Self Improvement Health, Fitness, Diet, Exercise, Religion, Meditation, Beauty, & Attire. In addition to seeking advice on how to deal with social, psychological, and physiological issues.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects your central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which your immune system attacks components of your body as if they're foreign.
In multiple sclerosis, the body mistakenly directs antibodies and white blood cells against proteins in the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers in your brain and spinal cord. This results in inflammation and injury to the sheath and ultimately to the nerves that it surrounds. The result may be multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis). Eventually, this damage can slow or block the nerve signals that control muscle coordination, strength, sensation and vision.
Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States and probably more than 1 million people around the world — including twice as many women as men. Most people experience their first signs or symptoms between ages 20 and 40.
Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable and varies in severity. In some people, multiple sclerosis is a mild illness, but it can lead to permanent disability in others. Treatments can modify the course of the disease and relieve symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary widely, depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis symptoms may include:
* Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, which typically occurs on one side of your body at a time or the bottom half of your body
* Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement
* Double vision or blurring of vision
* Tingling or pain in parts of your body
* Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain head movements
* Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait
* Fatigue
* Dizziness
In some cases, people with multiple sclerosis may also develop muscle stiffness or spasticity, slurred speech, paralysis, or problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function. Mental changes, such as forgetfulness or difficulties with concentration, also may occur.
Causes
Your central nervous system contains millions of nerve cells that send their electrical signals to and from your brain along wire-like extensions of the cells called axons, or nerve fibers. Myelin is the fatty substance that coats and protects these fibers, similar to the way insulation shields electrical wires.
In people with multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly destroys the cells that produce the myelin sheath. As a result, myelin becomes inflamed and swollen and detaches from the nerve fibers. The detached myelin may eventually be destroyed. Firm or hardened (sclerosed) patches of scar tissue form over the fibers. When nerve impulses reach a damaged area, some impulses are blocked or delayed from traveling to or from your brain. Ultimately, this process leads to degeneration of the nerves themselves, which likely accounts for the permanent disabilities that may develop in MS.
Doctors and researchers don't understand what causes this autoimmune reaction. Something seems to trigger the condition in susceptible people.
Genetic factors may make certain people more susceptible to multiple sclerosis. But genetic susceptibility is only part of the explanation. A number of researchers believe the disorder is related to a protein that mimics the myelin protein, which may be introduced into the body by a virus. Other researchers believe that the immune system overreacts toward myelin proteins in people with MS, which leads to an abnormal tendency to develop autoimmune disease.
A period of disease activity (exacerbation) may be triggered by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, or by changes in the immune system during the first six months following a pregnancy.
Patterns of MS
Whatever the multiple sclerosis cause or trigger, the disease occurs in four main patterns:
* Relapsing remitting. This type of multiple sclerosis is characterized by clearly defined flare-ups, followed by periods of remission. The flare-ups typically appear suddenly, last a few weeks or months, and then gradually disappear. Most people with MS have this form at the time of diagnosis.
* Primary progressive. People with this less common form of multiple sclerosis experience a gradual decline, without periods of remission. People with this form of MS are usually older than 40 when signs or symptoms begin.
* Secondary progressive. More than half the people with relapsing remitting MS eventually enter a stage of continuous deterioration referred to as secondary progressive MS. Sudden relapses may occur, superimposed upon the continuous deterioration that characterizes this type of multiple sclerosis.
* Progressive relapsing. This is primary progressive MS with the addition of sudden episodes of new symptoms or worsened existing ones. This form is relatively uncommon.
These factors may increase your risk of developing multiple sclerosis:
* Heredity. Multiple sclerosis is more common in people of Northern European descent. There also appears to be a genetic component to the condition, although the risk to children of people affected by MS is less than 5 percent over their lifetime. Researchers suspect that the tendency to develop multiple sclerosis is inherited, but the disease manifests only when environmental triggers are present.
* Environmental factors. Environmental factors have some influence on multiple sclerosis. Many viruses and bacteria have been suspected of causing MS, most recently the Epstein-Barr virus, known also for causing infectious mononucleosis. Some studies have suggested that developing infection at a critical period of exposure may lead to conditions conducive to the development of MS a decade or more later.
* Geographical factors. Multiple sclerosis is more common in countries with temperate climates, including Europe, southern Canada, northern United States, and southeastern Australia. The reason is unknown.
When to seek medical advice
One of the early indications of multiple sclerosis is numbness and tingling in your arms, legs or elsewhere in your body. Although numbness most often doesn't indicate MS, it's important to see your doctor if you experience numbness or tingling that persists for days or weeks — especially if it spreads to involve large parts of your body. Your doctor can determine whether MS or another neurological disorder may be the cause. Also see your doctor if you experience persistent double vision, persistent loss of balance or visual loss.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
A friend of mine was diagnosed with MS when she was 20.
It happened suddenly during a stay in the US. She just collapsed on the floor and was unconscious for a couple of minutes.
She used to take shots everyday, for a period of 3 years i think she did them herself each day on a different spot of the body as it can't be done twice in the same muscle area as she told us.
Later that year, she got divorced and after a while she decided she won't take anymore medication , no more shots, and live her life day by day with positive thinking..."whatever happens, happens she is not afraid anymore..." But we were all scared for her! As the decision was risky!
7 years have passed, she is still living and feeling great..
and we are happy for her! :)
Is it psychosomatic? Will the sceptics doubt she is fine w/out medical intervention? No one beleives the story when i tell them, but the fact remains she is doing wonderful and just enjoying her life because she is "healthy"- positive thinking !
A friend of mine was diagnosed with MS when she was 20.
It happened suddenly during a stay in the US. She just collapsed on the floor and was unconscious for a couple of minutes.
She used to take shots everyday, for a period of 3 years i think she did them herself each day on a different spot of the body as it can't be done twice in the same muscle area as she told us.
Later that year, she got divorced and after a while she decided she won't take anymore medication , no more shots, and live her life day by day with positive thinking..."whatever happens, happens she is not afraid anymore..." But we were all scared for her! As the decision was risky!
7 years have passed, she is still living and feeling great..
and we are happy for her! :)
Is it psychosomatic? Will the sceptics doubt she is fine w/out medical intervention? No one beleives the story when i tell them, but the fact remains she is doing wonderful and just enjoying her life because she is "healthy"- positive thinking !
m.
Im happy for your friend too Marsha .. Its unbelievable for her to be not taking medication coz I know that MS patients should have medication for life ... hope she stays in a good condition ..
di, thanks for this subject. A very dear one to me!
First, very important to raise awareness on this issue. MS is a very unfortunate neurological disorder that is most of the time unpredictable. Of course I am not an MD, but my experience is more personal.
Patients can have the MS for a long time and symptons might not come until at later stages, and only at that stages you might find the necessacity to visit a doctor and consequently get diagnosed.
Plus, the idea that the symptons range so widely, very hard for the MDs and the patients to identify the stage and the progress. Most of the time, the patients feel themselves in need to be transfered to the hospital and be treated for more than a week.
Friends, families of the patient should be very patient and deal with the person with ease. Random anger issues and mood swings can make the whole situation worse and hard to deal with.
At this time MS patients donot have cure, and the hope is on the Stem cell research. Not enough celebrities to raise awareness, but montel is one of the most proactive ones that is known to be very pushy with the subject.
As marisha said, it is very common that patients stop having symptons for a long time. Of course, that is a huge thing and an indication that the MS is not progressing rapidly, or maybe even not at all... In my experience, we had the same situation, the medication can be stopped, cause those medicines are not preventive ones. So, they will be no need for them!
Hope we will be able to raise some awareness here in this forum!
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
affects different people in different ways. For people who have only mild symptoms from time to time, the disease may not have much impact on their everyday lives. People with more severe MS have frequently recurring or ongoing symptoms and may become disabled within a few years.
Most people with MS are between these extremes. For them, MS involves a series of attacks that cause symptoms. These attacks are called relapses, flares, or exacerbations. They may last for days or weeks and then partially or completely go away. Relapses may be mild or severe and tend to recur over a period of years. They may become worse and more frequent over time, with symptoms becoming more severe and disabling. For most people with MS, the disease follows a relapsing-remitting course, at least at first. Up to half of people with relapsing-remitting MS may develop secondary progressive MS within 10 years.
A diagnosis of MS can be difficult to accept for the thousands of healthy, active people whom the disease strikes without warning. Though rarely life-threatening, MS has no cure. Most people live with the disease for decades. However, many face increasing disability as they get older.
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that involves the central nervous system-specifically the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is a form of MS in which symptoms randomly flare up (relapse) and then improve or fade (remission).
This relapsing-remitting pattern emerges with the onset of the disease and may last for many years. MS can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, sensation, and mental functions.
The disease does not advance during the remissions, but loss of nerve function that can occur during relapses is permanent. After repeated relapse episodes, the loss of nerve function can cause severe symptoms that do not improve.
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS)
is a form of MS in which symptoms are constant, do not improve, and may get increasingly worse. This is a result of steady damage to the nerves in the brain and the spinal cord.
The secondary progressive form of MS follows a phase known as relapsing-remitting MS, in which symptoms repeatedly appear or get worse, then improve. This cycle can repeat for many years before secondary progressive MS develops.
we have alot of of MS cases here in lebanon too ..
It is important to find ways of coping with the practical and emotional demands of the disease. These are different for everyone, so home treatment varies from person to person.
Home treatment may involve making it easier to get around your home, dealing with depression, handling specific symptoms, and getting support from your family and friends.
* Modify your home or make adjustments to your work situation. It also may help to adjust your daily schedule so that your routine is less stressful or tiring. Excessive fatigue is a common problem for people with MS.
* Follow the food guide pyramid and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. A balanced diet for a person who has MS is the same as that recommended for most healthy adults.
* Get regular exercise, either on your own or with the help of a physical therapist. If you want to exercise on your own, ask your doctor or a physical therapist to recommend appropriate exercises.
* Deal with urination problems. At some time, most people with MS have bladder problems that can involve difficulty retaining or releasing urine, or a combination of both. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to help you. It may also help to plan your fluid intake and activities so that a toilet will be available when you need to urinate.
* Change how and what you eat if you are having problems swallowing, a common problem with advanced MS.
o Thicker drinks make swallowing easier. Try milk shakes or juices in gelatin form.
o Avoid foods such as crackers or cakes that crumble easily. These can cause choking.
o Soft foods need less chewing. Use a blender to prepare food for easiest chewing.
o Eat frequent, small meals to avoid fatigue from eating heavy meals.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nonmedical treatment done at home may also help you manage symptoms and adjust to living and working situations.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is the treatment of a disease or condition by physical or mechanical means, such as through exercise, heat, or mild electrical current. A physical therapist provides these treatments and will also provide education, instruction, and support for recovery.
The purpose of physical therapy is to decrease pain and allow you to gradually return to your normal activities. Physical therapy can reduce pain in the soft tissues (such as the muscles, ligaments, and tendons), improve function, and build muscle strength. A doctor or physical therapist will design a program specific to your normal level of activity, physical fitness, and severity of pain.
Physical therapy techniques may include:
* Stretching, to reduce stress on joints.
* Manual therapy, to improve or maintain range of motion.
* Heat therapy, to improve blood circulation to the muscles and other soft tissues.
* Ice therapy, to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
* Exercise, to strengthen muscles and increase endurance.
What is the percentage of the MS among lebanese people?
What is the range of ages among the MS patients in Lebanon?
Is there any data about number of diagnosed patients in the last 10 years?
I am very interested about those details, if anyone can call up the appropriate hospitals!
Researching on the net about MS orgs in Lebanon, i came across this address here:
I did not hear from them and fired another email today. But checking my junk inbox, i saw the above returned email! Is there anyway someone can get more info about this organization? and their latest contacts, so that we can ask them some questions.
I did not hear from them and fired another email today. But checking my junk inbox, i saw the above returned email! Is there anyway someone can get more info about this organization? and their latest contacts, so that we can ask them some questions.
Im trying to search the internet and will try and get some kind of information for you lexue ok?
(MS) Multiple Sclerosis -
20th March 2007
lexue ok?
