Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is believed to affect between two hundred and fifty and three hundred and fifty thousand people in the United States alone. It is estimated that approximately two hundred new cases are reported every week. It can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages because of infrequent attacks, and very mild symptoms that may not meet particular criteria for classification of the disease. Continue reading about information for 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 axons form of insulation, and when damaged, the signals are no longer sent, or not sent properly. The immune system attacks the myelin being used for insulation. This is the nature of the disease.
The types of symptoms that may appear can be almost anything, but they will be neurological. It may present in attack form, or the person may deteriorate over time. Early detection may help with stopping advancement of damage to the nervous system, and provide medication to prevent the immune system from doing any further damage.
Using a neurologist will be necessary not only for detection of the disease, but for continuing treatment if it is found to exist. There is no one specific test to determine this particular type of disease, so a battery of tests are performed to rule other things out. Some of the test to expect are a spinal tap, blood work, and MRI.
If a diagnosis of MS is determined through testing, treatment will most likely begin immediately. Treatments may involve medications and therapy depending on the advancement of the disease. New medications have been developed to prevent the bodies immune system from attacking the myelin and doing further damage. Therapy may be necessary to help return some skills that have been lost. Hope is available, and new treatments are being developed.
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 axons form of insulation, and when damaged, the signals are no longer sent, or not sent properly. The immune system attacks the myelin being used for insulation. This is the nature of the disease.
The types of symptoms that may appear can be almost anything, but they will be neurological. It may present in attack form, or the person may deteriorate over time. Early detection may help with stopping advancement of damage to the nervous system, and provide medication to prevent the immune system from doing any further damage.
Using a neurologist will be necessary not only for detection of the disease, but for continuing treatment if it is found to exist. There is no one specific test to determine this particular type of disease, so a battery of tests are performed to rule other things out. Some of the test to expect are a spinal tap, blood work, and MRI.
If a diagnosis of MS is determined through testing, treatment will most likely begin immediately. Treatments may involve medications and therapy depending on the advancement of the disease. New medications have been developed to prevent the bodies immune system from attacking the myelin and doing further damage. Therapy may be necessary to help return some skills that have been lost. Hope is available, and new treatments are being developed.
About the Author:
One of the main neurological specialties of R. Braden Neiman is multiple sclerosis. He treats all forms of MS, includingRelapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
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