~ Causes I am Learning About ~
we recently learned that my sister *might* have multiple sclerosis. she is currently in the first stages of testing and it is proving to be very stressful for her to "hurry up and wait" to find out how each test is coming back. as we live together and support each other in everything, it occured to me that i need to know more about what we are looking at. the more i read, the more i realized that, while not necessarily life threatening, it is life-altering.
there is currently no cure for this disease, and the effects it has on a person over time are devestating. i worked with a woman last year who had lived with MS for over 30 years, and the strangth of character it took for her to go on was awe-inspiring. the love and support of her family and friends was a good part of what kept her going.
the more i learn, the more information i will add to these pages. see the bottom of the page for links i have gathered as well.
MS
general info
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses.
In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken. Myelin not only protects nerve fibers, but makes their job possible. When myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.
the symptoms include:
~ bowel / bladder dysfuntion
~ changes in cognitive function
~ dizziness & vertigo
~ emotional problem (such as depression)
~ fatigue
~ difficulty walking
~ abnormal/unexplainable numbness
~ pain
~ sexual dysfunction
~ vision problems
diagnosing MS:
At this time, no single test is available to identify or rule out MS. Several tests and procedures are needed. These are likely to include:
Complete Medical History ~ Healthcare providers need an overall view of the individual's health picture, including symptoms and when they began.
Nervous System Functioning ~ Testing of reflexes, balance, coordination, and vision— as well as checking for areas of numbness.
Diagnostic Tests such as:
MRI scan, which gives detailed view of the brain
Evoked potential tests, which measure how quickly and accurately a person's nervous system responds to certain stimulation
Spinal tap, which checks spinal fluid for signs of the disease
Two Basic Signs are Required to Confirm MS
1. Signs of disease in different parts of the nervous system
2. Signs of at least two separate flare-ups (also called relapses or exacerbations) of the disease
links about MS
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