|
MS is a Lifelong Disease - but it can be Managed
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease in which the nerves of the eye,
brain and spinal cord lose patches of myelin - the protective sheath covering
the nerve. Called multiple sclerosis - or scarring - the disorder
represents the demyelination of the nerves. This chronic disease is often
diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 and has an unpredictable physical and
emotional impact on a lifelong basis.
Considered an autoimmune disease, MS is an autoimmune response causing an
inflammation of the nerves and myelin sheath which in turn causes the
destruction - or demyelination - of the nerves protective sheath.
The following provides key facts to understand this chronic disease.
Who gets MS?
Today, the actual cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. There are
many theories that are based on environmental, genetic or immune conditions or
viruses,
however, there are no known, observable MS disease patterns in the global
population. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the
following are well-established epidemiological observations of MS:
 | Worldwide, MS occurs with greater frequency in higher latitudes (above 40o)
versus those closer to the equator. |
| In the U.S., MS occurs more frequently above the 37th parallel.
The prevalence rate is much higher, 110 to 140 cases per 100, 000 people. |
| MS is more common among Caucasians, particularly of northern European
ancestry. |
| MS is twice as common in women compared to men. |
| In certain populations, a genetic marker has been linked to MS. |
There has been a genetic link established that increases the risk of
developing MS. This genetic predisposition does not necessarily means that
the individual may exhibit signs of the disease but evidence from studies
indicate a genetic component exists. As an autoimmune disease, a genetic
predisposition may leave the individual susceptible to a triggering factor which
initiates the autoimmune process that leads to MS.
Based on population surveys, the average person in the United States has
about 1 chance in 1,000 of developing MS. If the individual has close
relatives with MS (children or siblings), the chances are higher - 1 in
100 to 1 in 50. If an identical twin has MS, the other twin has a 1 in 3
chance of developing MS.
What are the causes of
MS?
As previously mentioned, the exact causes of MS is unknown. There are
several scientific theories that are the basis of research and
investigation. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is an excellent
resource for more detailed information on this subject. Generally, there
are four major theories:
| Immunologic - MS is now consider an autoimmune disease which is the
abnormal immune system response targeted at the central nervous
system. An immune agent, or antigen, is believed to be the 'attacker'
and significant research is being conducted on finding a way to modulate the
immune system. |
| Environmental - MS is found in populations in more northern regions and in
certain population groups. Research is being conducted to determine if
an environmental agent, particularly in the individual's early years, may be
a cause of developing MS. |
| Virus - One popular theory is whether any one virus triggers MS. |
| Genetic - As previously discussed, the individual's genetic predisposition
may be a cause or condition that promotes the eventual development of MS. |
What are
the signs and symptoms of MS?
Diagnosed typically during the ages of 20 to 40 years old, MS's initial onset
of symptoms are:
| difficulty in walking |
| abnormal sensations, such as "pins and needles" in the hands |
| pain and loss of vision due to optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic
nerve) |
Other less common symptoms may be:
| tremors in limbs |
| lack of coordination |
| slurred speech patterns |
| sudden onset of paralysis |
| sudden decline in cognitive function (think, reason, remember) |
There is a wide range of symptoms that can be considered related to MS.
The "primary" symptoms are directly related to the demyelination of
the nerves and the body's ability to function physically. These symptoms
can be:
| abnormal physical sensations: itchy, crawly feelings on your skin,
numbness, tingling, burning pain. |
| physical lack of coordination: balance loss, handwriting
difficulties, speech difficulties, difficulty in hand/eye
coordination, |
| mental lethargy: cognitive loss, memory lapses,
frequent/severe headaches, vertigo |
Other symptoms that result in the deterioration of the body's nerve control
coordination are:
| hearing loss |
| double or blurred vision |
| loss of bladder control |
| constipation |
| loss of bowel and/or sphincter muscle control |
| male erectile dysfunction |
| female loss of sex function |
| general physical exhaustion |
| digestive problems |
| major allergy problems |
| kidney abnormality |
| peripheral nerve disease |
| limb loss |
What are
the approaches to treatment?
There are several types of treatment therapies. Some have shown moderate
success and some exhibited absolutely no positive results. "CURE" is
not an operative word with MS but a viewpoint of managing symptoms and
prolonging the inevitable process of the disease. As an autoimmune
disease, modulating and working with the immune system to manage the disease is
a suggested approach as well as exploring all the treatment options.
What are your options?
| Do nothing - unfortunately there are MS patients that choose
to do nothing because of denial and/or a belief that a cure is not
available. This is not a recommended approach. |
| Drug Therapy - there are a range of medical drugs that can
be used to address specific symptoms and/or reduced the effects of MS exacerbations.
Some of these drugs are: Copaxone, Avonex, Betaseron, Depo-Medrol, and about
20+ drugs for symptom management. With your doctor, the individual
should carefully research each drug's usage and side effects before
selecting a particular therapy. |
| Alternative Treatments - there is a wide range of
information and treatments for MS. Again, the individual should
research these treatments and discuss the same with his or her doctor. MS clinics
have been sprouting around the U.S. touting curative therapies however you
must
approach these therapies with extreme caution. |
| Nutritional Therapy - Regardless of the selected treatment,
a nutritional diet that boosts the immune system is essential to support the
body's fight against MS. A proper nutritional diet can effectively
complement an MS treatment regime and help slow down the number of
exacerbations in patients. |
|
