Can anyone tell me what Multiple Sclerosis is and how it is treated?

Question

I was recently diagnosed with MS and have no idea what it is

Answer 1

hi hun sorry to hear that :( here is some info about the disease and current treatments, ive also included some great sites for you to look at hope this helps and you re feeling better soon.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?


An unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis (MS) can range from relatively benign to somewhat disabling to devastating, as communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted. Many investigators believe MS to be an autoimmune disease -- one in which the body, through its immune system, launches a defensive attack against its own tissues. In the case of MS, it is the nerve-insulating myelin that comes under assault. Such assaults may be linked to an unknown environmental trigger, perhaps a virus.

Most people experience their first symptoms of MS between the ages of 20 and 40; the initial symptom of MS is often blurred or double vision, red-green color distortion, or even blindness in one eye. Most MS patients experience muscle weakness in their extremities and difficulty with coordination and balance. These symptoms may be severe enough to impair walking or even standing. In the worst cases, MS can produce partial or complete paralysis. Most people with MS also exhibit paresthesias, transitory abnormal sensory feelings such as numbness, prickling, or "pins and needles" sensations. Some may also experience pain. Speech impediments, tremors, and dizziness are other frequent complaints. Occasionally, people with MS have hearing loss. Approximately half of all people with MS experience cognitive impairments such as difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, and poor judgment, but such symptoms are usually mild and are frequently overlooked. Depression is another common feature of MS.


Is there any treatment?


There is as yet no cure for MS. Many patients do well with no therapy at all, especially since many medications have serious side effects and some carry significant risks. However, three forms of beta interferon (Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif) have now been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Beta interferon has been shown to reduce the number of exacerbations and may slow the progression of physical disability. When attacks do occur, they tend to be shorter and less severe. The FDA also has approved a synthetic form of myelin basic protein, called copolymer I (Copaxone), for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Copolymer I has few side effects, and studies indicate that the agent can reduce the relapse rate by almost one third. An immunosuppressant treatment, Novantrone (mitoxantrone ), is approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced or chronic MS.

While steroids do not affect the course of MS over time, they can reduce the duration and severity of attacks in some patients. Spasticity, which can occur either as a sustained stiffness caused by increased muscle tone or as spasms that come and go, is usually treated with muscle relaxants and tranquilizers such as baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam, clonazepam, and dantrolene. Physical therapy and exercise can help preserve remaining function, and patients may find that various aids -- such as foot braces, canes, and walkers -- can help them remain independent and mobile. Avoiding excessive activity and avoiding heat are probably the most important measures patients can take to counter physiological fatigue. If psychological symptoms of fatigue such as depression or apathy are evident, antidepressant medications may help. Other drugs that may reduce fatigue in some, but not all, patients include amantadine (Symmetrel), pemoline (Cylert), and the still-experimental drug aminopyridine. Although improvement of optic symptoms usually occurs even without treatment, a short course of treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) followed by treatment with oral steroids is sometimes used.

Answer 2

I think this perhaps isn't the best place to get information on this, because the condition can have such varying effects, therefore if you hear a lot of horror stories you may get misinformed and it may not be relevant to you.
It's a condition that effects your nervous system, and signals from your nerves to your brain. The symptoms can start off as pins and needles type sensation. Please be aware that this may be all the symptoms you may ever have if you look after yourself properly! With any disorder there is always worse case scenario. I have cared for people with advanced MS that has effected them so badly they can no longer walk or move their limbs properly (this doesn't happen to everyone). My advice would be seek advice from the professional that told you you had this, it is their responsibility to explain at what stage your MS is and the things you can do to prevent it getting worse. Unfortunately there isn't a cure for it as yet but there are definite measures that can help, i.e remaining stress free, which is why i don't suggest listening to horror stories.
One of my close friends was diagnosed with it four years ago after getting tingling in her fingers, she still has no other symptoms from it!

Answer 3

MS is a degenerative disease of the neurological system when the protective sheath around the nerves, called myelin is damaged and you can find out all about it from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britian and N. Ireland at http:/www.nmssociety.org.uk.

I would have thought that you would have been given a whole load of information on this when you were diagnosed. Sorry about your illness and wish you Best of Luck.

Answer 4

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most debilitating and discouraging conditions anyone can have. Waking up day after day knowing you are stricken with MS that gradually drags you, healthy young person, toward chronic illness and maybe shorter life. Suddenly you no longer expect to enjoy many of life's greatest experiences. The inside story on Dr. Gary remarkable Multiple Sclerosis cure

Read on to discover what really causes your multiple sclerosis!

Answer 5

Firstly, I'm really sorry about your diagnosis and I know this must be a horrible time for you - I suffer a neurological condition similar to MS and I understand how confusing and frightening this can be.

Sadly, it's not uncommon for people to be told they have MS, but not to be offered support or information by their consultant. If you live in the UK, chances are your local NHS Trust has a MS Specialist Nurse who will either see you in clinic or visit you at home to offer support and information.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) have published guidelines on the management of MS. These guidelines are very good news for people with MS, professionals and those planning MS services.

A good place to start on the Internet is the MS Society website - http://www.mssociety.org.uk. This has loads of information and links, as well as access to support and news about developments in treatments and medication. You can also download the NICE Guidelines to see what help you should be offered.

Best of luck, and feel free to get in touch with me via Yahoo if you would like to talk to me directly.

Answer 6

Follow the 80/20 rule, which means eating clean 80 percent of the time and indulging a little 20 percent almost daily.

Answer 7

Take time once a few days to plan out and search for meals and snacks so you might be prepared whenever hunger strikes.

Answer 8

Also include 10 grams connected with fiber to satiate hunger longer and forestall bloating from constipation.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Take time once a week to plan out and search for meals and snacks so you're prepared whenever hunger strikes.