Is Multiple Sclerosis Hereditary and Can It Be Cured?

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary? That question is still not completely settled down, but it is clear that there is some link between probability of occurrence and family history of nerve degeneration. Fortunately, multiple sclerosis can be reversed naturally as was discovered in 2010. Read on to learn more.

People with a family history of multiple sclerosis are about 7 times more likely to get the condition, compared to those with no such history. However, today multiple sclerosis has a very high chance of reversal, although there is no official cure, or a 'magic pill'. This is accomplished by enabling your own body and immune system to start repairing the axon walls, and improving the nerve signals. It is now clear that the drug therapy does not work, and in the long run - does more harm than good. This does not mean that you should stop taking your medications, it just means that you need to educate yourself and start looking for better ways.

The hereditary behavior of multiple sclerosis suggests that there is a gene, which makes the body more prone to auto-immune diseases. Although that raises the risk of diseases like MS, it also has a good side - your cells are able to quickly regenerate. However, this can only happen if you are doing the right things - giving your body the proper nutrients, and performing a very effective set of exercises, designed to strengthen your nerve system. If you are doing these things, your chances of MS reversal are pretty high, as countless stories suggest. Although there is no official drug which works 100% of the time, the chances of you eliminating the condition are relatively high, regardless of the stage. The condition can have a variety of unpredictable symptoms, and although the life expectancy is normal, any premature symptoms can be very dangerous, even fatal.

Multiple Sclerosis Relapse - What is a Relapse and Can I Prevent Them?

For those who have multiple sclerosis, a relapse or exacerbation can be one of the most frustrating parts of the disease. You may be going along your merry way and then a relapse can occur seemingly out of the blue. For the patient who is the very earliest stages of MS a relapse may only occur every few months or even years and pass without hardly being noticed, however as the disease progress the relapses will occur more frequently.

What is a Multiple Sclerosis Relapse?

The clinical description of a multiple sclerosis relapse is a "clinically significant event, in other words an event that has obvious symptoms that can be seen or felt. These relapses are caused thy lesions that occur as a direct result of MS on either the patient's brain or their spinal cord. It can either be an entirely new symptom or a worsening of one that you have already experienced. These relapses are also known as exacerbations, flare ups or attacks.

The causes of a relapse are generally inflammations that occur as result of your immune system attacking the myelin layer that protects the nerves in your spinal cord and brain. When the attack by the body's immune cells it forms a lesion, which is an area of intense inflammation in the area that is under attack. This causes damage to the area and can slow down or halt the transmission of signals from one nerve to another. These lost signals are the root cause of the exacerbations.

Can I Prevent a Multiple Sclerosis Relapse?

While a multiple sclerosis relapse is all part of the disease, there are techniques you can use to reduce the number of relapses you are likely to have and the frequency with which they occur. Many physicians will tell you that the only way to prevent a relapse is with a steady regimen of medications used in disease modifying therapy. There are therapies that have been proven to work and reduce or eliminate the number of relapse you may have significantly over several years.

Recent research is finding that by modifying your lifestyle and changing the way you eat, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the rate of multiple sclerosis relapse occurrences you are likely to experience. By eating a diet that is rich in the foods known to reduce inflammation such as kale, lettuce and many fruits you can make a major change in how your MS affects your body. Many people now say that by making the necessary dietary changes they have been relapse free for many years.

How To Evaluate Your State Of Health If Multiple Sclerosis Is Suspected?

Certain things may make a person ask her self if she is starting to suffer from multiple sclerosis. If a person has a blurry vision or has maybe trouble concentrating that doesn't necessarily mean that she or he are suffering from this terrible disorder. Something else may to blame for a whole other reason. It's a well known fact that multiple sclerosis has a lot of symptoms similar to a lot of other disorders of the central nervous system. Still, as said earlier, if any signs of the disease appear in any person, checking with the doctor should be the next thing to do. Early diagnosing of the disorder and early treatment has shown to greatly improve the slowing of the rate of witch the disease progresses.

A special diagnosing from your doctor may also be a bit tricky considering the fact that there isn't a specific set of rules to follow in order to correctly see if that specific person suffers from the disorder. The best thing to do is to let the doctor asses the symptoms that the patient has said he is suffering from. The next thing to do is let the doctor give you a compleat physical check in order to see if other more subtle symptoms are also present. These symptoms may be either changes in eye movement or very minute changes in speech patterns. If still a proper diagnosis can't be made further tests may include a RMI scan or a spinal tap. Treatments have shown that they are able to improve the state of the patient, and the fact is the earlier the treatment begins the better the chance is that the effect will be stronger in the patient.

People are different one from another. Thinking of this we realize that it is the same thing about how the disease affects the patient. Some people may this way experience very diverse symptoms while others just a few. Even if the symptoms are not showing damage is being done to the central nervous system, damage that gets worse and with the passing of time. Treatments are available now in many forms but it is important that the patient stays in therapy if the chance to slow the action of the disorder is ever to exist.

The way that the disease actually works is that because the nervous cell loses its myelin it's more predisposed to get damaged. The optic nerve suffers some serious damage because of this: it gets swollen causing blurry vision in a matter of days after it has started. Pain may also be felt especially when moving the eye.

The Potential Role of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) In Reducing One's MS Symptoms

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is an important nutrient for brain health. It is a key nutrient for mitochondria which are the powerhouse for brain cells. The mitochondria convert the energy which is stored in sugar into the energy which the cell can use to do is work in the form of ATP. An ample supply of Niacinamide makes the generation of ATP more efficient and reduces the level of toxic free radicals (a bi-product of making ATP).

Vitamin B3 or niacinamide has been shown to be beneficial in a number of autoimmune diseases Almost fifty years ago Dr. Kaufman used niacinamide to successfully reduce symptoms and improve function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over fifty years ago. Twenty years ago Yamada reported that niacinamide reduces the severity and can even reverse early type 1 diabetes in mice. In 2006 Kaneko reported that using niacinamide was effective in preventing and reducing the severity of existing disease in the animal model of multiple sclerosis. However studies have not been published about humans using niacinamide to treat or prevent MS.

How does one get vitamin B3? It is possible to take vitamin B3 in supplement form. Niacin (a form of vitamin B3) has often been given to treat patients with low HDL cholesterol (good or protective cholesterol) and has been associated with flushing, headache and abnormalities in the liver with very high dosing. Niacinamide, another form of vitamin B3, has far fewer side effects, even at high doses. Food sources include tuna, salmon, liver and other organ meat, mushrooms and nutritional yeast.

In general obtaining nutrients through food is superior to using supplements. First, the body is unlikely to absorb toxic levels of the nutrient. Also when whole food is consumed, additional micronutrients which are beneficial to the body are usually present. Our understanding of clinical nutrition is still primitive. There are thousands of other useful micronutrients which have not been identified.

What doses have been used? The mouse study which showed reversal of the animal model of MS used 0.5 mg per kilogram. The niacin version of B3 has been used in doses between 500 and 5000 mg for treating cholesterol and rheumatoid arthritis. However because of the potential for problems with high doses (anything over 500 mg) it is important to have a physician monitor liver function through blood tests. It is likely that doses which have been used for treating high cholesterol would be an acceptable dose range when trying to reduce the severity or prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Bottom line

Vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide is a very important nutrient for brain health. Best food sources are wheat germ, mushrooms, organ meats, tuna and salmon. Supplements are another option. Doses over 500 mg a day should be monitored by a physician. Other conditions have been treated with doses as high as 5 grams per day.

Treatment for MS Numbness - What Types of Treatment Are There?

For the person who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, there are a number of different symptoms that they are likely to experience during the course of their lives. One of the most common and often longest lasting is numbness in one or more of their extremities. The severity of this varies from person to person, there is more than one treatment for MS numbness and while they work for some patients, they may not work for all.

Why Do I Have this Numb Feeling?

As most patients know, multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the nerves. The damage is done to the myelin sheath that is designed to protect the nerves and keep them out of harm's way. Once the damage is done the way in which the nerves feed information to the brain is compromised. In some cases the nerves are completely shorted out. When this happens the result can be the numbness you are feeling. With proper treatment some or all of this numbness can be eliminated allowing you to feel again.

There are several medications that are being recommended as a treatment for MS numbness, however doctors do not usually prescribe them unless the patient presents in a relatively high level of pain associated with the numbness. Cortisone which is an anti-inflammatory is sometimes used especially in patients where the numbness has become severe enough to cause problems with their daily lives.

Alternative Treatment for MS Numbness

Rather than seeking a pharmaceutical cure for the numbness, you will find that seeking an alternative treatment for MS numbness is far more practical. The number one holistic treatment for the numbness that you are dealing with is to modify your diet if you are eating the standard western diet of heavily processed foods. Switch to a eating more whole foods, leafy green vegetables and seafood. This diet has been found to help with many of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis including numbness.

There are several herbal supplements that are thought to help such as Gingko Biloba and find someone that is willing to help you with a regular massage of your neck and shoulders. This can help to relieve stress and in turn increase blood flow to your extremities while relaxing your body. Gentle exercises such as yoga have also proven to be a good treatment for MS numbness instead of turning to medications that are likely to do more harm than good.

Stages of Multiple Sclerosis Explained

When you hear someone talking about the stages of multiple sclerosis it can get more than a little confusing. When someone is talking about any type of disease in this manner, your first thought is likely to be that anyone who is diagnosed with MS will start at a particular stage and will then proceed through all of the known stages until the reach the final one and will then succumb to it. This may be the case with many diseases, but MS is not like many diseases and not everyone will be affected by it in the same way.

Learning about MS

For most patients who have been diagnosed with this disease, the only stages of multiple sclerosis they see in their mind are likely to be the most advanced ones that often leave the suffer severely disabled or is fatal. These stages fall under the classification of Progressive Relapsing MS and can lead to End Stage multiple sclerosis. Here, one should try not to read too much into a name as it is very possible to be that the Advanced or End stage and still not be afflicted with the severe disabilities that most people picture in their minds.

These final stages of multiple sclerosis are the result of a buildup of lesions on the myelin sheath surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord. A large percentage of patients will find that the damage caused by these lesions can cause only minor symptoms. The severity of each person's symptoms depends almost entirely upon where the lesions are located. Simply having lesions is not enough to cause major disabilities; they must be attached in areas that allow them to adversely affect the nerves.

Not Everyone Goes through All Stages

It also worth noting, that not everyone progresses through the various stages of multiple sclerosis at the same rate. Some patients will remain in the Benign stages for all of their lives and may only experience a few exacerbations when they are young and never have any more, living a full and normal life. Others can move quickly through the different stages into the End Stage or Progressive Remitting stage. Even then not all patients end up as severely disabled as others.

One thing worth noting is that making significant adjustments in the way you eat can make a significant difference in the rate at which you progress through the stages of multiple sclerosis. It is a proven fact that a diet high in essential fatty acids including leafy green vegetable and seafood can make a big difference in the speed at which MS progresses and can help a person remain in remission for many years.

Dental Care For People With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (also commonly abbreviated to MS) is a progressive disorder, an autoimmune condition wherein the central nervous system gets attacked by the body's immune system; these later results in demyelination and paralysis. Demyelination is the general term for diseases of the nervous system where the myelin sheath, the substance that serves as the covering of the nerve fibers, gets damaged. This in turn results disorders or impairments in muscle functions, cognition and sensation.

Multiple sclerosis is just one form of demyelination and also the most common type. The disorder was first described by Jean-Martin Charcot in 1868.

The primary correlation between multiple sclerosis and the patient's oral health is the loss of muscle control. This condition makes it harder for the patient to brush his own teeth. In cases where the patient can at least manage to brush, due to the twitching and the less muscle control, it only results to poor brushing of the teeth. Patients with severe multiple sclerosis symptoms may require the assistance of another person just to clean his teeth.

Multiple sclerosis patients may also have a hard time relaxing in the dentist's chair. This makes it quite difficult for the dentist to properly check the patient's teeth as well as to conduct any necessary dental procedures or operations. As such, it is advisable and as much as possible, to limit the dental visits to the shortest time possible. This is to lessen the discomfort that the patient is already experiencing. Stress and fatigue may also play an important factor to this decision.

And also, people suffering from multiple sclerosis are not advised to wear dentures. This is due to the fact that the patient may regularly experience uncontrollable muscle movements on the face which in turn may result to the dentures accidentally getting dislodged. This may cause further accidents and harm to the patient.

Among the concerns as to why it is necessary for a multiple sclerosis patient to have consistent oral hygiene are the typical disorders associated with not brushing, flossing and not going to the dentist. These are tooth decay, halitosis or bad breath and even gingivitis. All of these are easily avoided just with proper oral hygiene.

While there is still no cure for the disorder, doctors and other health professionals only set the following goals to improve the quality of life of their patients:

1. maintain oral function and as much as possible, for the patient to be able to take care of his own dental hygiene

2. keep patient from acquiring further diseases and disorders

3. maintain a desirable appearance to improve self-esteem and self-image for a better interaction with society

If you have noticed, one of the primary concerns of doctors is for the patient to be able to maintain his own oral hygiene. This is attainable especially with patients whose condition has not yet turn to the worst. In cases where this is not possible, family members are trained to assist the patient or if possible, to hire a caregiver who can help with such necessities.

Foot Drop Due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Treatment Options - The WalkAide and AFOs

Do you suffer from foot drop that was caused by Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

1.) Introduction

This article will touch upon predicted outcomes for individuals with MS. Moreover, we will discuss who will likely have the best outlook when it comes to this condition. Disability, discomfort and returning to near normal function after attacks is also discussed. This article also reviews MS and foot drop.

Foot drop is a side effect that some individuals sustain as a result of multiple sclerosis. This walking condition can become a real problem for people that need to walk. A person with foot drop due to MS, will usually drag their toes and have higher incidents of falling because of this condition. Walking speed will also decrease as a result of this gait deviation. Obviously, this is a problem for many people, but having foot drop does not mean the individual is out of options that can help them walk better again.

This free health information can help you if you suffer from foot drop.

2.) Predicted Outcomes For Patient's With Multiple Sclerosis

The outcome for this condition varies. It is also hard to predict outcomes for this disease, because people have different involvement with MS. It is interesting to note that although this disorder is chronic and currently incurable, the life expectancy for patient's with MS can be normal (or close to normal). Most people with MS can continue to ambulate and function at work with some level of disability for 20 years or more.

Of the individuals that have MS, some individuals seem to have a better outlook than others. The following information speaks upon who will typically have the best outlook:

A.) Females

B.) People who are thirty years or old less when the disease starts.

C.) Individuals that have attacks that are infrequent.

D.) Individuals that have a relapsing-remitting pattern of the disease.

E.) People that have limited disease on imaging studies.

3.) Disability and Discomfort

The amount of disability and discomfort that an individual incurs depends on certain factors. For example, the amount of disability and discomfort depends on how often people have attacks and how severe they are. In addition, it is also important to note that the amount of disability and discomfort will depend on which part of the central nervous system (CNS) is affected by each attack.

4.) Returning to Normal (or Near Normal Function)

In between attacks, most individuals can return to normal, or a near normal function. In between each attack, there is also an issue of return of function. What this means is that slowly there is a greater loss of function with less improvement between each successive attack. As time passes, individuals may need a wheel chair or assistive devices to get around.

5.) Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Nerves in any part of an individuals brain or spinal cord may be damaged. The result of this damage can include having Multiple Sclerosis. MS can cause symptoms Patients may have symptoms in many parts of the body as a result of MS. Some of these symptoms may include:

•Loss of balance

•Muscle Spasms

•Numbness

•Reduced range of motion arms or legs, which can cause walking problems, such as foot drop

•Problems with overall coordination

•Tremors in the extremities (any arm or leg)

•Weakness in the extremities

6.) What Medical Devices Are Available For People With Foot Drop?

The use of an AFO or WalkAide can be an incredible help to people with foot drop, due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These two medical products are different in design, but each can help a person walk better.

A.) Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO): These are special braces, that are usually made of plastic, that can help support someone while they walk. It is best to obtain one of these supports from your local, licensed orthotist. These individuals are brace specialists and can either provide you with a custom or prefabricated orthosis (brace). Each can fit into most people's shoes and can not only help you keep your foot up when you walk, but can also provide side to side support at the ankle and indirect support to an individual's knee. This can be extremely important for people who suffer from instability or weakness below their knees.

B.) The WalkAide

This is a new FDA approved device that is getting a lot of attention in the medical field. This device can provide electrical stimulation which in turn can help activate muscles to lift your foot better when you walk. Although it is an effective medical device, not everyone is a candidate for the WalkAide, to determine your eligibility, it is important to work with a local, licensed orthotist to get see if you can benefit from this type of device.

Note: This is health information, not medical advice. Medical advice on bracing or the use of the WalkAide, should be provided to you by your local orthotist. Medically credentialed professionals, other than orthotists may also be able to advise you on the use of this device, who have been approved by WalkAide.

Multiple Sclerosis and Headaches - How Bad Can They Be?

While we all get a headaches from time to time most of them can be easily gotten rid of with an over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. When it comes to MS and headaches many patients report that the pain is excruciatingly painful. The incidence of both cluster and migraine headaches is significantly higher in people with MS than most of the other people in the world.

What is the Correlation between MS and Headaches?

For the average person most doctors will tell you that they really do not know what causes a good number of the headaches we get. It is different for someone with MS and headaches as they can mostly be attributed to the lesions that the disease causes to appear on their brain, the medications that they are taking to combat some of the other symptoms and on occasion depression.

In a recent study of some 277 patients with multiple sclerosis found that there may be a direct correlation between the number of lesions in the mid brain area and the number of migraine headaches that a patient might get. At the same time lesions in this area of the brain have been linked to cluster headaches where the trigeminal nerve originates.

Patients undergoing an episode of optic neuritis also report having severe headaches on one side or the other and that any movement of their eyes increases the level of pain. Another area where multiple sclerosis and headaches are very common companions is the medications that are used as part of therapy treatments for the disease. Interferon drugs such as Rebif and Avonex are known to cause headaches or make them worse.

How Bad Can they Get?

When it comes to MS and headaches the big question is just how bad these headaches can get. Once you go beyond the everyday headache and delve into the realms of the migraine and cluster headaches you are going off the Richter scale of headaches. Migraine headaches are exceptionally painful and usually include sensitivity to both sound and light. They can last several hours and the person usually finds a dark, quiet place to lie down until it passes.

A cluster headaches is best described as the worst pain a person could possibly imagine. The pain is so intense that the sufferer may spend the duration crying, rocking back and forth on the bed or in a chair or even tearing their hair out. Not only does the headache cause such intense pain, but the patient will be completely exhausted when it is over and be left with the dread that another one will be coming right on the heels of the one they just got over as these headaches come in groups or clusters.

There are medications designed to relieve the pain associated with MS and headaches, but you should consult with your doctor to see if there are any contraindications with any medications you are already taking. If there are you may be left with doing the best you can to cope with them until the episodes have passed.

Early Symptoms of MS - Things to Look Out For

Early symptoms of MS usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. The onset of multiple sclerosis can be dramatic or can be so mild that a person does not recognize the symptoms until much later when the disease is far more advanced. The problem with many of the early symptoms is that they are common to many conditions, so it is difficult to determine what may be early symptoms of MS or another disease or condition.

The following is a brief outline what may be early symptoms of MS. These are the symptoms reported by ms sufferers that they experienced early on at the onset of their disease.

Fatigue is a major symptom of MS but since fatigue is present in so many disease processes, and in fact in our fast paced busy life styles it may not be recognized as one of the early symptoms of MS until paired with other symptoms. Fatigue for the MS individual may be insidious and may not resolve with rest. It may seem that no matter what you do you are always exhausted and run down.

Uncharacteristic clumsiness is a hallmark sign of MS, with a difficulty maintaining balance, tripping or falling. This clumsiness can cause a person to knock things over or frequently drop things as well. Unexplained weakness is another common early symptom of MS usually affecting both the arms and legs.

Verbal skills can also be affected early on, with slurring of words or being unable to come up with the right words to say being common. This symptom will often be discounted to other things or will not be severe and dismissed altogether. Along with this is the inability to concentrate, and although these particular symptoms maybe mild and not a warning flag of something wrong, they will cause considerable frustration for the person afflicted.

Depression is another hallmark sign of MS but since depression can have so many other causes or stand alone on its own it is often missed as part of a diagnosis.

Other early symptoms of MS include Urinary incontinence and visual disturbances such as blurring or eye pain. Visual disturbances in fact are usually one of the signs that send many individuals into the doctor first. Usually this symptom along with numbness or falling will be the warning signals that alert a doctor to look for MS.

Multiple Sclerosis - Cognitive Issues With Multiple Sclerosis

Approximately fifty percent of patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis will have some form of cognitive impairment or dysfunction due to the inflammation that this disease causes within the white matter of the brain.

Cognitive functioning refers to our thought processes and our ability to process information within the brain. Cognitive skills include reading comprehension, memory, speech, problem solving, reasoning, and our ability to learn and retain new information.

Most individuals with MS will only experience a slight impairment in cognitive functioning while five to ten percent of patients who have this disease will suffer from severe cognitive impairment that will interfere significantly with their abilities to perform everyday tasks.

Cognitive Deficits in Memory Function and Concentration

In the majority of patients with multiple sclerosis, a decline in cognitive functioning will typically occur gradually and most commonly affects the skills of memory, concentration, and language. When having a conversation, the individual may have trouble remembering a word or difficulty in finding the right words they wish to say.

The memory issues that occur with MS include the inability to remember certain tasks that include when to take medications, scheduled appointments, important events, and common objects or things that were once familiar to them.

A lack of concentration is also a common problem in patients with multiple sclerosis and they may become easily distracted and fail to finish certain tasks or chores before moving on to another eventually resulting in many chores or tasks being left unfinished.

Cognitive Fatigue and Slowed Processing Speed

Many individuals with MS also experience cognitive fatigue that causes them to become mentally tired more easily than healthy individuals. For instance, when taking a test or exam they may do well in the beginning but slowly begin to tire mentally and do poorly towards the end. Problem solving can also become an issue for those with MS.

For instance, they may attempt to solve a problem with a solution that fails; however, they still continue their attempt to solve the same problem with the same solution over and over again. In the majority of individuals who experience cognitive impairment with MS, the speed in which they process information and thoughts is slowed down and causes them to have difficulty with the speed at which they recall information and process their thoughts.

Coping with Cognitive Impairment

For patients with multiple sclerosis, cognitive impairment can be one of the most frustrating aspects of this disease; however, there are many ways in which to cope that will help to compensate for some of the cognitive decline. One of the methods that can aid with the loss of memory is to keep a notepad or journal and write everything down - particularly important tasks or chores, scheduled appointments, what medications to take and when to take them, and important events. Programmable palm held electronic organizers are great for keeping track of numerous things and can be programmed to give a certain beep or sound at a set time for a specific task.

Avoid the loss of important items by creating specific places in your home for to keep these items such as car keys, glasses, and other items of importance and make a habit of always replacing these items in their in there specific place.

Create a support group or network of close family and friends that are willing to help you by reminding you of important dates or events. Some studies have also shown that keeping your brain active by playing games or doing math and crossword puzzles on a regular basis may help to improve or slow down the progression of cognitive impairment in some patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis and Incontinence

Individuals that suffer from multiple sclerosis often suffer from bladder and bowel complications. One of the most common issues experienced is referred to as incontinence. It has been established that at least 80% of all people that suffer from MS will experience some type of bladder and/or bowel difficulty during the progression of the disease.

This is due to the fact that the signals that transmit to and away from the brain are hindered as a result of the disease. The transmission of these signals may be completely interrupted or just slowed. There are muscles that are responsible for the act of emptying out the bladder and the bowel in the body. When signals are interrupted to and from the brain to this group of muscles, problems are likely to occur.

Incontinence Defined

Incontinence is the inability to engage in the control of the elimination of urine and/or defecation from the body. When an individual is unable to control the urinary output that is experienced in the body, it is referred to as urinary incontinence. When an individual is unable to control the defecation output of the body, this is referred to as fecal incontinence.

Many medical professionals may also refer to this condition as bowel incontinence. When an individual experiences this condition, it is not considered to be a medical condition in itself. It is considered to be a symptom of another condition. If an individual has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, incontinence would be considered a symptom of that particular disease.

Treatments for MS Incontinence

There are many different treatments that may be incorporated into a multiple sclerosis patient's care when they suffer from incontinence. It is important to understand that when a doctor prescribes a treatment plan for an individual that suffers from incontinence of the bowels and/or the bladder, they customize the prescription for the individual - not the issue as a generality. One of the first treatments are dietary changes.

Immediately following that, medications may be prescribed that will assist in controlling the movements of the muscles that are associated with the bladder and bowel movements. In many instances, medical procedures may be performed. The most common is a standard catheterization, and the next medical procedure may include mechanical based aids that assist in controlling the muscles associated with the bowels and bladder.

Physical Complications Associated with Incontinence

There are many physical complications that may occur when an individual suffers from incontinence. This is especially true of the individual has multiple sclerosis and suffers from incontinence of the bladder. The physical complications include, but are not limited to the following:

• Many will experience an increased number of infections. The most common types of infections are bladder and urinary tract infections. In some instances, yeast infections may occur as well.

• Those that are unable to control their urine may experience irritations on and around the skin that is located near the groin area.

• Sleep complications are very common among those that experience incontinence.

If you have multiple sclerosis and have been experiencing incontinence, it is important to ensure that you follow the orders issued by your doctor closely. These directions will assist in your reaching a higher level of comfort and living a higher quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis & Devic's Syndrome

Devic's syndrome is rare disorder that affects the central nervous system and causes the inflammation of the optic nerve - optic neuritis - causing eye pain and loss of vision. In the beginning stages of this disease the symptoms are very similar to that of multiple sclerosis; however, Devic's syndrome is a separate disease that requires an appropriate diagnosis in order to be treated properly as the treatment for Devic's disease varies from the form of treatment given for MS.

The primary difference between Devic's disease and multiple sclerosis is that Devic's disease affects the spinal chord and optic nerves but does not affect the brain - unlike MS which affects the brain as well. One of the primary symptoms of Devic's syndrome is the loss of vision that is often temporary but can become permanent affecting one or both eyes.

The Differences between Devic's Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis

While some medical experts believe that Devic's disease is a form of multiple sclerosis, others argue that the disease is completely different from MS. The symptoms of Devic's disease at its onset can appear to be the same as multiple sclerosis; however, diagnostic tests can definitively distinguish the difference between the two.

Multiple sclerosis differs from Devic's disease in that it affects the nerves of the brain and spinal chord whereas in Devic's syndrome the brain is not affected. An MRI in patients with multiple sclerosis will typically show inflammation in numerous areas of the brain and the MRI of patients with Devic's disease is typically normal, however, there have been some cases of patients with Devic's disease that have shown some inflammation within the brain.

The symptoms that occur with Devic's disease also tend to occur more frequently and be more severe than the symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The images taken during an MRI on patients with Devic's syndrome typically show large areas of the spinal chord that are inflamed, whereas the MRI images of the spinal chord in patients with multiple sclerosis tend to show significantly less areas of inflammation.

In patients who have MS, the antibodies within the spinal fluid are typically at elevated levels; however, in patients with Devic'e disease the spinal fluid does not show these abnormal levels in most patients.

Treatment of Devic's Syndrome

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment to effectively treat Devic's disease and the prognosis is poor as it is typically fatal in many patients. The treatment primarily given in the beginning stages of this disease consists of steroids that are given intravenously or orally to help the symptoms or acute attacks that are characteristic of this disease.

Some patients may be given a plasma exchange which involves removing some of the patient's blood and returning it after removal of the fluid or plasma and adding a special replacement solution that is mixed in with the blood cells. This is form of treatment is effective in treating the acute attacks or symptoms of this disease in approximately forty percent of patients.

The Variety of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis is a complex disorder of the nervous system which can generate a wide range of symptoms, varying in intensity and duration. Each patient's experience with multiple sclerosis is different and symptoms are perceived differently from a person to another. Multiple sclerosis can involve visual, sensory and motor symptoms, depending on the body systems which are affected by the disease. In more advanced stages of progression, multiple sclerosis can also determine dysfunctions of the internal organs, often causing impairments of the kidneys, lungs and heart. In the absence of the specific medical treatment or in case of late medical intervention, multiple sclerosis can cause permanent disability or even death.

Multiple sclerosis is a very intriguing disorder of the CNS (central nervous system), encompassing multiple patterns of progression. While persons with slow progressing multiple sclerosis may perceive symptoms at low intensities or even have no symptoms at all, persons with fast progressing forms of the disease may be confronted with very intense symptoms and may be at risk of developing severe, life-threatening complications.

Due to the fact that multiple sclerosis primarily affects the central nervous system, the first symptoms experienced by patients are of sensorial or cognitive nature. Some of the first symptoms that occur in persons with multiple sclerosis are decreased visual acuity, blurred vision, double vision or difficulty in distinguishing colors. In addition, the tissues around the eye may become inflamed and painful; some patients may experience intense pain and discomfort when moving their eyes.

Most of these symptoms occur due to optic neuritis, condition often associated with multiple sclerosis. When the condition is timely discovered and patients receive the appropriate medical treatment, most visual symptoms can be completely eliminated within weeks. However, in the absence of medical treatment, patients may remain with permanent visual defects. In some cases, unattended visual symptoms of multiple sclerosis can even lead to permanent blindness.

When multiple sclerosis affects the cerebellum (the area of the brain responsible for motor function and balance), the results are poorly coordinated movements and difficulty to maintain balance. Sometimes patients may experience difficulty walking and performing various activities that require precise, properly coordinated movements.

When it affects other areas of the brain, multiple sclerosis can generate symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness and vertigo. Patients with multiple sclerosis may also suffer from decreased judgment, inability to concentrate, short-term memory loss, states of mental confusion and pronounced difficulty in expressing themselves in speech.

Symptoms such as muscular weakness, numbness and pain, as well as decreased or increased sensitivity to heat or light stimuli are possible signs that multiple sclerosis has also reached the peripheral regions of the nervous system. At this stage, patients may also suffer from bladder or kidney dysfunctions, liver dysfunctions and impairments of the gastrointestinal tract. Internal organs such as the liver, lungs and heart may also be involved in advanced stages of multiple sclerosis.

Still Insurable With Multiple Sclerosis

Trying to shop for life insurance when you have multiple sclerosis can be daunting. It helps to consult experts in life insurance for people with MS, so they can guide you through the process. But it also helps to know what the actual insurance companies look for when underwriting this type of policy.

What do life insurance underwriters look for when they determine the rating for someone with multiple sclerosis?

• Type of multiple sclerosis. A person with Relapsing/Remitting Multiple Sclerosis is most likely to get a medically underwritten policy like someone of good health can get. The rates will be higher for people with multiple sclerosis, but rates vary widely from company to company. So it is very important to use agents experienced in writing life insurance for people with MS in order to get the lowest rate. There are several No Exam policies that work well for people with the Progressive forms of multiple sclerosis, as well.


• When diagnosed. Most companies like to wait a year after diagnosis so they can see the pattern the person's MS takes before making an offer. However, there are also policies that one can get shortly after being diagnoses with multiple sclerosis.


• Symptoms. It seems that no two people with MS have exactly the same symptoms, and therefore underwriting life insurance for those with multiple sclerosis is complicated. The fewer the symptoms, the better the rate will be, and the more life insurance choices one has. Symptoms considered are: need of assistance for walking, depression, incontinence, nerve pain, memory loss, and whether one needs home health or institutionalized care. Whether or not you are capable of working fulltime is also a consideration for medically underwritten policies. There are policies to cover almost every symptom, so never assume you are uninsurable due to MS!


• Treatment. Medically underwritten products are easiest to get by people who have had good results with Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, and other approved MS treatments. However, there are policies for people with no treatment, all the way to people who have had a stem cell transplant.

It can be frustrating for people with MS to buy life insurance when they are able to do what anyone else does, yet still find themselves paying more than someone with no health problems. But even people with perfect health pay higher rates if they have a parent with heart disease. There is no way around paying more, but agencies that specialize in multiple sclerosis life insurance can help you pay a lot less.

What Are the Causes of Multiple Sclerosis?

I'm afraid to tell you folks, a lot of researchers and doctors still aren't sure on what causes Multiple Sclerosis are. But I've got some really good news for you; they are a lot closer in finding out what the "triggers" may be.

Does the environment or where you live play a part in Multiple Sclerosis?

Different areas of the world and nationalities seem to have an increased chance of acquiring multiple sclerosis. Areas of the world that don't seem to receive much sunlight have an increased incidence of Multiple Sclerosis. Counties like Scotland, Scandinavia, and northern Europe show a higher rate of MS. As well, white people have more cases of MS than other racial groups.

There also seems to be some correlation between lack of Vitamin D and MS. This would make sense since countries in cool climates receive less sunshine and therefore may have a higher incidence of MS.

Is there a role in genetics?

Doctors and researchers believe there may be a role in genetics and that MS maybe inherited from a parent. I totally agree with this concept, my dad was never diagnosed with MS but had all the symptoms. He was extremely fearful that once the insurance company found out or diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis he would loose his health insurance.

Siblings have a 2-5% chance of getting Multiple Sclerosis.

What about Viruses?

There maybe some correlation with viruses. Measles, herpes, Epstein Barr Virus, and flu viruses may increase the chance of getting MS.

Interestingly enough, there is also some talk regarding women vs. men. Woman seem to have an increased risk of getting MS.

What has your experience been and do you have any of the above causes for Multiple Sclerosis? Are the studies right or wrong?

Multiple Sclerosis - An Unpredictable Disease

In some people, it is a mild illness. In others, it can lead to permanent disability. This is the nature of multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable disease that affects 300,000 people in the United States alone.

Myelin is a fatlike substance that covers the nerve fiber found in the brain and spinal cord. It is an essential part of the nervous system since it enables the nerves to carry electrical impulses to and from the brain where they can be acted upon by the appropriate part of the body.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), myelin is damaged for unknown reasons. As a result, normal nerve impulse transmission is impaired and the person experiences a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the brain and spinal cord is affected.

"An electrical short circuit develops, and normal electrical impulses cannot be carried by the nerves. The type of symptoms that result depends on where in the brain and spinal cord this process takes place, but usually, multiple sites are involved. Myelin has some ability to repair itself, but with repeated attacks of inflammation, scarring (sclerosis) takes place and permanent loss of function may result," according to Dr. Timothy A. Pedley in "The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete-Home Medical Guide."

MS is believed to be an autoimmune disorder wherein the body develops antibodies to attack myelin. Some say a virus is behind this disorder. The victims fall between the ages of 20 and 40, and are usually women. Symptoms may appear slowly or rapidly and the disease may disappear from time to time.

In the early stages, MS may be marked by blurred or double vision, difficulty walking, weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation. Later, the patient may suffer from tremors, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty speaking, and impotence.

"It is not possible to provide a typical picture of multiple sclerosis. Some of the common symptoms, however, include loss of vision in one eye, double vision, loss of coordination and trembling of a hand, instability in walking, spasticity, loss of bladder control, and peculiar spontaneous sensations such as pins-and-needles feeling over part of the body, called paresthesias. At first the patient may have only intermittent symptoms. Since the physical examination at this stage may be completely normal, the patient's complaints may be dismissed initially as 'pyschosomatic' or 'hysterical,'" Pedley explained.

While some patients may recover dramatically, MS is an incurable disease and the survival rate of sufferers can fall anywhere from a few weeks to 50 years. For relief of symptoms, the doctor may prescribe cortisone drugs together with physical therapy to retain muscle function.

"Adequate rest and sleep are important. Complications such as bed sores, contractures, spasms, and bladder and kidney infections can usually be prevented with physiotherapy and good nursing care. Excessive heat should be avoided. Psychotherapy may help in rehabilitation. Very strenuous and fatiguing exercise is not beneficial and may be harmful," said Kurt Butler and Dr. Lynn Rayner of the University Of Hawaii in "The Best Medicine."

To strengthen your body, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html.

Consequences of Myelin Destruction in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system of the body - CNS). In later stages of the disease, multiple sclerosis can involve virtually any innervated section of the body (body parts which contain structures of agglomerated nerve terminations). By affecting the nerve fibers which have the role to transmit signals between the central nervous system and all the innervated organs, multiple sclerosis can cause a multitude of impairments at various levels of the body. When multiple sclerosis involves more parts of the body, the generated symptoms greatly vary in terms of type and intensity, rendering the process of diagnosing the disease very problematic.

Although the progression of multiple sclerosis can be efficiently controlled and its produced symptoms can be alleviated, the already existent damage can't be reversed with medical treatments. Thus, the speed and accuracy of diagnosis play crucial roles in preventing the development of further complications and also increase the efficiency of the specific medication treatments.

All the undesirable effects produced by multiple sclerosis occur due to destruction of myelin, a substance that surrounds the cells of the nervous system. The main role of myelin is to facilitate the transmission of nerve signals at the level of central nervous system and between the CNS and all the other nerves spread throughout the body. Myelin also has the role to protect nerve cells, forming a coating that surrounds their surface. In most cases, the destruction of myelin characteristic to multiple sclerosis takes place fast and generates a wide range of dysfunctions of the nervous system. The process of myelin destruction is irreversible and most existing medical treatments can only slow down this process, being unable to stop it.

Due to the fact that multiple sclerosis can cause a multitude of dysfunctions in various sections of the body, the type, intensity and duration of symptoms differ from a patient to another. Patients with multiple sclerosis may experience numbness, tingling or pain in the muscles, muscular weakness and fatigue, muscular spasms, decreased visual acuity, blurred and double vision, frequent urination, constipation, decreased sexual function, poor balance, nausea, short-term memory loss, decreased judgment, poor concentration, and so on. The list of multiple sclerosis symptoms is very long and such manifestations may either occur together or separately, depending on the levels of the nervous system which are affected by the disease.

The good news is that patients with multiple sclerosis who receive the adequate medical treatment can regain control of their bodies and live active, normal lives. Although they can't reverse the already existing nerve damage nor completely cure the disease, most multiple sclerosis treatments can substantially alleviate symptoms and prevent the occurrence of severe complications.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatments - What You Need to Know

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis), then you are already aware how ravaging this disease can be. However, there is a lot about the disease that you may not be aware of. If you suffer from multiple sclerosis, or watch others suffer, you see what happens to the person's body, but what you don't see is what the disease is doing inside the body. There are many multiple sclerosis treatments, but they vary as much as the disease itself.

MS is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack it's own cells and tissues. But, why does this happen and what causes it? The cause of multiple sclerosis is still a mystery. It is known however, that the immune system doesn't respond normally and attacks the covering of nerve fibers. The nerve fibers affected are in the optic nerves, brain, and spinal cord.

Early symptoms can often be brief and sometimes even missed. They may include numbness, tingling, weak limbs, unsteadiness, and double or blurred vision. Usually as the disease continues on, the symptoms become more severe. Every case of MS varies, but in later stages symptoms include paralysis that is either partial or complete, loss of body part awareness, blindness, memory issues, incontinence, seizures and respiratory problems.

Multiple sclerosis treatments mainly were designed to lessen the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The most frequently prescribed medications include Betaseron, Avonex, and Copaxone. They can help avoid relapses in symptoms once begun. Each drug treats differently and can have different side affects, so it is important to be aware and utilize the best drug for each individual patient. Some of the side affects can be severe, including liver dysfunction, depression and flu symptoms.

There is an increasing interest in using natural multiple sclerosis treatments. Vitamin D and omega 3 fats are thought to possibly be helpful. Antioxidants have also been thought to help in some cases.

The Emotional Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Most MS patients recognize the symptoms of MS within a few months of their diagnosis. The emotional effects are not visible externally, so may be overlooked by the families or carers of MS patients and even by the patients themselves. Despite the fact that it has the same physical cause, the effect of MS on the way somebody thinks is different to other symptoms. If the messages passing from the brain to the rest of the body via the central nervous system are distorted by MS it is hardly surprising the actual way the brain works is affected as well.

Therefore the tricks multiple sclerosis plays on the internal messaging systems of the central nervous system can take MS patients by surprise.

These mental effects can include:

Euphoria, which means an "exaggerated and unrealistic state of happiness", is a fairly common emotional symptom. It may not sound too bad, but it can be a problem if it means uncontrollable giggling when nothing funny has happened. Like being drunk, euphoria is quite fun at the time, but is frustrating for outsiders who can see perfectly well there is no joke and is potentially disastrous when talking to employers or people in authority.

Depression is at least as bad for people with MS as for people who are otherwise healthy, although it is impossible to tell how far the bad news about having MS is a cause in itself. Is it cause or is it an effect? Perhaps MS depression is both a cause and effect. In any case, depression amongst MS sufferers is well above the average for the population as a whole.

Irrational mood swings are a feature of MS that combines both euphoria and depression. The families of people with MS are often baffled by the sudden and unpredictable lurches from highs to lows.

Some researchers claim that more abstract concepts such as spacial awareness can become difficult for multiple sclerosis patients.

Clearer examples of thought problems are memory lapses, which can look like lazy thinking, carelessness, or just plain rudeness. MS patients are sometimes embarrassed to find they have forgotten the names of people they know very well.

Certainly MS patients can find it difficult to articulate ideas, especially in a group setting. Speech is at the complex crossover between the mental and the physical working of the brain, so it is inevitable that the MS patient has to learn to manage the way he or she talks, especially when feeling the effects of one of the emotional symptoms of euphoria, depression, or is undergoing irrational mood swings.

Ataxia and Multiple Sclerosis

Ataxia is the term given to any number of abnormal movements that take place while doing some voluntary movement. It sounds simple enough.

I guess that whenever medical terms or definitions are involved things can get a little (if not a lot) complicated for most of us so, I'll try to put it in layman's terms.

Folks suffering from ataxia have problems coordinating muscle movements. Often, these problems manifest themselves in the legs but also in the arms, eyes and in muscles used in speech. Some of these involuntary movements result in you experiencing incoordination or interruption in your movements. Lots of MSers have experience this type of Ataxia when we under - or over - shoot something we intended or target with our hand, arm, leg or eye.

This missing of target is a type of Ataxia known as Dysmetria. Since my diagnosis, I started to experience Dysmetria of the hand. This can make your writing and picking things up difficult or even impossible.

Your cerebellum is the part of your brain in charge of synchronizing all voluntary muscle movement throughout your body, cerebellar ataxia is the result of lesions on the cerebellum or in the nerves that connect into it. Cerebellar ataxia can result in:

Uncoordinated walking - gait ataxia.

Inability to maintain a steady posture - hypotonia.

Shaking when attempting fine movements - intention tremor.

An inability to coordinate the muscles involved in speech - dysarthia

Jittery eye movements - nystagmus

If the damage is located in the spinal cord - in its posterior columns to be more exact - the type of Ataxia that occurs is known as sensory ataxia.

Whenever you experience not knowing exactly where your limbs (hands and feet) are, you are experiencing Sensory ataxia. Another manifestation of this type of Ataxia happens when you experience an unstable stance. Common problems seen by this type of Ataxia are:

Loss of position sense

Inability to detect vibrations

Unstable stance also known as Romberg's sign

In multiple sclerosis, the last type of Ataxia is known as vestibular ataxia which is caused by lesions to the brainstem and the vestibular nuclei. Common problems seen by this type of Ataxia are:

Loss of Balance

Dizziness

Nausea and

Vomiting (vertigo)

Jittery eye movements - Nystagmus

I know now that I experienced this type of Ataxia when I had my first MS relapse. It came with a loss of balance, dizziness, vertigo and a little jittery of the eyes (nystagmus) besides the optic neuritis that never really went away.

Contrary to what most people think, Ataxia is not a direct result of muscle weakness (atrophy) but a dysfunction in the sensory nerve inputs or motor nerve outputs.

HOW COMMON IS ATAXIA AMONG MSers?

It is estimated that between 80 and 85% of MSers will experience ataxia or tremors at some point during their disease. Ataxia is quite a common symptom in Multiple Sclerosis but is also seen in other conditions such as:

1. Spinal cord compression

2. Diabetic polyneuropathy

3. Acute transverse myelitis

4. Vacuolar myelopathy

5. Tumor or cord compression and

6. Hereditary forms of ataxia

HOW IS ATAXIA TREATED IN MSers?

In order to help you manage these symptoms, several different treatments currently exist. They can be categorized by:

Physiotherapy

Neurosurgery

Oral medications - Some of them containing marijuana or cannabis extract, isoniazid or baclofen.

The Cochrane Collaboration, currently published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010 Issue 11, Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. concludes that there is not enough evidence to suggest that any treatment (drugs, physiotherapy or neurosurgery) provides sustained improvement in ataxia or tremors.

The one thing everybody seems to agree on is that more research is required.

Last but not least, along with the multiple problems caused by ataxia, you may experience tremors.

Tremors are rhythmic shaking movements of different amplitudes.

Whenever I stand in the same place for too long, I experience tremors in my right knee. These tremors are nothing serious and once I start moving they just vanish. While researching the subject I found out that tremors in MSers are mostly affecting the head, neck, vocal cords, trunk or limbs.

TIPS & EXERCISES FOR ATAXIA

In ataxia the person presents.

• Incoordination


• Tremor


• Disturbances of posture


• Balance and


• Gait

Physiotherapy is directed at promoting postural stability, accuracy of limb movements, and functional balance and gait.

Postural stability can be improved by focusing on static control (holding) in a number of different weight bearing, antigravity postures (e.g. prone on elbow, sitting, quadruped, kneeling, plantigrade and standing). Progression through a series of postures is used to gradually increase postural demand by varying the base of support and raising the centre of mass and increasing the number of body segments (degree of freedom) that must be controlled. Specific exercise techniques designed to promote stability include:

• Joint approximation applied through proximal joints (through shoulders or hips) or head or spine


• Alternating isometrics (PNF)


• Rhythmic stabilization (PNF)

Patient with significant ataxia may not be able to hold steady and may benefit from the technique of slow reversal- hold (PNF), progressing through decrements of range. The desired end point is steady mid range holding. Dynamic postural responses can be challenged by incorporating controlled mobility activities such as:

1. Weight shifting


2. Rocking


3. Moving in and out of postures or movement transitions

The patient should practice important functional movement transitions, such supine to sit, sit to stand and scooting.

Distal extremity movements can be superimposed on proximal stability to further challenge dynamic postural control. For example, resisted PNF Chop or lift patterns combined upper extremity movements with trunk movements (flexion rotation or extension with rotation).

An important goal of therapy is to promote safe and functional balance. Static balance control can be improved by using force platform training. The person with ataxia learns to reduce the postural sway (frequency and amplitude) and control centre of alignment position. The added biofeedback from visual and or auditory feedback display can improve control in some patients. Somatosensory, visual, and vestibular inputs can be varied, as appropriate, to assist in sensory compensation in sensory system less involved, for example:

• Standing with eyes open to eyes closed


• Standing on flat surface top a foam surface

Prolonged latencies (onset of responses) should be expected. Dynamic balance control can be initiated using self initiated movements (e.g. reaching, turning, bending). A movable surface can also be used. For example, sitting activities on Swiss ball are an excellent way to promote balance control.

Control of dysmetric limb movements can be promoted by PNF extremity patterns using light resistance to moderate force output and reciprocal actions of muscles for example: slow reversals, slow reversal- hold. Frenkel's Exercises can be used to remediate the problems of dysmetria. The exercises are performed in supine, sitting and standing. Each activity should be performed slowly with the person using vision to guide correct the movement. The exercises require a high degree of mental concentration and effort.

For those patients with prerequisite abilities they may find helpful in regaining some control of ataxic movements through cognitive processes.

Ataxic movements have sometimes been helped by the application of light weights to provide additional proprioceptive loading and stabilize movements. The use of Velcro weight cuffs (wrist or ankle) or a weight belt or weight jacket can reduce dysmetric movements and tremors of the limbs and trunk.

The extra weights will also increase the energy expenditure, and must, therefore, be used cautiously in order not to bring about increased fatigue. Weighted canes or walkers can be used to reduce ataxic upper limb movements during ambulation.

For patient with significant tremor, this may mean the difference between assisted and independent ambulation. Elastic resistance bands can be used to provide resistance and reduce ataxic movements.

The pool is an important therapeutic medium to practice static and dynamic postural control in sitting and standing. Water provides graded resistance that slow down the person's ataxic movement, while the buoyancy aids in upright balance.

Swimming and shallow water calisthenics have shown to be effective in improving strength, decreasing muscular fatigability and increasing endurance. Furthermore, the use of moderate or cool water temperature may help moderate spasticity. In general folks with ataxia do better in low stimulus environment that allows them to concentrate more fully on their movements. They benefit from augmented feedback (verbal cuing of knowledge of results, knowledge of performance, biofeedback) and repetition to improve motor learning.

The Stages of Multiple Sclerosis - Made Easy!

Multiple Sclerosis by its very nature effects everyone different. As an example generally the younger the person is the less likely they are to suffer with prolonged symptoms and generally make a quicker recovery when symptoms first appear. Another fact is that generally people with MS will progress through each stage of ms however some people may never progress through them all and may 'stop' during the first or second stage of multiple sclerosis.

The first stage is called benign.

This first stage of multiple sclerosis occurs in approximately 20% of people. It consists of only two symptoms but which none of them have long lasting effects or disability. For some people they may never receive any symptoms and thus they may never get diagnosed with MS unless it progresses into the next stage. However even though the symptoms can be the same as full blown early MS, there is usually a full recovery with no further problems.

The second stage is also very common and is called the relaxing/remitting stage.

A person may live within this relaxing/remitting stage for many years and in some cases it may even stay in this stage for the rest of their life although un-common. It is the stage with occasional symptoms and attacks more commonly referred to as relapses or exacerbation's. The symptoms are typically optic neuritis, speech problems or muscle spasticity.

The third stage of multiple sclerosis can be split up into two categories.

These categories are primary progressive and secondary progressive. The first category being primary progressive is slow but steady stream of symptoms such as loss of motor functions and difficulty walking which ultimately can lead to disability. However in secondary progressive the progression of MS is somewhat quicker and has less time between the relapses and the recovery. The result of this being more permanent disability because of the continued attacks from the lesions.

The last stage of multiple sclerosis is the progressive/relapsing.

In this last stage of MS it is very similar to primary progressive however it is far more damaging. The amount of disability is increased because of the exacerbation's which cause more permanent damage that cannot be repaired. The functions that are lost due to this stage of MS are never recovered and because of the result of these losses the mortality rate as a consequence of the loses is high.

Being diagnosed as early as possible with multiple sclerosis is the best possible tactic to help you to have a good quality of life and stop or at least slow down the progression through the stages.

Stages of MS - How Quickly Does the Disease Progress Or Develop?

The Stages of MS can vary from patient to patient. Some people recover after an attack and this is known as relapsing remitting MS and this is the most common form of MS. Others may have a worsening of symptoms without remission (progressive MS).

There are four subtype stages of MS that have been identified. Understanding these subtypes, and knowing which you have been diagnosed with, can help you predict future patterns as well as decide on treatment options. They are:

• Relapsing Remitting MS: Symptoms, or relapses, will occur unpredictably. In between relapses, there can be very long periods of symptom free living. During the intervals, there are no new signs of MS activity. When full health is restored by the body after a period of relapse, the MS is now labeled "benign".

• Secondary Progressive MS: People with relapsing remitting MS can sometimes develop secondary progressive. This subtype refers to MS where neurologic decline begins and continues in between periods of severe attacks.

• Primary Progressive MS: From the time of the first MS symptoms, this subtype is marked by continuous decline with no periods of remission, or very minor remission.

• Progressive relapsing MS: Attacks occur on top of neurologic decline; this is the rarest form of MS.

The stages of MS may affect any area of the central nervous system pathways and therefore every patient's case is somewhat unique. Signs can include abnormal walking of movement and there are also sensory symptoms such as numbness in an area of the body, pins and needles and fatigue. Sometimes it can be frustrating because these MS symptoms cannot be seen!

However, it is vital that you tell these symptoms to your doctor and the sooner the better, as sometimes we have a tendency to overlook these things if they come and go and we do not want the stages of MS to advance. It cannot be stressed enough to keep track and monitor your MS symptoms and discuss any concerns with your doctor and neurologist.

Vision - An Early Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis

The Optic Nerve

The optic nerve leads from the back of the eye to the brain sending electrical impulses converted from the light entering the eye in to images for the brain to interpret.

What is Optical Neuritis (ON)?

Optical neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause partial or full vision loss. In some people this condition is an early indication of multiple sclerosis, which causes inflammation and damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of Optical Neuritis

The symptoms can involve loss of colour vision, washed out images and pain in the eye. This condition can develop in just one eye, or both at the same time or alternatively.

PAIN: There is normally pain associated with ON, which increases when there is eye movement.

VISUAL LOSS: Vision loss varies with individuals. Some experience vision loss severely and have blurred or washed out vision whereas others may not notice any change at all. Vision loss can occur from between one day to a week which can temporary but in some cases become permanent.

LOSS OF COLOUR VISION: Red and Green colours can be affected can be affected where the image look less sharp and the colour looks dull. 

Optic Neuritis can happen occur quite quickly and can develop over the course of a few hours, and some have complained that they have woke up with blurred vision but it is more common for it to develop over several days.

Who is at Risk of Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis can affect people of any age, however those more prone to this condition are:

AGE: those between the age of 15 - 50.

GENDER: Twice as likely to occur in women.

RACE: Caucasians are more likely to suffer from Optical Neuritis.

Studies have shown that those that have ON develop autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), after 15 years, different studies show varying results of correlations, between ON and MS and ON is considered one of the earliest signs of MS.

Causes of Optic Neuritis

As explained above electrical impulses travel through the optic nerve to allow the brain to convert the impulses into images in the brain.

The optic nerve is a number of nerves covered in a myelin sheath, a fatty tissue, that allows the electrical impulses to travel quickly to the brain. In two autoimmune conditions this fatty tissue is attacked, which causes the optic nerve to become inflamed and damaged.  

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: This condition involves the body attacking the myelin sheath of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. As stated above those that have ON, 50% of cases where ON was developed MS was developed after 15years.

NEUROMYELITIS OPTICA / DEVIC'S SYNDROME: This condition is affects the central nervous system, which in turn affects the spinal cord and the optic nerve. Again, the body attacks the myelin sheath surrounding the optic nerve and spinal cord.

There are a number of other causes that cause Optic Neuritis.

INFECTIONS: Infections or viruses can cause ON, for example syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B or herpes.

DIABETES: People that have diabetes are at an increased risk of developing ON

CRANIAL ARTERIES: This is the inflammation of the arteries in the brain, which can lead to restriction of blood flow to the brain and the eyes. Any problems in the blood flow can cause stroke or vision loss.

Optical Neuritis is usually diagnosed when you have a sight test after the patient has complained of eye pains or vision deficiencies. The optometrist who checks your sight carries out a routine eye exam together with specific tests to investigate the patients concerns. The optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist to diagnose and treat the condition. You may also be referred to your GP to investigate any possible autoimmune diseases.

It is imperative that regular eye test is carried to determine what your vision should be, if you notice any change in your eyesight you should have it checked as early as possible.

Multiple Sclerosis and Temperature Sensitivity

Many individuals that suffer from multiple sclerosis also suffer from a type of sensitivity to various temperatures. This is especially true if the temperature is warm. Individuals may experience what has been identified by medical professionals as pseudoexacerbation. This is a physiological based change that an individual experiences when they are subjected to high temperatures or heat.

The heat may be part of the person's environment, or their internal body temperature if there is an infection in the body. If you have multiple sclerosis, it is important that you learn as much as you possibly can regarding temperature sensitivity. When the body reacts to heat, it could result in your experiencing the devastating symptoms associated with our disease.

Symptoms of Temperature Sensitivity

There are many different symptoms associated with temperature sensitivity in those that have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Typically, these are symptoms that the patient has experienced in the past that are reoccurring due to the exposure to heat.

Many may describe the symptoms as those that are experienced during an attack of the multiple sclerosis. The symptoms may be mild for some patients, and they may be severe to other patients. The following symptoms may be experienced:

• Many patients find that they experience a decrease in the area of basic cognitive functions. These functions include, but are not limited to: the thought process, remembering, the perceptions that the individual experiences, and reasoning activities.

• It is very common for individuals to experience fatigue as a direct result of an extended level of exposure to heat. Fatigue is both a psychological and physiological form of exhaustion.

• Muscle weakness is common among those that have been subjected to increased temperatures. This weakness may be accompanied by tremors throughout the body.

• Many will find that their arms and legs become numb in higher temperatures.

• It is very common for the vision to become affected in high temperatures. The most common complication experienced by multiple sclerosis patients is blurred vision.

The Reason behind Temperature Sensitivity in Multiple Sclerosis

The central nervous system in the multiple sclerosis patients' body experiences a condition that is often referred to as demyelination. Myelin is a protective covering that is part of every single nerve cell in our body. The body literally attacks these nerves cells and damages the myelin.

As a result, the communication that goes from one nerve cell to another and to and from the brain is either completely interrupted or it is drastically delayed. This means that the body is unable to properly cool itself when exposed to heat. As a result, the individual that suffers from MS suffers from the symptoms that are common to the condition.