$Unique_ID{BRK00411}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Information on Multiple Sclerosis}
$Subject{multiple sclerosis nerves Nervous System MS abnormality body immune
mechanisms inherited predisposition white matter myelin sheathes nerve fibers
weakness numbness tingling double vision dizziness lightheadedness remission
dizzy}
$Volume{F-1,U-1}
$Log{
Anatomy of Nerves*0008101.scf
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis*0008201.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   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
lightheadedness, 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.