Multiple Sclerosis

Did you know....

"Approx 2.5 million people worldwide, have Multiple Sclerosis" "Around 400,000 people in the United States have Multiple Sclerosis.In the UK, approx 70,000 people have the disease.In Canada, approx. 50,000 people have Multiple Sclerosis"

Who are more Susceptible to the Disease?

- More women have been diagnosed for MS then men. Women are twice as likely to develop MS. - Affects people between the ages 20-40, however it is seen in other ages. - If people in your family have MS, you are at a higher risk of developing this disease. There is an 1/3 chance you might develop MS—genes - If you live in an area of the world where MS is more common. - Smoking—weakening of the immune system. - Possible exposure to viral infections has been linked. -Caucasians are at a higher risk of developing MS, most individuals with an European background. -If you have thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease.

How is MS Diagnosed?

Doctors have not yet discovered a way to properly diagnose MS. However, they do have ways of determining if patients fit the criteria of MS. For this to be possible, doctors must rule out other diseases. This procedure consists of asking the patient precise questions about their medical history. The doctors will order for a neurolgic exam, and imaging scans to be taken place. Also, the doctor would order for spinal fluid to be extracted and analysis. Before a doctor diagnoses you with MS, they must first do the following: -Firstly, detect damage to two or more separate part of the central nervous system; the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. Also, determine that the damage happened one month apart. Secondly, eliminate other possible diseases.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. This causes loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation—causing numbness. The immune system eats away the fatty tissue, called myelin, which covers the nerves in the body. This disease can be classified as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease is when the immune system mistakenly targets normal tissues in the body. People suffering from MS have a build up of a scar tissue called "Sclerosis" that forms around the myelin (fatty tissues), causing the nerves to be destroyed, this is called demyelination. Demyelination causes the messages sent from the brain through the spinal cord to the parts of the body to be disrupted. People who suffer from MS have a slower response then people who don't have the disease. In severe cases of MS, patients have become paralyzed and blind. In milder cases, patients have numbness in limbs.

What are the Risk Factors?

The risk factors of MS include: Age: People between the age of 20-40 are more likely to develop MS. Gender: Women are twice as likely of getting this disease. Family history: If someone in your family suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, your have a 1/3 percent chance of developing MS. However, if one twin develops MS, the other twin has a 30% chance that they will too. Certain Infections: If you are infected with a virus, you are susceptible to MS. Ethnicity: Caucasians are at a higher risk of developing MS. Mostly European descent. African, Asians, and Natives, are at a lower risk. Geographic region: If you live in an area where MS is common, you are at a higher percent of developing MS. Other Autoimmune diseases: If you have type I diabetes, thyroid disease, or inflammatory bowel disease you are likely to develop MS.

What Symptoms to Watch out for?

The symptoms of MS differ from person to person and can also change over time. Some early signs of MS are: -Blurry (hazy) or double vision- damage to the optic nerve -Muscle weakness - Eye pain - A decrease in coordination -Head movements; similar to electric-shock. -Vertigo (Dizziness) - Fatigue As the disease progresses, some people can experience: - Muscle stiffness - Trouble holding urine or stool - Problems with cognition (thought process) -Sexual dysfunction

Are there any Treatment/Cure? If yes, are they effective?

There is no cure for MS, however there are treatment options. The treatment helps by controlling the autoimmune response and managing the symptoms the individual has. Some patients do not need treatment because their symptoms are mild. Two medications that can help patients suffering from MS are: Corticosteroids: Help reduce inflammation Interferon: Help to slow down worsening symptoms. However, may cause liver disease. Rehabilitation is also used to treat patients with MS. Rehab is used to help maintain and even improve the ability of a patient to perform effectively at home or work. The rehab is generally surrounded on general fitness and also problems related to speech, mobility, swallowing, and memory. Treatment of MS is more effective if caught early.

What are some Ways to Reduce the Risk factor?

Two ways that you can lower your risk of developing MS are by avoiding viruses and also your geographic region. To avoid viruses, you must avoid individuals who are sick, to ensure your safety of not catching their illness or disease. Another way you can avoid viruses is my eating healthy meals, mainly breakfast. By eating a healthy breakfast, ensures that you are not susceptible to bacteria and germs. Another way to reduce the risk is your geographic region. It has been shown that people living in regions further from the equator are at a higher risk—this is because they don't have enough sunshine, vitamin E. Using vitamin E supplements in your drinks or meals, increase your vitamin E in your body, which ensures your safety. However these precautions are not 100% guaranteed to prevent MS. Study have shown that MS has genetic links.