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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Information
What
is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting the
central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves).
The nervous system is surrounded by a tissue called myelin, acting as
insulation for the nerve fiber. Myelin helps nerve fibers to conduct
electrical impulses. People affected with ms lose the myelin in
multiple areas. The loss of myelin leaves a scar tissue that is
called sclerosis. MS can also damage the nerve fiber itself.
Since the nerves cannot transmit impulses from and to the brain any
longer, this is causing the
symptoms (like numbness, pain and
vision problems) of ms.
Multiple
sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. That means that the body’s immune
system is not working properly. With autoimmune diseases the immune
system that usually protects the body against viruses and bacteria is
attacking itself. In the case of multiple sclerosis the system attacks
its own tissue, myelin.
MS is unpredictable
and not directly inherited, it is not contagious. Although many people
think so, this autoimmune disease does not always lead to death. In
fact, the majority of multiple sclerosis sufferers do actually not
become severely disabled.
So
far there has not been found a cure for this terrible disease. The only
hope for patients is a pain relieving medication and drugs that slow
down the course of the disease.
What
are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
The symptoms are
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Bladder Dysfunction/Bowel Dysfunction
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Cognitive Dysfunction (Slowed ability to think and remember)
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Dizziness and Vertigo
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Walking Problems
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Depression
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Fatigue
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Numbness
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Pain
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Vision Problems
Can
anyone get Multiple Sclerosis?
Yes. Most people are diagnosed with ms between 20 and 50 of which more
than 50% are women. People with Northern European roots are more often
affected than others. Worldwide 2.5 million people have MS. 400,000 of
them are Americans.
Since multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, this means that the
body’s immune system is not working right. The immune system that
usually protects the body against viruses and bacteria is now attacking
itself. It attacks its own tissue, myelin.
Research has not figured out yet what causes autoimmune diseases like
MS. They suspect genetics, gender or environmental triggers (like
viruses, toxic shock) to be responsible.
What
treatments are available for Multiple Sclerosis?
So
far there has not been found a cure for this terrible disease. The only
hope for patients is a pain relieving medication and drugs that slow
down the course of the disease. Some patients also have to use
chemotherapy.
Due to the numerous side effects of chemically produced medications,
more and more people trust an
alternative treatment for
multiple sclerosis
For more information call toll free 1-800
395 2196
MO-FR 9:00 am- 3:00 pm
ET (Eastern Time)
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