Discovering Ways To Manage Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is believed to affect between two hundred and fifty and three hundred and fifty thousand people in the United States alone. It is estimated that approximately two hundred new cases are reported every week. It can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages because of infrequent attacks, and very mild symptoms that may not meet particular criteria for classification of the disease. Continue reading about information for living with multiple sclerosis.
The axon which is a nerve fiber is encased by the myelin sheath that is damaged by this particular disease. When this sheath is damaged, then communication is no longer the same between the spinal column and the brain, this is a serious blow to the nervous system. The brain communicates with the spinal column by electrical impulses that travel through the axons, or nerve fibers which protect the nerve cells.
Myelin is the necessary insulation for the axon, and when it becomes damaged, the signals are damaged, or not sent. The bodies own immune system is the cause of the myelin being attacked and damaged. This is the actual cause of this disease.
The types of symptoms that may appear can be almost anything, but they will be neurological. It may present in attack form, or the person may deteriorate over time. Early detection may help with stopping advancement of damage to the nervous system, and provide medication to prevent the immune system from doing any further damage.
Using a neurologist will be necessary not only for detection of the disease, but for continuing treatment if it is found to exist. There is no one specific test to determine this particular type of disease, so a battery of tests are performed to rule other things out. Some of the test to expect are a spinal tap, blood work, and MRI.
If a diagnosis of MS is determined through testing, treatment will most likely begin immediately. Treatments may involve medications and therapy depending on the advancement of the disease. New medications have been developed to prevent the bodies immune system from attacking the myelin and doing further damage. Therapy may be necessary to help return some skills that have been lost. Hope is available, and new treatments are being developed.
You can read more about Dr. Swann Van Delden on our website. You can also see testimonials fromsome of the neurology patients she treats.
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