$Unique_ID{BRK00997}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Is There More Information About Multiple Sclerosis?}
$Subject{multiple sclerosis diagnosis treatment}
$Volume{F-2}
$Log{
Figure 1*0008101.scf
Figure 2*0008201.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There More Information About Multiple Sclerosis?


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QUESTION:  I have had multiple sclerosis for some time year and am doing quite
well.  I try to learn as much about my condition as I can.  While I have been
told that the cause is still unknown, certainly there must be more information
about the disease than that.  Can you please fill me in with some of the
results of your own study of this disease?

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ANSWER:  As you must already know multiple sclerosis (MS) is a slowly
progressive disease of the central nervous system, known as a "demyelinating"
disease.  "Myeline" is the material that forms a sheath or covering around the
nerves and acts as an electrical insulator would, to help maintain the flow of
current within the nerve.  In MS this substance is gradually destroyed,
preventing the nerves from doing their work, and producing many varied
neurological symptoms and signs, which wax and wain as the disease progresses
through remissions and exacerbations.  MS is the most common of these
demyelinating diseases, with about 8,800 new cases reported each year.  It
affects women a bit more frequently than men, and occurs in the temperate
zones of the world.  In fact the greater your latitude, North or South, the
greater the possibility of developing MS with high risk areas including the
United States, Canada, Great Britain, and the Scandinavian countries in the
northern hemisphere, while in the southern hemisphere the greatest number of
cases are found in New Zealand, and Tasmania.  Asia is almost completely free
of the disease, and no definite cases have been seen in Black Africans.
According to some investigators, these environmental factors are at work up
until the age of 15 years, and that moving from a high risk area to a low risk
part of the globe before that age, will reduce the chances of it developing.
This is certainly not the whole story, as increased incidence in certain
families points to possible genetic factors, and the possibility of viral
infections playing a role must also be considered, as well as altered immune
responses.  The disease shows its first signs in adults in the age range of 20
to 40 and may continue over a period of more than 25 years.  While no specific
treatment exists, prednisone is often used to help combat symptoms.  All
patients are counseled to maintain an active life style while avoiding
overwork and fatigue.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
