Finding Ways To Cope With Multiple Sclerosis
Almost three hundred fifty thousand individuals in the United States are suspected to be affected by the disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Nearly two hundred cases are diagnosed every week. In its early stages, it is hard to recognize because its symptoms may be very mild, and the attacks may not be frequent. This will often keep people from meeting the criteria required to be classified as having MS. The following will to discover ways of living with Multiple Sclerosis.
The myelin sheath which is fatty and located around the outside of the axon is damaged. This inhibits communication between the brain and spinal column and damages the nervous system. The brain needs to communicate with the spinal cord through electrical impulses that actually travel down the axon protecting the nerve cell.
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 neurological symptoms that show up from this disease can be anything. The symptoms that present may come in attacks, or they may grow steadily worse over a period of time diminishing the capacity of the cognitive skills. Early diagnosis and treatment by an excellent neurologist may make the difference in the amount of damage that is done.
Extensive testing may be required by a neurologist in order to determine if the symptoms experienced are actually MS. There is not an individual test for the disease, so other problems have to be ruled out in order to decide if this is the correct condition. Choose a neurologist that comes highly recommended and prepare for several different tests, such as MRI, blood work, and a spinal tap.
With a confirmed diagnosis, a neurologist will want to begin treatment right away. New medications are available to prevent the immune system from attacking the myelin and causing damage. Other medications and therapy are used to repair damage that may have been caused. There is no cure as of yet, but there is a great deal of hope for those suffering with the disease based on new treatments.
One of the main neurological specialties of R. Braden Neiman is multiple sclerosis. He treats all forms of MS, includingRelapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.