Multiple Sclerosis This Is a Thesis

Once the nerve fibers are damaged, the nerve impulses that travel to and from the brain and spinal cord are interrupted, causing the variety of symptoms that can occur.

Most people with MS learn to manage the disease and continue to have satisfying, useful, and positive lives.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely, depending on the amount of damage and which particular nerves are affected. People with severe cases of multiple sclerosis may lose the ability to walk or speak. MS can be difficult to diagnose early in the course of the disease because symptoms often come and go -- sometimes disappearing for months (Mayo Clinic Staff).

Although MS can occur at any age, it most often begins in people between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than are men (Mayo Clinic Staff).

MS signs and symptoms may include: Numbness, tingling, pain or weak points in one or more limbs, partial or complete loss of vision, blurred vision, or double vision can occur. A lack of coordination or unsteadiness, fatigue or lightheadedness may also occur.

Treatments

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment typically focuses on combating the autoimmune response and managing the symptoms. Some people have such mild symptoms that no treatment is necessary and others may find comfort in the different treatments that are available. Medications that are commonly used for multiple sclerosis include: Corticosteroids, Interferons, Glatiramer (Copaxone), Natalizumab (Tysabri), Mitoxantrone (Novantrone). Physical therapist can help with strengthening and stretching exercises. There also are devices and equipment that can help make everyday activities easier to perform. Procedures such as plasma exchange which is similar to dialysis as it separates blood cells from plasma. Plasma exchange can help fight severe symptoms of MS relapses. New Treatment The experimental drug fampridine improves walking ability in some individuals with MS. That is the conclusion of a multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial, the results of which were published in February, 2009 in the journal The Lancet (University of Rochester Medical Center). Bibliography Mayo Clinic Staff. "Multiple sclerosis." 3 Feb 2009. MayoClinic.com. 23 May 2009 . National Multiple Sclerosis Society. "What is Multiple Sclerosis?" n.d. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 23 May 2009 . University of Rochester Medical Center. "Drug Improves Mobility For Some Multiple Sclerosis Patients." 09 Mar 2009. ScienceDaily. 23 May 2009 ......