Multiple Sclerosis Update
http://www.countywomanmagazines.com/articles/354/1/Multiple-Sclerosis-Update/Page1.html
Website Manager
By Website Manager
Published on December 26, 2010
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder
diagnosed in young adults. Most individuals who develop MS are diagnosed
between the ages of 15 and 50, and on average, women are three times
more likely than men to develop this disease. MS is not contagious and
usually does not shorten life expectancy. Although the disease may not
be cured or prevented, treatments are available to reduce severity and
delay progression of certain types of MS.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults. Most individuals who develop MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 50, and on average, women are three times more likely than men to develop this disease. MS is not contagious and usually does not shorten life expectancy. Although the disease may not be cured or prevented, treatments are available to reduce severity and delay progression of certain types of MS.
The symptoms of MS can be unpredictable and vary for each individual. Physical symptoms can include numbness, muscle spasticity, tremor, pain, weakness, fatigue, visual changes, as well as bladder, bowel and sexual difficulties. Other symptoms include memory issues and depression.
MS is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. The symptoms of MS occur when myelin (the protective covering to the nerves of the brain and spinal cord), along with the nerves themselves, become damaged.
Presently, eight disease-modifying therapies are approved by the FDA for the long-term treatment of MS. These therapies either modulate or suppress the immune system. Most individuals take only one disease-modifying therapy at a time, in addition to any medications taken to help manage symptoms. Five of the eight treatments are given via injection at one’s home and two are administered via infusion at a medical facility. The eighth and newest disease-modifying therapy is an oral medication, approved in September 2010.
A great deal of exciting research continues into the treatment of MS, with many new experimental therapies on the horizon. Other intriguing areas of study include Vitamin D and MS, as well as a potential blood-flow issue known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) publishes an annual “MS Research Update” in its magazine, The Motivator. This year’s update from the Summer/Fall 2010 issue may be downloaded by going to msassociation.org/publications/ summer-fall10/cover.story.asp. Readers without internet access may call MSAA’s Helpline at (800) 532-7667 to request a printed copy.
MSAA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission of enriching the quality of life for everyone affected by MS. MSAA provides vital programs and services, including: a toll-free Helpline; informative publications; a website featuring educational videos and research updates; educational events; MRI assistance; and equipment programs. To learn more, please visit MSAA’s website at msassociation.org or call their Helpline at (800) 532-7667.
Copyright MSAA 2010. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment options, individuals are urged to consult their physician.
The symptoms of MS can be unpredictable and vary for each individual. Physical symptoms can include numbness, muscle spasticity, tremor, pain, weakness, fatigue, visual changes, as well as bladder, bowel and sexual difficulties. Other symptoms include memory issues and depression.
MS is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. The symptoms of MS occur when myelin (the protective covering to the nerves of the brain and spinal cord), along with the nerves themselves, become damaged.
Presently, eight disease-modifying therapies are approved by the FDA for the long-term treatment of MS. These therapies either modulate or suppress the immune system. Most individuals take only one disease-modifying therapy at a time, in addition to any medications taken to help manage symptoms. Five of the eight treatments are given via injection at one’s home and two are administered via infusion at a medical facility. The eighth and newest disease-modifying therapy is an oral medication, approved in September 2010.
A great deal of exciting research continues into the treatment of MS, with many new experimental therapies on the horizon. Other intriguing areas of study include Vitamin D and MS, as well as a potential blood-flow issue known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) publishes an annual “MS Research Update” in its magazine, The Motivator. This year’s update from the Summer/Fall 2010 issue may be downloaded by going to msassociation.org/publications/ summer-fall10/cover.story.asp. Readers without internet access may call MSAA’s Helpline at (800) 532-7667 to request a printed copy.
MSAA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission of enriching the quality of life for everyone affected by MS. MSAA provides vital programs and services, including: a toll-free Helpline; informative publications; a website featuring educational videos and research updates; educational events; MRI assistance; and equipment programs. To learn more, please visit MSAA’s website at msassociation.org or call their Helpline at (800) 532-7667.
Copyright MSAA 2010. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment options, individuals are urged to consult their physician.