amantidine (Symmetrel) is often used to eliminate the states of generalized fatigue characteristic to multiple sclerosis, while medications such as Oxybutynin (Ditropan) and tolterodine (Detrol) are administered to patients confronted with bladder problems due to implication of multiple sclerosis at the level of the urinary system. Chemotherapeutic drugs such as methotrexate and azathioprine (Imuran) are rarely used, being prescribed to patients confronted with severe types of multiple sclerosis.

We recommend you clicking this site http://www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com for more multiple sclerosis subjects like multiple sclerosis information or multiple sclerosis diagnosis

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