Multiple Sclerosis (Definition)  “Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system (the Brain and the Spinal cord). More specifically, it is a disease of the white matter tissue. The white matter contains an abundant amount of myelinated axons, which is the Central Nervous Systems main ability for transmitting signals and speeding up those signals within the body. “- National MS Society

Symptoms Bladder DysfunctionNumbness and TinglingOptic NeuritisErectile dysfunctionVertigoFatigueMuscle spasmsPain

Symptoms Continued  Two kinds of Symptoms Attack-old symptoms worsen. New symptoms arise Remission-symptoms die off, or don’t show for long time.

Diagnosis  No single test to diagnose Multiple Sclerosis.  “as many as 10% of people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis actually have some other conditions that masquerade as MS. Such as, Inflammation in the blood vessels, multiple strokes, vitamin deficiency, lupus or brain infection. Sometime stress-related disorders can lead to a misdiagnosis of MS” –Web MD

Diagnosis Medical History Examination Neurological Examination Spinal Tap MRI Also known as a magnetic resonance imaging system. Electro-Physiological Test Also known as the Evoked Potentials Test

Ways to Determine Criteria to follow “The onset should usually occur between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms and signs indicating disease of the brain or spinal cord. Evidence of two or more lesions, or scar tissue in the brain, from the MRI. Objective evidence of disease of the brain or spinal cord on doctor’s examination Two or more episodes of attacks lasting at least 24 hours and occurring at least one month apart. No other explanation for the symptoms. “- National MS S

Cure  NO CURE! 

Medications (Disease Modifying Drugs) Avonex Interferon eta-1a Used to treat after an initial episode of MS. Also used to help prevent relapsing Given Intramuscular Betaseron Interferon beta-1b Us used to prevent relapsing forms of MS. Given Subcutaneous Copaxone Glatiramer acetate Used to prevent relapsing forms of MS. Given subcutaneously Novantrone Mitoxantrone Used for treatment of rapidly worsening of relapsing in MS. Given Intravenously Rebif Interferon beta-1a is used for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. Given subcutaneously

Health-Nutrician  Eat Right!  Exercise!  Avoid foods that could trigger and immune response- foods high in fatty acids  Eat foods rich in omega-3.  Increase intake of vitamin D. help aid in the Central Nervous System.

Multiple Sclerosis “Self Advocacy means speaking up for oneself. It refers to your ability to effectively communicate and interest, desire, need, or right- and negotiate to resolve it. It also means making informed decisions and taking responsibility for them. Effective self-advocates understand individual strengths and needs, identify personal goals, and recognize legal rights and responsibilities” – National MS Society.