Friday, September 10, 2010

Ways To Manage Multiple Sclerosis

By Mark Gifford

Almost three hundred fifty thousand individuals in the United States are suspected to be affected by the disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Nearly two hundred cases are diagnosed every week. In its early stages, it is hard to recognize because its symptoms may be very mild, and the attacks may not be frequent. This will often keep people from meeting the criteria required to be classified as having MS. The following will to discover ways of living with Multiple Sclerosis.

This disease damages the fatty myelin sheaths around what are called the axons of the brain and the spinal column. This represents damage to the nervous system. In order for the brain to communicate with the spinal cord it requires that electrical impulses travel down axons which are actually nerve fibers that protect the nerve cells.

Myelin is the necessary insulation for the axon, and when it becomes damaged, the signals are damaged, or not sent. The bodies own immune system is the cause of the myelin being attacked and damaged. This is the actual cause of this disease.

Symptoms can be almost anything, but will be neurological in relation. Some people will suffer with attacks, while others will just get worse over a period of time at the disease progresses. Early detection can help with the prevention of damage to the nervous system with new medication that is available.

A neurologist will be necessary for the determination of the disease. Extensive testing is required to rule out other problems in order to prove that MS exists. There is still not a specific test for this disease. Finding the right neurologist for testing and treatment will be important for diagnosis and future care. Tests may include, but are not limited to blood testing, spinal tap, and an MRI.

With a confirmed diagnosis, a neurologist will want to begin treatment right away. New medications are available to prevent the immune system from attacking the myelin and causing damage. Other medications and therapy are used to repair damage that may have been caused. There is no cure as of yet, but there is a great deal of hope for those suffering with the disease based on new treatments.

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