Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease which masks itself as other diseases. More women than men are generally diagnosed with MS. MS is chronic and attacks the central nervous system. It is unknown as to what causes MS. Medical experts theorize it may be a virus, environmental, hereditary or a combination of these factors.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) more than 2.1 million people in the world have MS. The NMSS states, ʺapproximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and every hour someone is newly diagnosed.ʺ
If you have MS, there is a communication breakdown between the brain and other parts of the body.
Symptoms of MS, provided by the NMSS website include:
• Depression
• Vision issues
• Numbness
• Balance and coordination issues
• Bladder dysfunction
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Fatigue
• Bowel dysfunction
If you have one or several of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. There is not a test to diagnose MS. Your doctor may conduct several tests to eliminate other possible diseases to see if you have MS.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience said, ʺThe new study offers the first firm evidence to date that, at least in the case of multiple sclerosis, the cells are descendant from normal astrocytes.ʺ The study was conduct by researchers at the University of California, Davis.
According to Futurity magazine, "Astrocytes are collectively called astroglia, are the 'helper cells' of the central nervous system, offering biochemical support and providing nutrients to neurons found in the brain and spinal cord.ʺ
Currently, there is no cure for MS. However, there are medications to slow the progression of the disease.
Additional resources for MS include the following:
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
http://www.msfocus.org
(888) MSFOCUS
(888) 673-6287
or in the Fort Lauderdale area (954) 776-6800
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
http://www.nationalmssociety.org
(212) 986-3240
(800) 344-4867
(800) FIGHTMS
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
http://www.msassociation.org
(856) 488-4500
(800) 532-7667
Well Spouse Association
http://www.wellspouse.org
(800) 838-0879
(732) 577-8899
National Ataxia Foundation (NAF)
http://www.ataxia.org
(763) 553-0020
Myelin Repair Foundation
http://www.myelinrepair.org
(408) 871-2410
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
http://www.naric.com
(301) 459-5900
(301) 459-5984
(TTY) 800-346-2742
(800) 346-2742
Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis
http://www.acceleratedcure.org
(781) 487-0008
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
http://www.aarda.org
(586) 776-3900
(800) 598-4668
Clearinghouse on Disability Information
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers
(202)245-7307
(TTD) 202-205-5637
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
http://www.rarediseases.org
(203) 744-0100
(800) 999-NORD
(800) 999-6673
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
http://www.pva.org
(202) USA-1300
(202) 872-1300
(800) 555-9140
Sources:
Multiple Sclerosis Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Retrieved August 31, 2011, from
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/multiple_sclerosis.htm
Futurity.org – Multiple sclerosis: Origin of abnormal cells found. Futurity.org . Retrieved August 31, 2011, from
http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/multiple-sclerosis-origin-of-abnomal-cells-found
What is Multiple Sclerosis? : National MS Society. Home : National MS Society. Retrieved August 31, 2011, from
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/what-is-ms/index.aspx
Reviewed September 1, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg R.N.
Edited by Jody Smith