What is MS?:
What is MS? Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease that affects over 350,000 Americans.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild such as numbness in the limbs or severe paralysis, or loss of vision. It causes demyelization of the nerves in the Brain and Spinal cord
Some Symptoms of MS:
Some Symptoms of MS Numbness
Fatigue
Weakness
Facial pain
Optic neuritis
Color blindness
Tremors
Muscle atrophy Double vision
Dizziness
Vertigo
Constipation
Bladder problems
Spasticity
Restless leg
Depression
Testing for Multiple Sclerosis:
Testing for Multiple Sclerosis Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is the most preferred diagnostic tool
Lumbar Puncture or spinal tap shows proteins in the spinal fluid. Only 1/3rd of those diagnosed with MS have these proteins. If the proteins are not present it does not mean you do not have MS.
Evoked Potential Study
Blood work is done to rule out other diseases and disorders.
An MRI showing MS Lesions:
An MRI showing MS Lesions
Current Treatments to Slow the progression of MS:
Current Treatments to Slow the progression of MS Avonex (beta1a) once a week intramuscular injection
Beta (Betaseron) every other day under the skin.
Copaxone (Glatiramer Acetate) daily injection under the skin
Rebif 3xs a week under the skin
Novantrone once every 3 months for about 2 to 3 years (8 to 12 doses).
Types of MS:
Types of MS Benign Sensory MS
Relapsing Remitting MS
Relapsing Remitting with Secondary Progressive
Primary Progressive
Credits::
Credits: Presentation by Veronica Davidson
Information from the following sources:
National MS Society
MS Association of America
International Journal of MS Care
MS Active Source
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