What You Should Know About Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis? It is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. Although the often debilitating symptoms of the disease are clear, scientists have yet to nail down a cause. Some researchers believe that MS is triggered by the body's own immune system, while others attribute it to viruses such as Epstein-Barr.

Other scientists believe that its virtual absence from tropical countries points to a deficiency of vitamin D during childhood. With so many theories about multiple sclerosis, it's difficult for patients to know what to believe. In this article, we'll examine the known facts about the disease and MS treatment options.

The disease multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord by attacking the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system. This causes inflammation and often destroys the myelin in patches.

MS has well defined attacks followed by complete or partial recovery. The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis.

Multiple sclerosis can occur at any age, and is three times more likely to occur in women than in men, and is seen most commonly in people of northern European background. There is also some evidence to suggest that MS is triggered by a common virus, and that genetics makes some people more susceptible to the disease.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary greatly from person to person and can include vision disturbances, extreme fatigue, loss of balance, problems with coordination, stiffness of muscles, speech problems, bladder and bowel problems, short-term memory problems, and even partial or complete paralysis.

One thing that's important to remember about multiple sclerosis is that patients will not necessarily experience all the symptoms, and the symptoms improve during periods of remission. The main clinical measure of disability progression and severity of the symptoms is the Expanded Disability Status Scale or EDSS.

The one thing that can be said definitively about multiple sclerosis is that there is not yet a cure. While the disease does induce painful symptoms, it is not fatal. Researchers have developed a number of medications that effectively control some symptoms, so patients can continue to love a normal life. These medications do have reported side effects, but the search for better medications is ongoing.

MS treatment and medications have proven to be effective in controlling the symptoms, and there is hope for a cure. Researchers are trying to develop techniques to repair damaged myelin and nerve fibers. Scientists are also trying to understand why the immune system attacks the body's myelin so that these attacks can be prevented.

Given enough time and funding, hopefully one day there will be a cure for multiple sclerosis. Until that time, continue to live as full a life as you can.

Multiple Sclerosis - Learning to Live a Full and Productive Life

When the doctor diagnosed you with multiple sclerosis it is likely your instant reaction was one of dread and fear. While perceptions of those with this disease are different, there are a number of people who picture those with MS as permanently and totally disabled, and while this may be the case for a few, with what is now known about this disease and the medications that are becoming available this no longer needs to be the case.

How well you will fair with multiple sclerosis will depend on a number of factors, among those is how early the disease was diagnosed, how much damage has been done to your central nervous system, and how healthy you are currently. Of course much of your prognosis lies in your own hands or you would not be on the Internet reading everything you can find out MS either. A positive attitude and a willingness to meet this disease head on will take you a long ways in your recovery.

It is important to gather up as much knowledge as you can about multiple sclerosis, read recommend books from others who have already been where you are now. Many of these people, through their life experiences and writing, have found a way to live with their disease with grace and have learned to maintain a positive forward attitude that carries them through their life.

It is particularly important to read up as much as you can about nutrition, which plays an important part in multiple sclerosis care, for many it is perhaps the biggest key to reducing symptoms and relapses. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and other sources of Omega fatty acids can reduce the inflammation and suppress the immune response.  Limiting processed foods such as white flour and sugar, as well as saturated fats will cut down and the proinflammatory foods you consume further reducing inflammation.

Along with diet, the other important things you can do for your multiple sclerosis include avoiding stress which has been proven to have a negative impact on your MS, and getting some form of daily exercise to keep the muscles working.

Many people are living long healthy lives with MS these days so it is time to throw away old attitudes and adopt new ones, of living life to its fullest every day.

What Impact Does An Alkaline Diet Have On Multiple Sclerosis?

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis include changes in sensation, vision loss, and weakness. Your diet, including water affects your health. This article looks at what impact an alkaline diet can have on the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

How do you know if you are acidic? You can test your urine or saliva or do an Acidity Self Test. Your diet may be causing your body to become very acidic. Our imbalanced modern diet fosters acidity. Pathogens such as harmful bacteria and viruses thrive in an acidic internal environment which can increase your symptoms and level of dis-ease. Switching to an alkaline diet can increase your energy levels and improve your overall health. This can enable you to better manage your symptoms. Here are 3 ways to improve your management of multiple sclerosis symptoms.

First, start drinking ionised, alkaline water. This is a simple yet powerful way to nourish your body back into balance. This is achieved by using quality water filters. This provides your body with what it needs without toxins. There are different types of filters available ranging from simple bench top filters to under the sink premium filters. Things to look for are filters made to your countries standards, ease of installation, lifespan of filter, and heavy double filters.

Second, switch to an alkaline diet. Nutrition is an important factor in health. The pH Miracle book by Dr Robert O. Young recommends a balanced pH 80/20 alkaline/acid diet with many raw, green vegetables. There are many other valuable resources available on how to make your body more alkaline. One of the best is a 80/20 Alkaline/ Acid Food Chart. This is an excellent guide to keep in the kitchen. You don't have to spend time and money reading hundreds of books or searching the web for information. You can immediately start to heal your body by becoming more alkaline.

Third, stop putting toxins into your body through household and personal care products. Switch to household and personal care products that contain only natural products. For example to clean your floors at home switch from using bleach to white vinegar. For personal care products, switch from deodorants containing aluminium to an aluminium free tea-tree deodorant.

The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are unpleasant at the least, unbearable at worst. The pH of the food and water you intake affects your health. Implementing an alkaline diet including alkaline water can improve your overall health and make the symptoms of multiple sclerosis manageable.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition but is intended to help individuals make informed decisions about natural health. This information does not substitute for treatment or advice that may have been prescribed by a physician. If you have a medical condition, you are advised to seek assistance from a trained medical professional. Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Multiple Sclerosis Alternative Treatments - Part 1

1st Multiple Sclerosis Alternative Treatment - Massage: One of the areas that MS researchers and those with MS have noted to be of utmost concern is the added stress that a diagnosis adds to their lives. It is generally accepted that stress can contribute to flare ups of MS triggered episodes. A key to alleviating stress and possibly decreasing incidents is to have a regular massage. Massages also tend to increase self esteem and decrease depression.

2nd Multiple Sclerosis Alternative Treatment - Naturopathy: The key to naturopathy is the belief in the bodies own ability to heal itself. In some cases, people diagnosed with MS fore go all drug and surgery options altogether, although in most cases these are simply used minimally. Naturopathy is not any one step, but rather an attention to a diverse number of areas in order to facilitate the bodies healing. It focuses on wholeness, which means paying attention to physical, mental, and often spiritual aspects of ones life. Specific ingredients in such a treatment plan may include yoga, meditation, magnetic resonance imaging. The focus is not so much on MS as it is correcting the imbalance in the body which leads to the exacerbation of MS symptoms.

3rd Multiple Sclerosis Alternative Treatment - Acupuncture: Again, this treatment specifically targets the symptoms by which MS may express itself in the body. Insertion of needles into certain points is said to strengthen muscles, decreasing pain, bringing about emotional stability, and helping with coordination problems. It cannot be overstated that not all acupuncturists are equally skilled; going to a less reliable practitioner may result in serious side effects.

Interesting Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. Considering the fact that the disease involves dysfunctions at the level of the nervous system, multiple sclerosis can generate a wide spectrum of symptoms. In the absence of an appropriate medical treatment, multiple sclerosis can aggravate over the years, causing irreversible damage to the entire organism. Multiple sclerosis is mainly manifested through states of pronounced fatigue, body weakness, poorly coordinated movement of the body, poor balance and muscle pain, numbness, weakness or spasms. In later stages of the disease, multiple sclerosis can generate decreased vision, inaccurate and slow perceptions of external stimuli, mental confusion, poor concentration and even short-term memory loss. Another common feature to people who suffer from multiple sclerosis is depression. Statistics indicate that more than 75 percent of people affected by multiple sclerosis also suffer from depression.

As indicated by statistics, there are around 2 million people affected by multiple sclerosis worldwide, and their numbers are continuously rising. In the United States alone, there are around 350.000 reported cases of multiple sclerosis. For some reason, this form of neurological disease mostly affects young people. Multiple sclerosis has the highest prevalence in people with ages between 20 and 40, and the disease is rarely developed by people at more advanced stages of life. Another interesting aspect of multiple sclerosis is that it tends to affect mostly women. Although multiple sclerosis can also be developed by men, the disease is very common in women.

Multiple sclerosis involves an inflammatory process at the level of the nervous system, causing a destruction of myelin, a very important substance that surrounds the nervous cells of the body (neurons). Myelin has a vital role in the transmission of nervous impulses between neurons, establishing connections between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. When myelin is damaged, the transmission of electrical impulses between nervous cells is perturbed, considerably slowing down the body's response to external stimuli. Destruction of myelin can lead to serious dysfunctions of the nervous system, causing various abnormal neuropsychological manifestations.

Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed upon various criteria. External manifestations of the disease are not sufficient in diagnosing patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, the process of diagnosing multiple sclerosis often involves analysis of the nervous cells' integrity (especially the integrity of the myelin), blood tests and a careful examination of patients' neurological manifestations.

Once patients are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, they are prescribed an appropriate medical treatment. Through the means of medical treatments, specific therapies and lifestyle changes, people who suffer from multiple sclerosis can gradually experience an amelioration of their symptoms. Appropriate diet, healthy sleep patterns and minimal stress conditions greatly contribute to an improvement of the overall condition of people with multiple sclerosis. If multiple sclerosis is timely discovered, the medications and therapies available today can overcome the damage caused at the level of the nervous system and patients with the disease can be successfully recovered from the disease.

Typical Tests For Multiple Sclerosis

All the main symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can potentially be explained away separately, so doctors should not diagnose MS unless they are convinced about their diagnosis. This means that the symptoms need to be assessed in a structures way.

This article explains the main tests used for MS.

A. Nervous system function tests.

These are usually the first tests the doctor carries out, and are basically an organized test of your reactions and reflexes, usually including:

• tapping a knee with a rubber hammer to check reflexes. This is a quick and cheap way for a doctor to get an idea how fast the nerves are responding, and is a frequent starting point to many examinations of the nervous system.


• watching how the patient's eyes follow the doctor's forefinger from side to side.


• asking the patient to walk "toe to heel".


• asking the patient to touch the nose (or the forefinger of one hand against the forefinger of the other hand) with the eyes shut.


• asking the patient to ripple the fingers on the table as if miming playing the piano.


• checking how sensitive the backs of the hands or soles of the feet are to light touch.

B. The MRI Scan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows the hospital to create a computer image of the inside of the brain of a living person in a way that was totally impossible before the 1980s. If you have been recently diagnosed you will probably know the MRI scan is now the key tool in the diagnosis of MS.

How does a MRI Scanner work?

• MRI scanners use a strong magnetic field combined with radio waves to map water molecules.


• When a patient is placed in a strong magnetic field, the nuclei of the hydrogen atoms in water line up with the magnetic field.


• Computers track that process and create virtual slices of the inside of your head! This sounds worrying, but is quite painless, and only involves lying down and being slid into a large tube for a few minutes, while machinery clunks around about your head.


• If you have MS the computer will produce images showing scars (or "lesions"). These MS lesions have been left after the brain has repaired damaged nerve tissues. Your doctor should be able to show you MRI images showing the lesions dotted about like islands in the sea of your brain.

C. Evoked Potential Tests.

These tests involve electrodes being strapped to the head and show the time the nerves take to respond to touch, sight and sound. They are now only used as back-up to a diagnosis where a MRI Scanner is not available or its use is impossible (maybe where high magnetic fields would be dangerous to the patient), or the MRI Scan was somehow inconclusive.

D. Spinal Tap (or lumbar puncture).

As a back-up diagnosis, a small amount of fluid from the spine might be tested. MRI scans now shows lesions in the brains in 95% of cases where MS is diagnosed, but if the images are not conclusive or a high magnetic field could be dangerous to the patient than a spinal tap is needed. The tests are not dangerous but the loss of spinal fluid can leave the patient feeling very unwell for several hours.

Tests C and D, are now only used as back up tests, but each has its value in excluding other (non-MS) reasons for a patient's symptoms. After these tests have been completed and the diagnosis of MS has been made a patient needs to remain aware of what the body is reporting and ready to answer the questions it will be raising.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment - Three Important Points

Why am I interested in multiple sclerosis treatment?

It can affect anyone and ignorance is no defense. In addition people with MS need to find support from others who are informed about the disease.

If you or your loved one is suffering from this disease it can be traumatic. In most cases people only see the surface.

So what are the important things to know about multiple sclerosis.

It is an auto immune disease just like AIDS( the body attacks its own cells and tissues instead of the invading bacteria and viruses) and thus no direct multiple sclerosis treatment available. However with a good support system a patient can have a very productive life.

The attack occurs on the nervous system thus affecting, the eyes, brain, balance and coordination.

It is hard for individuals and doctors to get an early diagnosis of this disease. Why? The initial symptoms are very mild and similar to other diseases. It is always easy for people not to get the early support needed before the disease progresses to advance stages.

Thirdly the symptoms of  multiple sclerosis differ from one person to another. It can be confusing for patients since someone may have worse symptoms than the other. The common early symptoms include, tingling, loss of balance and weakness in limbs and advanced symptoms are; complete or partial paralysis, blindness and epilepsy.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that has no cure but with a good support system form doctors and those around the patient one can be able to live a long and productive life. Check out me resource box for more information on how one can be helped.

Talking to Your Children About Your Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, my children were 14, 11, and 8. Along with the difficulties of dealing with being diagnosed with a disease like MS, came the difficulties of deciding how to tell the kids. I am not sure which is harder getting the diagnosis or answering the questions your kids will ask. For some people, Multiple Sclerosis is diagnosed very quickly due to a rapid onset. For most people getting the diagnosis comes after months or even years of symptoms and testing. Kids are smarter then we give them credit for. They know when Mom or Dad are sick, hurting, upset, and even scared. I think there is controversy about what you should share with your kids. Some might feel that there kids would not  understand, or that they might get too upset, or even treat their Mom or Dad differently if they knew the truth.

I was initially diagnosed in August of 2006 but actually confirmed diagnosis in March of 2007. There was a long period of time before getting the final diagnosis. I was bedridden and my cognitive skills were rapidly declining. I too felt that my kids were too young to understand. One day my middle child ( my son) came into my room and laid next to me and as he laid there he kept looking at me. I knew he had something he wanted to ask or tell me but did not know how to say it. Then the words came out. "Mom are you going to die"? I started to tear up.  Here I thought I was protecting them and instead my children were fearing the worst. I decided right then and there that it was time for me to do some talking and explaining to them about what was going on with me along with what Multiple Sclerosis is and what it does. The biggest problem I found is that I did not know how to explain something that I did not even understand. Along with that I knew I was dealing with three children at three different ages.  I took the time to talk to each one individually at each age level.

This is very hard to do because at that time I, myself did not understand what was going on with me nor did I understand Multiple Sclerosis either.  I am a firm believer that if your child is capable of asking a question then they are capable of getting an answer. I do not believe that going overboard and telling an 8 year old all the same information that I would tell a 14 year old is necessary. I could tell them about the pains I felt and I could explain that the doctors were working very hard to help me get better and then the doctors would be able to help treat it. I could explain that I would have some changes in the way I do things and that there might be things that I could not do the same way I used to. But I could not explain what Multiple Sclerosis does and why it causes me the symptoms that it does cause.  During that time I had 14 different symptoms that had all appeared at the same time. One of the symptoms was that I would pass out if I was overly stressed or even the change in the air temperature. One day my middle child and I were having an argument and I passed out. I was in the process of coming to. My eyes were still not able to open but I could hear what was going on around me. I could hear my son crying and very upset that he was causing this to happen. It did not matter what we said to him, to make him understand. In his eyes he caused this attack. This is something that will always be in his head and he will never forget.

My point is that if you are not talking and explaining to your kids what is going on. Kids will come to their own conclusions and find that they are blaming themselves for what is going on with you. It is important for you, a spouse, or a family member to take the time to explain to the children about Multiple Sclerosis and to keep the lines of communication open with them.

Multiple Sclerosis Prognosis - Understanding the Disease and Making a Difference in Your Future

Once a person has been diagnosed with MS the next question most people ask is "What is my prognosis with multiple sclerosis?" If they have heard about the disease, many have heard only the worst case scenario and expect to only have a few years at best to live. Due the nature of this particular disease the prognosis for the majority of patients is that they will live for many years, in many cases their lifespan is at worst only likely to be shortened by a few years.

Defining the Prognosis of Multiple Sclerosis

The very nature of this disease and the fact that it does not seem to affect any two people in the same way can make predicting prognosis for multiple sclerosis very difficult. However there are certain factors that can help doctors determine a short term prognosis that can be adjusted depending on how rapidly the disease progresses. To start with less than 55 of all people diagnosed with MS are known to have the most severe form of progressive MS.

Of all people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis some 10-20% are found to have the benign variety which progresses so slowly that any progression may not even be detectable. A recent study shows that at least 7 out of every 10 patients who are diagnosed with MS will still be alive 25 years after they are diagnosed. This is close to the 9 out of 10 people of the same age who do not have this disease.

Factors that can affect a Multiple Sclerosis Prognosis

There are many factors that can affect the prognosis of multiple sclerosis. Whether you are a male or a female makes a difference as the disease has been shown to shorten the lives of men by an average of 11 years and women by only 6 years. In most cases when you are diagnosed with the benign type of MS your chances of becoming disabled are relatively small. Those who do experience some level of disability in the first five years are likely to see a 75% increase in the disability by the time 10-15 years has passed.

There are actions you can take to improve your multiple sclerosis prognosis beyond the drug therapies that your doctor is likely to put you on. While the disease is likely to make you become easily fatigued, regimen of exercise has been found to help slow down the progression and reduce the impact of any exacerbations you might experience. Even if your symptoms include partial paralysis you can still continue to exercise.

Eating a well balanced diet will have a major impact your prognosis. Eliminating overtly processed foods and red meats can help reduce the amount of inflammation in your body. Stick to leafy green vegetables and fruit as well as lean meats and foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids has been proven to have a major impact on relapses and how long you can expect to live comfortably.

Multiple Sclerosis Disease - Why MS Patients Are Living Longer Than the Average Healthy Person

When we hear Multiple Sclerosis disease we often think long term and progressive disability. It can be a dooming and powerless feeling to think you have been cursed some how with a random disease and have no idea of the cause let along any idea of how to prevent or cure it.

Somewhere along the way people have become lazy, less of an advocate, and victims in their own health care. It's understandable to feel despair on a subject matter like this. However, when you can understand and respect the biological system of the human body you better understand that your system has certain requirements for optimum function and performance.

In order to overcome MS, you will have to retake control of your health. There are people who were diagnosed with MS who are living healthier than the so-called average healthy person.

How is that possible?

They assessed their lifestyles, found out what wasn't working and changed it. Many people who have overcome MS note that they changed their diets, tried different herbs, got more sun, kept active, eliminated heavy metals, balanced their body's pH,, lowered stress levels, remained optimistic, and sought alternative practitioners who were knowledgeable on the subject.

Herbs

There may not be herbs specifically for MS but there are herbs for the damage MS causes. Herbs for the nerves and brain are ideal. Dherbs.com has a great selection of trustworthy herbal combinations. They even use vegetable capsules instead of gel capsules which are better absorbable for the body system. That way everything swallowed is used for the body's benefit. They have herbs like lady's slipper, yerba mate, valerian root, and gotu kola. Just look for their products called Brain Tuner, Mucus Buster, and Nerves Formula.

Diet

You have heard it a million times but there is no way around it. A good diet is your best defense against any illness. You wouldn't expect hair grease and vinegar to make a car that requires gasoline to function properly. So why would your body be expected to function properly off of things it was not designed to operate off of. The body requires nutrition and tender loving care. When the body has been subjected to inadequate food for a long period of time a malfunction occurs such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and in the case of this article MS.

Sun Bath

That's right. Getting adequate sunshine without sunscreen is important. Let me be clear....don't go out and get sun burned. Just allow your body and even your eyes to bask in sunshine from time to time. It is the best source of vitamin D. We spend a lot of time indoors and when outdoors we are "protected" by sunscreen. The human body really misses its connection with nature's light.

Stay Active

It is tempting to stop moving when issues such as muscle stiffening, fatigue, and staggering set in, but move anyway. Yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi are REALLY good. Qi Gong is the best in my opinion because it really helps the eyes, balance, and blood circulation.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metal problems are found more so in developed nations. Developed nations also have the highest MS cases in addition to other diseases. Stay away from them. They are found in your water, household products, hygiene products and food. Be more aware about what you are purchasing and consuming.

Balance pH

A normal body pH is about 7.3 and most adults are under that meaning they are more acidic than alkaline. In order to perform in optimum capacity you should be balanced. Acidity is caused through consumption of sodas, sugars, salt, starches, dairy and meat. Consuming alkaline water will raise it. Also, the obvious fruits and vegetables especially the green ones will also help balance it.

Better Oxygen

The brain requires adequate oxygen and most people are not receiving that. People usually are not getting enough oxygen because they are not breathing properly. In addition, they are not getting good air quality due to pollution and air poisons. Since MS is a neurological illness, anything that will aid the brain and nervous system is what you want. Practice deep breathing. Slow and deep breathing is good. Investing in an air purifier and household plants would be a good idea. House hold plants are natural air purifiers so coupled with an air purifier would be a wise choice.

Lower Stress

People have gotten themselves in a trap. They are always running, hustling and striving for power, money or status. It is a vicious cycle to be in because the body is not invincible. It was not designed to be under unreasonable stress. Many people get either anxious or angry on a daily basis. That has got to be eliminated if there is going to be any hope of recovery. Realize you can make a difference but you should pick your battles wisely. Find peace of mind.

Remain Optimistic

You have to believe that you can overcome it. The vast majority of society believes it is a doomed situation, so don't expect much optimism there. This is one of those cases where you are going to have to really see the glass "half full". Strap up those boots, stir up that will power and see yourself back in good health. Don't expect it overnight. This is not a race for the swift. You have to have stamina.

Alternative Health Practitioner

A good alternative health practitioner is priceless. They are knowledgeable and caring. When you find one who has ancient and precious knowledge, you feel like you have stricken gold. They are somewhat rare depending on where you live. A few have websites but many are the one's you hear about through word of mouth. Use one if you feel you can not do this on your own. They will provide assistance where needed.

My mother and aunt were diagnosed with MS. My aunt ended up in a wheel chair and has since died. My mother took a different route. She fights everyday for her right to good health. She stays active even when she had to drag her right leg along She changed her diet and does not let up or give in. She is serious about her quality of health and does what she has to do in order to have it.

I volunteered once to help a MS patient in a rehabilitation center. She was very young, still in her thirties but looked older. She had to have weights on her wrists to keep her from trembling so badly. She used a wheel chair but required most things to be done for her. She really touched my heart because she was once a model and had pictures of herself everywhere. She told me something that stands out in my head everyday. Whenever I begin to get worked up over something, or when I begin to eat something I know I shouldn't and when I begin to pass up an opportunity to pamper myself and relax, I can hear her say "Be Kind to Yourself". She had a shaky memory, as some severe case MS patients do, so when she said that, I held on to it.

Diagnosing MS - Getting the Answers You Need

Because of the difficulties associated with diagnosing MS many people will live with the disease for many years before they are diagnosed. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. By its very nature this disease does not manifest itself in the same ways in any two patients. There are over 50 known symptoms that can be indicative of MS, however many of these symptoms can also indicate a wide range of other diseases.

Diagnosing MS by the Symptoms

While preliminary diagnosing of MS can be done based on the number and types of symptoms, it is not considered to be conclusive. One of the reasons for this is that so many of these symptoms come and go seemingly at their own volition. You might make an appointment to see your doctor because you are experiencing a symptom and by the time you get to see your doctor the symptoms has gone away.

Most doctors have a checklist of the symptoms that they can go by to make diagnosing MS a little easier. It contains all of the most common symptoms along with many of the lesser known ones. From this chart and the information you are able to provide him, your doctor will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis so that he can arrange for further testing to pinpoint the diagnosis and be sure that the problem is MS and not one of the many other diseases with similar symptoms.

Going Beyond the Basics when Diagnosing MS

Once your doctor has made a tentative diagnosis, he is going to set you up with a specialist who can perform the necessary tests for diagnosing MS properly. Currently there are no simple blood tests that can be used to diagnose multiple sclerosis; all of the tests are more involved and require the services of a trained specialist.

One of the most common ways of diagnosing MS is with magnetic resonance imaging or an MRI. While this is a non invasive test it will take time and is usually done in your local hospital. The MRI is used to detect and locate any of the lesions that are associated with multiple sclerosis. According to test results an MRI is approximately 95% in diagnosing MS. In 5% of patients there are no signs of lesions that are normally a result of MS giving what is known as a false negative test or may show age related damage that shows up as lesions and gives a false positive.

Your specialist may also recommend a spinal tap or cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) test as a way of conclusively diagnosing MS. The more tests that can be performed the better your chances are of getting an accurate diagnosis so that you can begin the right treatments and therapies to help you cope with the disease.

Newly Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis - Now What?

The emotions that hit you can range from relief to total disbelief. I remember waiting 6 months of going through all of the testing and waiting. I was almost bedridden throughout the entire time. I begged almost daily to please give me the answer so that I could get the treatments so I could start getting better. It is so hard waiting for an answer when you are so sick and in so much pain.

Then the day comes and you hear the words from the Doctor that you do have Multiple Sclerosis. At first I was relieved and oddly enough happy to finally have an answer. I actually shook the Doctors hand and thanked him when we left the Hospital. That is where the Specialist was that had to go through all of my testings and symptoms and results. Wow, I actually thanked him for telling me I had Multiple Sclerosis. We walked to the car and pulled out of the parking lot and started the journey home. About five minutes into the ride home my smile started to disappear as I thought back to what was just told to me, and how this disease will affect my life.

All of a sudden the thoughts started circulating through my head. Disease? I have a Disease? How can this be? How do I get rid of this disease? I don't have time for a disease. This means that the Doctors can't just fix me. Why Me? They have to be wrong! I don't want to have a disease. The Doctors have to be wrong. I have kids to raise. How can I be the Mom that I want to be if I have MS?

Obviously, within about twenty minutes into the drive I was very quiet and staring out the window. Not noticing anything going on around me. Thank goodness my Husband was the one driving. All of a sudden I felt the tears rolling down my face. I never did talk the whole way home I just cried. When we arrived at the house I went straight to my bedroom and pretty much locked myself in for about 3 days. Eventually I would come down and stay downstairs but I would start crying again and back to my room I went.

Eventually, I found that coming out of my room at night while everyone was sleeping was easier. I slowly started getting on the computer looking for any information I could find. I found a lot of negative information along with some very bad advice. In time I started finding good information. Hopeful information. That hopeful information started me to look at MS differently. I started to see that I could still have a life. Maybe a different lifestyle or changes in the way I normally did things but that I could still have a life.

There is a time period I went through that I refer to as the "Grieving" process. The grieving process can be short or can take a while to go through. I came to the realization that the "Old Me" is gone and now it is time to find the "New me". Figure out what the new me is capable of. It has been 3 years now and I am still trying to find the new me. It changes frequently due to the fact that Multiple Sclerosis is constantly changing what I am capable of doing. Sometimes for a day and sometimes forever. I have met a lot of people over the Internet with Multiple Sclerosis in the last 3 years. I have found that sadly there are people (fellow MS'ers) that have it a lot worse then me and some that don't.

Multiple Sclerosis affects everyone differently. yes we all have the same disease but they progression is different in everyone. Yes, we all have a lot of the same symptoms but at different degrees of severity. The one thing that I have found is that no matter the degree or level of severity of the disease. The very large family of MS'ers we have joined. Most of them are very helpful. I found it to be very helpful and easier to accept having MS from listening to them and talking to them. It does not take long before newer diagnosed MS'ers will be coming to you for advice or help. The first time someone asks you a question or comes to you and you help them it brings some happiness to you. I have gained so much strength by helping other fellow MS'ers. It has helped me to accept having this disease.

Every time I get down, sad, angry, or even to the point of wanting to just throw the towel in and give up. I think about everyone else fighting this disease and I don't feel so alone.

General Information on Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis information - Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that involves an inflammatory process at the level of the central nervous system. The disease causes dysfunctions of the body's nervous cells (neurons), due to destruction of myelin, a substance that surrounds the neurons. Myelin is vital for the proper activity of the nervous system, as it facilitates the transmission of information between neurons. When the nervous cells' myelin-containing membrane is damaged, the innervated tissues of the entire body can be seriously affected. Due to destruction of myelin, multiple sclerosis can cause dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal, sensorial and cognitive systems. Sometimes, the disease can also affect the activity of the internal organs (kidneys, gastrointestinal tract). People who suffer from multiple sclerosis can in time develop neuropsychological conditions, such as depression, mania or dementia.

Information on multiple sclerosis incidence - Research results reveal that multiple sclerosis affects around 2 million people worldwide. Statistics also indicate that there are more than 350.000 cases of multiple sclerosis in the United States. An interesting aspect of the disease is that it tends to affect young people. Although multiple sclerosis can also be developed by the elderly, the disease has the highest incidence in people with ages between 20 and 40. Another interesting feature of multiple sclerosis is that it predominantly affects women, rarely occurring in the opposite sex.

Information on multiple sclerosis causes and factors of risk - The actual causes of multiple sclerosis aren't clear. Medical scientists believe that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis. It is believed that multiple sclerosis occurs on the background of genetic predispositions, triggered by environmental factors. Although this fact hasn't been confirmed, viral infections are also considered to facilitate the development of this type of neurological disease. Multiple sclerosis has a hereditary character and the genetic predispositions to this type of disease can be transmitted from one generation to another. Certain environmental factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, warm climate, are also considered to increase the risks of developing multiple sclerosis.

Information on multiple sclerosis symptomatic spectrum - Multiple sclerosis can affect virtually any level of the body, generating a wide range of symptoms. The most common physical signs of multiple sclerosis are: muscle pain, inflammation, numbness, weakness; poor body mobility; pronounced fatigue; loss of dexterity; poor balance; poorly coordinated moves; decreased vision. Common neuropsychological signs of multiple sclerosis are: lack of concentration; poor mental performance; short-term memory loss; compromised judgment. In extreme cases, multiple sclerosis can even lead to depression, mania and dementia.

Information on multiple sclerosis diagnosis - Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed upon elaborate physical and neuropsychological examinations, as well as specific medical procedures and laboratory tests. Common means of diagnosing multiple sclerosis are MRI scans and lumbar puncture, procedures which can reveal possible damage of myelin.

Information on multiple sclerosis treatment options - Multiple sclerosis medical treatments are usually individualized according to the patients' experienced symptoms. Multiple sclerosis treatments commonly involve the use of beta interferon, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. These medications can alleviate most physical symptoms generated by multiple sclerosis, also preventing their recurrence. When the disease affects the cognitive functions of the body, commonly prescribed medications are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Central Nervous System Stimulants.

Information on multiple sclerosis therapy - Medication-free therapy for multiple sclerosis involves the physical recuperation of patients. As most symptoms of multiple sclerosis are perceived at the level of the musculoskeletal system, therapy through exercise is very effective in alleviating muscle pain, weakness and numbness.

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms In Children Are Too Easy to Miss

It is estimated that as much as 5-10% of MS patients started having symptoms as children however their disease was never diagnosed until they were much older. This is in part because multiple sclerosis symptoms in children often masquerade as other diseases and problems, and also in part because traditionally this is considered an adult disorder that rarely affects children. Diagnosing this disease is not always easy even in adults, so it has long been considered a diagnosis of last resort for children.

It is now estimated that 8,000 - 10,000 children in the US alone may have MS and that another 10,000 - 15,000 children have the symptoms of the disease but simply have not been diagnosed. Multiple sclerosis symptoms in children are much the same as they are in adults, however since they often mirror learning and motor problems these may be the first diagnosis that is considered. Other symptoms sometimes occur with children that are not seen in adults and may aid in diagnosis, such as seizures and changes in their mental state such as depression or lethargy.

The biggest reason that MS can be so difficult to diagnose is that the progression of the disease is often much milder, and often goes into remission with children. What can be seen from the parent's point of view as something being wrong may often be written up by the doctor as growing pains or a child that is slow to catch up with his peers. Often a parent may be told to take their child home and wait for their child to catch up. When the child goes into remission the parent will assume that the doctor was right, and forget all about it till the next phase of the disease begins.

Often pediatricians do not even think to check for multiple sclerosis symptoms in children since it has never been considered a childhood disease. Sometimes a child will have symptoms that are severe enough to alert a doctor to the possibility of MS, more often however the symptoms will be mild enough that the disease is not caught until well into adulthood.

Unfortunately, treatment can slow the progression of the disease and offer children that have MS an opportunity to live much more of their life free of the symptoms, so it is always beneficial for children to get an early diagnosis whenever possible. Disease modifying therapies with drugs are being shown to be well tolerated by children and effective, an accurate diagnosis can ensure that they are able to keep their MS in remission for as long as possible.

MS and Alcohol Consumption - Can I Still Have a Drink Or Two?

One of the many questions that adults who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis often ask is if they can still continue to enjoy alcoholic beverages or if they are going to be off limits. If you were to ask many patients about MS and alcohol consumption you are likely to get a wide variety of opinions. While the opinions may vary somewhat they seem to all contain a very similar thread in that the amount of alcohol that must be consumed before the person begins to feel the effects is significantly lower than they may have been able to consume before contracting MS.

The National MS Society Says

If you were to look to the MS society and ask them for their opinion regarding MS and alcohol they will tell you that while individual results may differ from patient to patient the overall experience with most patients is negative. Some patients report that their symptoms of lack of coordination and balance became significantly worse after as little as a single drink.

Research has also shown that patients on certain MS medication such as Diazepam, Baclofen and a variety of anti depressants notice an additive effect where the combination of these medications for MS and alcohol exacerbate many of the symptoms. Before you consider consuming any alcoholic beverage you should talk to your doctor so that you are more aware of the possibility of certain side effects.

Alcohol Abuse and the MS Patient

One of the biggest problems with MS and alcohol consumption seems to be the exceptionally high incidence of multiple sclerosis patients who end up with an alcohol abuse problem. Studies done in the last 10 years seem to show that younger adults are at a very high risk for alcohol abuse when compared to other MS patients. The research showed that the risks were especially high among those who were depressed whether or not they had a family history of alcohol abuse.

According to an article published by Carrie Lyn Sammarco in a 2007 issue of Neuroscience Nursing, alcohol abuse seems to be a way that some patients attempt to deal with the emotional impact of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and having to learn how to live with it. Again this is where talking to your doctor or specialist can help you to decide if having an occasional drink is going to be something that you can handle.

In the end it is a personal decision that only you can make, you have to decide for yourself if you can handle your MS and alcohol consumption or if you need to avoid it. If you feel that an occasional drink or two does not seem to have any major side effects then you are probably ok, the alcohol itself will not exacerbate the MS itself although it can make the symptoms worse. On the other hand if you are drinking to help cope with the fact that you have multiple sclerosis, you may want to seek professional help to find alternative ways to come to terms with your disease.

Classification of Multiple Sclerosis Types

Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease of the central nervous system that also involves the peripheral nerves of the brain and spinal cord. At present, the specific causes of multiple sclerosis are unknown, and thus the disease can't be efficiently prevented or cured. However, the good news is that multiple sclerosis is not a life-threatening disease and that the existing treatments can successfully keep its generated symptoms under control. With the aid of an appropriate course of treatment, the progression of the disease can be slowed down and patients with multiple sclerosis can live active, normal lives.

Multiple sclerosis is known to occur on the premises of myelin destruction. Myelin is a fatty substance that covers nerve cells, accomplishing a series of vital roles at the level of the nervous system: apart from protecting nerve cells and tissues from damage, myelin also facilitates the transmission of nervous impulses throughout the body. When demyelination occurs, (the process of myelin destruction, which also results in hardening of the nervous tissues) the entire nervous system becomes impaired, generating a wide variety of specific symptoms. The intensity of the symptoms produced by multiple sclerosis and the progression of the disease are strongly influenced by the proportions of the demyelination process and the location of the hardened lesions.

According to the intensity and frequency of its generated symptoms, as well as its rate of progression, multiple sclerosis can be categorized in two distinctive groups: the relapsing-remitting type and the chronic-progressive type. The chronic-progressive variety of multiple sclerosis can be further categorized as primary-progressive, secondary-progressive and progressive-relapsing.

The relapsing-remitting type of multiple sclerosis is the most common form of the disease and it predominantly affects young and middle-aged persons. The major characteristic of the relapsing-remitting type of multiple sclerosis is that its generated symptoms are mild and tend to occur in flares. After short periods of symptomatic flare-up, the disease goes into remission, producing no perceivable symptoms for periods of a few weeks or even months. The periods of remission usually occur naturally, although immunosuppressive drugs can also influence the occurrence and the duration of remission periods. However, the periods of remission are usually followed by short periods of relapse, characterized by intensification of the overall symptoms.

The chronic-progressive type of multiple sclerosis refers to cases that are slow-progressing and don't involve spontaneous periods of remission. Chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis predominantly affects persons with ages over 45. Around 20 percent of all multiple sclerosis cases are of chronic-progressive type. Primary-progressive multiple sclerosis has a predictable pattern of progression, gradually evolving without periods of remission. This subtype affects around 10 percent of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The secondary-progressive subtype affects about 50 percent of patients diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis. Unlike the previously described subtype, secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis occasionally involves flare-ups and periods of remission. The progressive-relapsing subtype is a very rare form of chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis. This subtype is gradually progressive and is characterized by short periods of symptomatic flare-up.

Multiple Sclerosis - What are the Effects

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system disorder characterized by damage to the messages transmitted to and from the brain. These messages generally control the way the body works. Thus, any damage can cause problems with vision, memory, balance and movement. It may also affect the ability to feel sensation, pain and vibration.

The human body is serviced by an extensive system of nerves that control the way the body functions. These nerves are protected by a fatty substance called myelin which insulates them from damage. If a person suffers from multiple sclerosis, the myelin is damaged thus blocking the impulses from the brain.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis

The early symptoms include loss of vision, loss of balance, weakness, and numbness. These symptoms are not universal to all sufferers. In fact, some people suffer little more than intense fatigue while others may be so affected they may become paralyzed.

The term 'sclerosis' means scarring and anyone looking at the brain or the tissue of the spinal cord sees what looks like intense scarring.

The damage in multiple sclerosis is thought to be caused by an unusual reaction to infections. The immune system produces white blood cells that destroy dangerous bacteria or viruses. However, in cases of multiple sclerosis, the white cells attack healthy tissue like myelin and nerve cells. This is called an auto immune response.

What are the types of multiple sclerosis?

There are four main kinds of multiple sclerosis, with symptoms varying in severity. These are:

Benign

Relapsing/remitting (RRMS)

Secondary progressive (SPMS)

Primary progressive

People with benign multiple sclerosis may have the occasional attack while feeling perfectly healthy at other times. They suffer only a mild disability or no disability at all though medical examination shows evidence of multiple sclerosis damage to the brain. The lack of disability is because the damage may be in places in the brain that do not cause obvious disability or the damage is minimal.

More than fifty percent of sufferers start with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis in which they may suffer relapses two or three times a year with partial or complete recovery at other times. However, due to the gradual death of nerve cells and the myelin, the symptoms may get worse and more frequent. This takes them into the stage of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).

In secondary progressive multiple sclerosis or SPMS, the disability increases as there is a progressive loss of nerve cells. During this stage, the sufferer no longer has relapses and remissions and the disability becomes progressively worse.

There are some people who become more and more disabled without ever having relapses and remissions. This type of multiple sclerosis is called primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

How is it diagnosed?

Our bodies fight infection by producing white blood cells, a natural disease fighter. However, in people with multiple sclerosis, the protective covering of the nerve fibres (myelin) is also attacked by these white blood cells. One of the tests done to diagnose multiple sclerosis is a lumbar puncture. In this test, cerebrospinal fluid is extracted from the spine through a hollow needle and is examined for signs of this disease.

The hidden signs of multiple sclerosis can also be detected using an MRI (magnetic resonance image). This uses a combination of radio waves and magnetic fields that provide a detailed view of the brain and spinal cord. By using this, the lesions in the myelin can be detected.

Treatment and outlook

At this time, multiple sclerosis is incurable, although thre is research taking place globally in an effort to find a treatment that will slow down the progression of this illness. In the meantime, there are a number of options which may make life more bearable. Some doctors prescribe ACTH, a steroid that accelerates the healing actions of the body.

Though there is no scientific evidence that special diets are beneficial, anecdotal evidence suggests that diets such as gluten free diets or those low in animal fats do help.

Many multiple sclerosis sufferers seek out alternative therapies to relieve their symptoms. This may include acupuncture, homeopathy, and yoga.

For each person, the answer may be different and, though multiple sclerosis has no cure, it is important for the sufferer to find a positive way of living with this illness.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is possibly the most difficult disease to diagnose. The symptoms are vague and widespread mimicking other diseases. Symptoms depend on the area of the nerve damage with locations of the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms include:

1) Blurring or Double Vision (usually in one eye)

2) Patches of Body Numbness

3) General Weakness (usually one side of body)

4) Muscle Spasms

5) Fatigue

6) 'Pins and Needles' in extremities

7) Loss of Balance and Coordination

8) Cognitive (ability to think) difficulties

9) Overall Sensitivity to Extreme Heat or Cold

10) Loss of Sensation in Affected Extremity

More Advanced Symptoms include:

1) Speech difficulty

2) Irritable Bowel Syndrome

3) Difficult Urination

4) Loss of Sexual Desire

5) Paralysis

At first, Multiple Sclerosis symptoms are Episodic (off and on). The symptoms usually last 1-3 weeks, then you go into 'Remission' for a few months. Some individuals may have one Episode and go into Permanent Remission. Others will gradually experience Progressive symptoms. As MS Progresses, your Remission time will have Residual (remaining) symptoms from your last episode.

Generally, MS symptoms present around age 40. For those who are Diagnosed at an younger age, the symptoms can be more aggressive. This is a debilitating disease causing you to eventually be wheelchair bound.

My first symptoms occurred at age 39. It took 6 years to diagnose! I thought I was going crazy because no one could tell me what was going on. I had suffered for so long that when Multiple Sclerosis was finally diagnosed, I was actually relieved! I wasn't crazy!

I experienced Frustration and Depression as well as the strain of trying to work full time to support my 2 sons. We had no help, and I had full responsibility. Talk about PRESSURE! Thanks to my stubbornness I fought the good fight and kept us afloat until I was approved for Disability Income.

I really miss my career in Radiology, but it was a very Physical Profession, and I don't have the strength or coordination to continue. For the last 2 years I've been sitting around feeling sorry for myself, but my Survival Mode kicked in and I knew I had to find something to do with my time.

I'm happy to say that I found a Great Career that I can set my own hours and no Physical Activity is required. I can still help people, just in a different way. My biggest satisfactions in my career were the hugs and 'thank you's' from my patients. That's the part I miss the most.I will never be able to go back. My Multiple Sclerosis is Progressing with residual Remissions.

I take it one day at a time. Positive thinking and the support of my 2 sons has proven to help. Make the best out of everything, and you'll be fine!

Multiple Sclerosis - A Look at the Incidence, Symptoms and Treatment of This Disease

First recognized in 1868 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893), Multiple sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to the degeneration of the myelin sheath which protects the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

Characterized by irregular improvements and worsening of symptoms, MS with an average age of onset of 34 years is a major cause of chronic disability in young adults. The disease affects more women than men and is twice as likely to occur in Caucasians as in any other group.

Cause of Multiple Sclerosis

The exact cause of the condition is unknown but MS is believed to be the result of a complex combination of environmental, genetic, and autoimmune factors.

Emotional stress, fatigue, overwork, pregnancy and acute respiratory infections have been known to precede the onset of MS. A new epidemiological study from Denmark demonstrates that people with Diabetes Type 1 are more then 3 times more likely to also develop the disease than people without diabetes.

A family history of Ms and living in an area with a higher incidence of the disease (northern Europe, northern USA, southern Australia and New Zealand) increases the risk.

Diagnosis

Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose since its signs and symptoms may be similar to many other medical problems and can often come and go, sometimes disappearing for months and in fact a misdiagnosis of psychiatric problems is common. An MS diagnosis is made by the history of symptoms and a neurological exam, often with the help of tests such as an MRI or a spinal tap.

Tests to diagnose multiple sites include: Cerebrospinal fluid tests, including CSF, oligoclonal banding, head MRI scan, Lumbar puncture, nerve function study and a Spine MRI. Abnormal EEG findings occur in a third of patients and the white blood cell count may be elevated.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

There are four main types of the disease: relapsing or remitting, primary progressive, secondary progressive and progressive relapsing.

Signs and symptoms

Signs may be transient or they may last for hours or weeks. They may wax or wane with no predictable pattern, vary from day to day and be difficult for the patient to describe.

Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body. MS can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, sensation, and mental functions.

Early symptoms of the condition include weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision. Incontinence, emotional swings, poorly articulated speech and sometimes quite bizarre symptoms are common. People with severe cases of may lose the ability to walk or speak and usually.Most patients have severe skeletal abnormalities and excessive muscle tensions.

Treatment

There is no cure for but treatment can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the number of relapses. Medications used to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis may include: Immune modulators to help control the immune system, including interferons, monoclonal antibodies, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and natalizumab.

Steroids may be used to decrease the severity of attacks. Researchers are now also testing a vaccine that seems to halt the progression of the disease.

Taking vitamin D supplements helps prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression and may help slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of a new technology known as powerstrip patches can be very helpful. Physical therapy, speech therapy occupational therapy and support groups are also useful while planned exercise programs help maintain muscle tone.

MS Numb Arms - As An Early Symptom of MS, Numb Arms Indicate a Need for Diagnosis

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive degenerative disease that presents itself via a variety of different symptoms. Of the many symptoms of MS, numb arms can be one of the symptoms that end up being ignored for a long time before the person thinks about seeking an explanation as to why his arms keep going numb. For a long time the numbness is probably thought to be nothing more than sleeping on them funny or being cold, no one wants to think that this painful numbness might be the symptom of a major disease.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

When it comes to MS, numb arms are a viable symptom of this devastating disease and any person that suffers from frequent or severe numbness should not ignore the problem. The simple fact is that the earlier you can catch a disease like multiple sclerosis the better your prognosis is. There are as many as 50 other symptoms that can be an indication of this disease. Just like the numbness of your arms, many of these symptoms either go unnoticed or ignored.

Symptoms such as vision problems can be passed off as being overtired, lack of balance and coordination blamed on sinus infections and the various numbness and tingling in extremities as pinched nerves. As you can see it is easy to ignore these symptoms even though they can be an indication that there is something serious going on inside your body. If you do not seek a proper diagnosis you may end up dealing with worse symptoms of MS than numb arms.

Testing for Multiple Sclerosis

While it is easy to associate numb arms with MS, your doctor is going to have to schedule you for a series of tests to help diagnose the disease. In reality there are no specific tests for multiple sclerosis, in most cases the tests they use today are those that can be used to eliminate many of the diseases that can have similar symptoms.

Only when all other diseases have been eliminated will a specialist feel comfortable giving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. While very hard to detect in very early stage MS, an MRI may be able to detect the lesions that cause the numb arms of MS. If the lesions are visible in the image, then it becomes very obvious that you are indeed among the millions of others who live with this disease every day of their lives.

Multiple Sclerosis - Numbness - A Common Symptom

If you have multiple sclerosis, numbness could have been one of the first symptoms you had as the disease emerged. Present in up to 90% of all multiple sclerosis cases, numbness is one of the most common symptoms of the disease. For many this numbness is their constant and unwelcome companion, for others is initiated by factors such as stress, fatigue or overheating. 

Multiple sclerosis numbness is also called paresthesia and can feel like a tingling, pins and needles, buzzing or vibration sensations, and can be accompanied by burning or itching. It can interfere in walking or it can affect your hands causing difficulty in writing or holding things. For some it can affect their tongue, causing them to slur their words and make it difficult for them to sense hot or cold.

Multiple sclerosis numbness can affect only one small spot such as a cheek, or it can affect entire areas of the body such as a leg or arm. Numbness can last for a short period of time such as an hour or two or it can last a very long time. For many people the numbness will come and go in waves or it will be similar to a throbbing sensation.

Often times Multiple sclerosis numbness will be worse at night, making it difficult for people to sleep. Many multiple sclerosis patients find it helpful to keep their rooms cool at night. While it does not in and of itself cause serious significant disability, multiple sclerosis numbness can make life difficult for many patients.

Caution should be used when trying to eat if you have numbness in the face, it is typical for people to bite the sides of their mouth and tongue and not even realized. Care should also be used with hot or cold items either in touching or eating since Multiple sclerosis numbness can also cause you to be unable to feel hot or cold. Numbness can also make it difficult to walk and cause you to drop things.

If numbness becomes intense and affects daily activities or does not go away there are steroids your doctor can give you to lessen the flare ups of Multiple sclerosis numbness. 

MS Numbness in Your Feet

There are many early symptoms of multiple sclerosis ranging from vision problems to loss of strength in the muscles. MS numbness in your feet and hands is one of the more common and most recognizable symptoms. In many cases it is this numbness and tingling sensation that will lead a person to start wondering if there is a problem and to seek out professional medical care. At this point most doctors will begin the long process of diagnosing multiple sclerosis by eliminating many other diseases. As a final test the patient by sending them for an MRI or a CT scan or both.

Other Signs and Symptoms

While on the more common symptoms of MS is numbness in the feet, there are several other very common symptoms that can also be used to base an initial diagnosis on pending further testing. Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative disease of the autoimmune system that attacks the central nervous system causing a series of lesions on the protective myelin sheath that protects the brain and spinal cord.

These lesions cause demyelination of the sheath and then cause inflammation of the surrounding area including the nerves. Where it affects the optical nerve it causes a condition known as optic neuritis. This can cause blurred vision, double vision a loss of color or temporary blindness. All of which tend to go away once the inflammation goes down. In the case of numbness, it may go away completely in the early stages, but can leave lasting numbness as the disease progresses.

Is There a Treatment for the Numbness in Feet of MS?

Since the numbness in feet of MS can be very painful, most patients want to know if there is any kind of medical treatment available to give them relief from the pain, especially if it has been going on for an extended period of time. Since it is a symptom of the nerve damage resulting from multiple sclerosis, there are very few choices for the doctor to turn to. The most they are likely to do is give you an anti-inflammatory to help reduce any swelling of the damaged nerves and hopefully relieve the pressure that is causing the problem.

You can also find relief by taking part in a gentle regimen of exercise that will help to keep your body in better shape by stretching the muscles and keeping them relaxed. Eliminating flours and processed foods from your diet will also reduce the inflammation and reduce the level of MS numbness in the feet or other areas of your body.

Ways to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

There are a number of different ways to treat multiple sclerosis, and to treat its symptoms. They range from injections designed to reduce flare ups and medications to treat inflammation, fatigue, and muscle spasticity. There are also a number of diets out there many of which have been shown to help not only the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but have reversed the process of the disease.

The conventional way to treat multiple sclerosis is usually through a series of injections, of Beta Interferon which reduces the disease's flare ups. By use of a genetically engineered protein similar to what is in our bodies this medication will reduce disease activity, but cannot reverse the damage. Many people have difficulty tolerating this drug as some of the side effects are difficult to manage. This medication is only for those with the relapsing form of multiple sclerosis who can still walk.

There are a number of different medications that doctors use to treat multiple sclerosis symptoms, but these medications only serve to make life more comfortable for the person, they do not in any way reduce a person's disease process, or reverse it. Thing such as corticosteroids, muscle relaxers, and pain medications can be used to help a patient with flare-ups.

For many masking the symptoms is not enough, and for those there is much advice on diet and supplements that can help improve and even reverse the disease process to some degree.  You can treat multiple sclerosis with diet by learning what foods to avoid and which food will benefit you. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, and limits the amount of saturated fats is best for those with multiple sclerosis.

It is important to avoid stress if you have multiple sclerosis; this can be achieved by relaxation techniques or through exercising. Good exercises to help treat multiple sclerosis might include yoga, tai chi, swimming or walking.

Maintaining a positive attitude is perhaps often the most overlooked as a way to treat multiple sclerosis, and while your attitude cannot cure your disease, it certainly can help you reduce your stress and improve your symptoms a great deal. 

Trauma and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

One question that seems to come up frequently is whether or not there is any correlation between trauma and multiple sclerosis symptoms. This is a question that the medical and research communities have argued over for many years. In recent years there has been far more evidence provided by medical practitioners that prove a direct relationship between head, neck and spinal trauma and the onset of a variety of MS symptoms.

What Types of Trauma?

Science and the medical community have long admitted that they do not know what causes MS and will a link between head, neck and spine trauma and multiple sclerosis symptoms has still not been formally recognized, far more professionals now admit to the possibility. More specifically, they are looking at injuries that involve severe impact to the central nervous system. This includes injuries such as concussion and whiplash which are very common today.

They theorize that these injuries have a direct effect on the blood-brain barrier and this can result in the formations of the lesions that are indicative of multiple sclerosis. Others feel that the injury may cause a dormant disease to become active and begin to progress in patients that may never have had to experience it otherwise.

More Documented Cases

In the last few years medical practitioners are beginning to document more cases of a direct relationship between trauma and multiple sclerosis symptoms onset. Their reports are showing an increase in the number of patients who are diagnosed with MS following the type of significant head and neck injuries one might suffer in a sporting or automotive accident. At the same time they are seeing far more exacerbation in those already diagnosed with MS following a traumatic injury.

It is thought by some that only injuries to the neck that shift or misalign the cervical vertebrae can affect the performance of the central nervous system and can lead to the onset of MS or worsening of an already existing condition. Despite the fact that there seems to be a preponderance of evidence to support the relationship between trauma and multiple sclerosis symptoms, there is a need for more research.

Fortunately there are organizations studying this and many other causes as well as treatments to help those who live with the often devastating symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Trauma has been shown to be only one of the many causes of MS, if you feel you might be experiencing any of the symptoms of this disease, seek medical testing as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment for it.

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms - What Are the Typical Symptoms?

Each person with MS may have varying symptoms and may come and go or change frequently. Many have found this to be the reason why they actually ignored potential Multiple Sclerosis symptoms for so long, as they could justify many of the symptoms as being a result of leading a busy lifestyle and having a fairly high level of stress.

Also because Multiple Sclerosis symptoms would sometimes be obvious and then just disappear and many have made the mistake of just ignoring it because it wasn't stopping them in their tracks.

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms might include: Loss of co-ordination, extreme fatigue, numbness and pain, pins and needles or altered sensations, loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness of limbs, eye trouble such as seeing double or uncontrolled eye movements, speech difficulties, problems with memory and thinking, emotional difficulties, shaking.

MS Symptoms however vary because it depends what part of the central nervous system is affected, for example Optic nerve, brain or spine.

Additional Multiple Sclerosis symptoms may occur as the disease advances and these may include: fatigue, heat sensitivity and impaired thought processes.

MS fatigue is a common symptom of those with MS and can occur any time of the day despite having sufficient sleep or even having a day that is absent from physically demanding activities.

Sensitivity to heat is another symptom common to those with MS and therefore those with MS need to be mindful of the temperature of their environment and levels of physical activity to ensure their core body temperature keeps cool otherwise physical function tends to slow.

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms can include impaired mental capacity which occurs in approximately 50% of the people diagnosed with MS and results in a lack of concentration or a decrease in memory. An additional 10% of people with MS have significant mental impairment that affects the persons ability activities of daily living.

MS Numbness in Legs - Living With the Numbness

Numbness is considered to be an early symptom of multiple sclerosis. In many cases the first symptom of MS is numbness in the legs or arms and is often what causes a patient to seek a diagnosis. The numbness can affect very small areas of the body such as spot on your face or large sections of your body such as an entire half of your body, a leg, an arm or any combination of these. This numb feeling can be short lived or it can last for hours or days.

Living with MS Numbness in the Legs

Whether or not the numbness is transient or long term, whenever you have to live with MS numbness in the legs, it can adversely affect your life. In the early stages the pain can cause you to lose sleep at night and spend your days in pain and discomfort. As your multiple sclerosis progresses it is possible for you to begin losing all feeling in the affected extremities. If this happens to be your legs, it can lead to temporary or permanent disability as you find walking difficult or in extreme cases impossible.

When most people think of numbness, they tend to think of not being able to feel anything. This is actually a later stage of MS numbness in the legs. Earlier stages are actually quite painful at times as they include the pins and needles feeling most people experience when their extremity "falls asleep" and a burning sensation that can run the entire length of the nerve in a limb. Pain like this can be hard to ignore and seriously affect the quality of your life.

Therapy for MS Numbness in Legs or Other Extremities

In many cases the pain and numbness in the legs from MS is caused by inflammation of the nerves that is a result of the lesions that are attacking the myelin sheath and the nerves it is protecting. Some doctors will use a corticosteroid as an anti-inflammatory that will reduce the inflammation and in turn reduce or eliminate the pain and numbness.

While this type of therapy can work, why would you want to keep pumping your body full of steroids when you don't have to? Holistic medicine recommends a much more natural and gentler treatment for MS numbness in the legs. Research is finding that eating a healthy diet and taking better care of your overall health can actually reverse some of the damage done to your body by this disease including helping with the numbness.

MS - What are Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. A fatty tissue called myelin surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the CNS, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses. With MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. The nerve fiber itself can also be damaged or broken.

Myelin protects nerve fibers and makes their job possible. When myelin and/or the nerve fiber are destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted. This produces the various symptoms of multiple sclerosis including:

• Changes in sensation (hypoesthesia)
  


• Muscle weakness
  


• Abnormal muscle spasms, or difficulty in moving
  


• Difficulties with coordination and balance (ataxia)
  


• Problems in speech (dysarthria) or swallowing (dysphagia)
  


• Visual problems such as blurred vision or involuntary rapid eye movement (nystagmus, optic neuritis, or diplopia)
  


• Fatigue and acute or chronic pain syndromes
  


• Bowel or bladder problems
  


• Cognitive impairment
  


• Problems with sexual function
  


• Sensitivity to heat
  


• Mood swings
  


• Increased susceptibility to clinical depression
  


• Problems with memory, judgment, or reasoning (cognitive problems)
  


• Partial or complete paralysis (in severe cases)

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis depend on which areas of the central nervous system have been attacked. The symptoms vary for those affected by the disease and also vary from time to time ranging from mild to severe. Generally, a person with MS will experience more than one symptom, but not all of them. The most common initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis are:

• Changes in sensation in the arms, legs or face (33 percent)
  


• Complete or partial vision loss (16 percent)
  


• Weakness (13 percent)
  


• Double vision (7 percent)
  


• Unsteadiness when walking (5 percent)
  


• Balance problems (3 percent)

Fifteen percent of individuals have multiple symptoms when they first seek medical attention. For some people, the initial MS attack is preceded by infection, trauma, or strenuous physical effort.