$Unique_ID{BRK00411}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Information on Multiple Sclerosis}
$Subject{multiple sclerosis}
$Volume{F-2}
$Log{
Overview*0008101.scf
Symptoms*0008201.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Information on Multiple Sclerosis


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QUESTION:  Although I scan most health columns, I find little to read about
Multiple Sclerosis.  Since we now face the need to deal with this disease, we
are filled with the need for more information to help us cope with the
situation.  I am sure you could help us if you will only write something about
this condition.

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ANSWER:  Information is our most precious ally when facing an unknown
situation or problem, and we will start with this answer for you.  According
to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, more than 250,000 Americans
currently suffer with multiple sclerosis (MS) One of the tragedies of this
affliction is that it strikes at the young with most patients being diagnosed
between the ages of 15 to forty, although it can strike people as young as 2
or as old as 60.  Women are the victims twice as frequently as men and come
down with the disease at an earlier age.  We know some important facts about
MS.  It is not an infectious disease and so is not contagious, but probably is
due to an abnormality in the body's immune mechanisms.  There is an inherited
predisposition to the disease though, and we see it more commonly in children
of MS sufferers.  Finally the disease is not fatal, and patients may lead long
constructive lives.  MS is a disease of the central nervous system, where it
attacks the white matter, known as myelin, which sheathes or wraps the nerve
fibers like a type of insulation.  When the myelin is destroyed, plaques or
scars develop, and the nerve signals that normally pass along the nerve
fibers, are stopped.  This creates the symptoms of weakness in the muscles,
changes in feeling with numbness or tingling, double vision, dizziness or
light-headedness, and many other disturbing symptoms which depend upon the
area of damage in the nervous system.  The symptoms may come and go
(remission) only to return again.  While there is no specific treatment, many
are currently used with some effect, and more are being developed.  Cortisone
like substances are frequently used during acute attacks.  You may obtain much
more information as well as reports on all the latest developments in
treatment from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 205 East 42 nd Street,
New York, NY 10017.
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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.
