Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is believed to affect between two hundred and fifty and three hundred and fifty thousand people in the United States alone. It is estimated that approximately two hundred new cases are reported every week. It can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages because of infrequent attacks, and very mild symptoms that may not meet particular criteria for classification of the disease. Continue reading about information for living with multiple sclerosis.
The axon which is a nerve fiber is encased by the myelin sheath that is damaged by this particular disease. When this sheath is damaged, then communication is no longer the same between the spinal column and the brain, this is a serious blow to the nervous system. The brain communicates with the spinal column by electrical impulses that travel through the axons, or nerve fibers which protect the nerve cells.
Myelin is the axons form of insulation, and when damaged, the signals are no longer sent, or not sent properly. The immune system attacks the myelin being used for insulation. This is the nature of the disease.
The types of symptoms that may appear can be almost anything, but they will be neurological. It may present in attack form, or the person may deteriorate over time. Early detection may help with stopping advancement of damage to the nervous system, and provide medication to prevent the immune system from doing any further damage.
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.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, the neurologist will begin treatment to either slow down, prevent, or rehabilitate conditions that have been caused by the disease to that point. There are many different medications available now that can help with the immune systems attack against myelin. Although there is no current cure, there is hope.
The axon which is a nerve fiber is encased by the myelin sheath that is damaged by this particular disease. When this sheath is damaged, then communication is no longer the same between the spinal column and the brain, this is a serious blow to the nervous system. The brain communicates with the spinal column by electrical impulses that travel through the axons, or nerve fibers which protect the nerve cells.
Myelin is the axons form of insulation, and when damaged, the signals are no longer sent, or not sent properly. The immune system attacks the myelin being used for insulation. This is the nature of the disease.
The types of symptoms that may appear can be almost anything, but they will be neurological. It may present in attack form, or the person may deteriorate over time. Early detection may help with stopping advancement of damage to the nervous system, and provide medication to prevent the immune system from doing any further damage.
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.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, the neurologist will begin treatment to either slow down, prevent, or rehabilitate conditions that have been caused by the disease to that point. There are many different medications available now that can help with the immune systems attack against myelin. Although there is no current cure, there is hope.
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