|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resources by Disability
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Definition: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. Approximately 500,000 people in the United States have MS.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include vision loss, extreme fatigue, dizziness, numbness or weakness in one or more limbs at a time, muscle spasms, and tremors. Depending on the type of MS, short term memory loss and other cognitive problems can also occur.
About 20% of all MS patients have benign MS, which involves one or two mild attacks followed by a full recovery. Relapse-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS and affects over 70% of all patients. People with RRMS experience isolated flare-ups of the condition (where symptoms emerge or worsen), followed by periods of remission. 50% of all RRMS cases develop into secondary progressive MS. Primary and secondary progressive MS are the most debilitating types, and affect less than 10% of all MS patients. Primary patients experience constant symptoms that worsen gradually, while secondary patients suffer from periodic attacks that grow more severe over time.
Cause: MS is caused by an inflammatory attack on the central nervous system, specifically on myelin (a fatty material that insulates the nerves). As MS destroys the body’s myelin, nerves can no longer transmit impulses from the body to the brain. This attack may be triggered by hereditary, environmental, and viral factors. MS is more common in women (by 67%) and in Caucasians. Children of parents with MS also have a 30-50% higher rate of incidence.
Diagnosis: To diagnose MS, physicians perform detailed history, physical, and neurological exams, blood tests, MRI scans, and spinal taps. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 18 and 35.
Treatment: Medications, acupuncture, and massage therapy can help relieve the symptoms of MS, slow the course of the condition, and provide psychological support.
Myth: People often associate MS with immobility. In truth, 75% of MS patients do not use a wheelchair. While MS is a progressive disorder, patients can manage the condition with proper treatment.
Notable People with MS:
- Montel Williams, an American talk show host.
- Annette Funicello , an American actress and original Mouseketeer.
Support Groups:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater Delaware Valley Chapter
1 Reed Street Suite 200
Philadelphia PA 19147
Tel: (215) 271-1500
Fax: (215) 271-6122
Email: pae@nmss.org
Website: http://pae.nationalmssociety.org/
|
|
|
|
|
