The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog

Information and Resources on Multiple Sclerosis and its signs and symptoms!
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By N2H

Why People Suffer From Lower Back Pain May 8, 2010

Filed under: MS — theblogger @ 9:58 am

Have you been among the many many millions of folk who seem for being wrestl ing with lower back pain and generally seeking advice on how to get shot of lower back pain? Good
Then you ‘ve are available towards the right place.

We a re going to reveal some items that you can start executing at the moment to discover how to begin getting rid of  lower back pain. There are actually a couple of points that you
Can do from the comfort and ease of one’s ho use; nonetheless when you continue to have endure for several weeks and practically nothing you ought to do look s for being operating; then i highly
recommend that you explore your surgeon. They are going to be able to align you in the right direction of losing  back pain muscle.

they will be able to take an x -ray to your spi ne to make certain that you just do no t have any type of serious back again Problem s that will require a lot more help.

her e are some home cure s that you can begin using to get shot of lower back pain.

1. Ice : you ought to realize that ice may be a good way to bring about reduction from inflamed muscles inside the back again or any other type of injury that you just could be dealing with.

2. Heat : This is certainly an a different superb strategy to bring about reduction to in turn pain. You should try out swapp ing heat and ice to all your back. If you decide to do this look at alternat ing equally in intervals of 20-25 min ute s for the finest results.

3. Finished The Counter medic ine: Aleve and Motrin are very good OTC medic ation s that will create reduction out of your lower back pain. Whenever you actually use them then you definately should follow the directions around the bottle to ensure that you simply are acquiring the right dos e.

Recall you do n’t should reside with constant  back and neck pain. You may start off currently to discover easy methods to shed your Problem s. Pay a visit to our web page below and get some valuable information that will reply all of your questions about this continu ing predicament.



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How Can You Spot The Obvious Diabetes Signs

Filed under: MS — theblogger @ 1:03 am

It’s very important to be able to spot diabetes signs at a very early stage in the disease . Here are the top 11 most common and easiest to spot signs:

Have You Suddenly Started To Lose Weight? A persons weight is a very important determining factor in early onset diabetes . Most diabetics are actually overweight . It’s when the diabetes actually begins when the sudden weight loss occurs . This is due to the fact that the body suddenly begins to use body fat stores for nutrition and energy .

Often and frequent Urination   Frequent urination is the most classic symptom of diabetes . The symptoms occur because the body of the person is unable to reabsorb the water back into the body. The kidneys of the diabetic person becomes busy in extracting and flushing away more water because of the osmotic activity that is linked to increased level of glucose.

Are You Suffering From Unquenchable Thirst?  Dehydration stems from frequent urination. To restock the supply of water the body gives signal that it is extremely thirsty.

Are You Feeling Extreme Hunger Specially Soon After Eating?  Because the body is continually breaking down tissue, it feels as though it must feed constantly . The cells of the diabetic person are in the state of starvation specifically if left untreated at the mercy of diabetes.

Those are considered to be the trademark signs of diabetes . In almost every diabetic the above symptoms can be found . These are the classic warning signs and should not be ignored . If you are experiencing these signs of diabetes then it is better to get tested.

 We mentioned 11 signs, here are 7 more not so common signs you should look out for .

Blurriness in Vision: This is caused by an increase in blood flow to the retina of the eye.

Dryness of Skin:  Diabetics are known to have itchy and dry skin .

Numbness or Tingling In Extremities:  This symptom can better be explained by a heart beat in hand or feet. Though sounds ridiculous but it is the best explanation of numbness feeling.

Slow Healing Cuts and Wounds:  Poor healing of even minor cuts and bruises is another sign of diabetes.

Recurrent Vaginal Infection in Women:  Yeast and Vaginal infections are very common in diabetic women.

Tiredness or Fatigue:  If you feel tired and fatigued even after just the smallest of tasks it’s possibly an early sign of diabetes .

Irritability:  All of the above signs of diabetes can manifest themselves in a person and understandably cause irritability .



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Causes Of Multiple Sclerosis February 13, 2009

Filed under: MS — The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog @ 1:02 am
  • Causes Of Multiple Sclerosis And The Accompanied Depression – Multiple Sclerosis: Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis · Early Symptoms and Signs of Multiple Sclerosis · Can Multiple Sclerosis Patient, Parent a Child? Multiple Sclerosis- what is it? Multiple Sclerosis and Restorative Yoga …


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    Multiple Sclerosis February 10, 2009

    Filed under: MS — The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog @ 12:55 am

    Multiple Sclerosis

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects your central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which your immune system attacks components of your body as if they’re foreign.

    In multiple sclerosis, the body mistakenly directs antibodies and white blood cells against proteins in the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers in your brain and spinal cord. This results in inflammation and injury to the sheath and ultimately to the nerves that it surrounds. The result may be multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis). Eventually, this damage can slow or block the nerve signals that control muscle coordination, strength, sensation and vision.

    Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States and probably more than 1 million people around the world — including twice as many women as men. Most people experience their first signs or symptoms between ages 20 and 40.

    Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable and varies in severity. In some people, multiple sclerosis is a mild illness, but it can lead to permanent disability in others. Treatments can modify the course of the disease and relieve symptoms.

    Signs and symptoms

    Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary widely, depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis symptoms may include:

    • Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, which typically occurs on one side of your body at a time or the bottom half of your body
    • Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement
    • Double vision or blurring of vision
    • Tingling or pain in parts of your body
    • Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain head movements
    • Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait
    • Fatigue
    • Dizziness

    In some cases, people with multiple sclerosis may also develop muscle stiffness or spasticity, slurred speech, paralysis, or problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function. Mental changes, such as forgetfulness or difficulties with concentration, also may occur.

    Causes

    Your central nervous system contains millions of nerve cells that send their electrical signals to and from your brain along wire-like extensions of the cells called axons, or nerve fibers. Myelin is the fatty substance that coats and protects these fibers, similar to the way insulation shields electrical wires.

    In people with multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly destroys the cells that produce the myelin sheath. As a result, myelin becomes inflamed and swollen and detaches from the nerve fibers. The detached myelin may eventually be destroyed. Firm or hardened (sclerosed) patches of scar tissue form over the fibers. When nerve impulses reach a damaged area, some impulses are blocked or delayed from traveling to or from your brain. Ultimately, this process leads to degeneration of the nerves themselves, which likely accounts for the permanent disabilities that may develop in MS.

    Doctors and researchers don’t understand what causes this autoimmune reaction. Something seems to trigger the condition in susceptible people.

    Genetic factors may make certain people more susceptible to multiple sclerosis. But genetic susceptibility is only part of the explanation. A number of researchers believe the disorder is related to a protein that mimics the myelin protein, which may be introduced into the body by a virus. Other researchers believe that the immune system overreacts toward myelin proteins in people with MS, which leads to an abnormal tendency to develop autoimmune disease.

    A period of disease activity (exacerbation) may be triggered by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, or by changes in the immune system during the first six months following a pregnancy.

    Patterns of MS
    Whatever the multiple sclerosis cause or trigger, the disease occurs in four main patterns:

    • Relapsing remitting. This type of multiple sclerosis is characterized by clearly defined flare-ups, followed by periods of remission. The flare-ups typically appear suddenly, last a few weeks or months, and then gradually disappear. Most people with MS have this form at the time of diagnosis.
    • Primary progressive. People with this less common form of multiple sclerosis experience a gradual decline, without periods of remission. People with this form of MS are usually older than 40 when signs or symptoms begin.
    • Secondary progressive. More than half the people with relapsing remitting MS eventually enter a stage of continuous deterioration referred to as secondary progressive MS. Sudden relapses may occur, superimposed upon the continuous deterioration that characterizes this type of multiple sclerosis.
    • Progressive relapsing. This is primary progressive MS with the addition of sudden episodes of new symptoms or worsened existing ones. This form is relatively uncommon.

    Treatment

    If your attacks are mild or infrequent, your doctor may advise a wait-and-see approach, with counseling and observation.

    Medications for relapsing MS
    If you have a relapsing form of the disease, your doctor may recommend treatment with disease-modifying medications early in the course of disease. You can’t take these medications if you’re pregnant or may become pregnant. These medications for multiple sclerosis treatment include:

    · Beta interferons. Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) and interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif) are genetically engineered copies of proteins that occur naturally in your body. They help fight viral infection and regulate your immune system.

    If you use Betaseron, you inject yourself under your skin (subcutaneously) every other day. If you use Rebif, you inject yourself subcutaneously three times a week. You self-inject Avonex into your muscle (intramuscularly) once a week. These medications reduce but don’t eliminate flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. It’s uncertain which of their many actions lead to a reduction in disease activity and what their long-term benefits are. Beta interferons aren’t used in combination with one another; only one of these medications is used at a time.

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved beta interferons only for people with relapsing forms of MS who can still walk. Beta interferons don’t reverse damage and haven’t been proved to significantly alter long-term development of permanent disability. Some people develop antibodies to beta interferons, which may make them less effective. Other people can’t tolerate the side effects, which may include symptoms similar to those of the flu (influenza).

    Doctors generally recommend beta interferons for people who have more than one attack of MS a year and for those who don’t recover well from flare-ups. The treatment may also be used for people who have a significant buildup of new lesions as seen on an MRI scan, even when there may not be major new symptoms of disease activity.

    The FDA has approved the use of several beta interferons for people who’ve experienced a single attack that suggests multiple sclerosis, and who may be at risk of future attacks and developing definite MS. Risk of MS may also be suggested when an MRI scan of the brain shows lesions that predict a high risk of conversion to definite MS. Controversy exists as to whether these people should take these expensive and often inconvenient drugs for indefinite periods, especially because some people do well both in the short term and long term without therapy. Some doctors prefer to observe people at high risk with follow-up examinations and MRI scans to document any ongoing inflammatory disease activity before recommending long-term therapies such as beta interferon.

    • Glatiramer (Copaxone). This medication is an alternative to beta interferons if you have relapsing remitting MS. Doctors believe that glatiramer works by blocking your immune system’s attack on myelin. You must inject glatiramer subcutaneously once daily. Side effects may include flushing and shortness of breath after injection.

    · Natalizumab (Tysabri). This drug is administered intravenously once a month. It works by blocking the attachment of immune cells to brain blood vessels — a necessary step for immune cells to cross into the brain — thus reducing the immune cells’ inflammatory action on brain nerve cells.

    During clinical trials, this drug was shown to significantly reduce the frequency of attacks in people with relapsing MS. After receiving FDA approval, however, the drug was withdrawn from the market because of reports from three people who developed a rare, often fatal, brain disorder called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

    In 2006, after reconsideration of the drug’s benefits for people with multiple sclerosis, the FDA agreed to allow the drug to be marketed again under specific conditions. Chief among these conditions is the requirement that doctors, pharmacists and patients be involved in a special distribution program known as TOUCH in order to prescribe, dispense or receive the drug. Because of the drug’s risks, it’s generally recommended only for people whose condition hasn’t responded to other forms of MS therapy. Furthermore, there has been no study direct comparing natalizumab to existing treatments to prove whether it’s superior to existing treatments.

    · Other medications. Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) is a chemotherapy drug used for many cancers. This drug is also FDA-approved for treatment of aggressive forms of relapsing remitting MS, as well as certain forms of progressive MS. It’s given intravenously, typically every three months.

    Mitoxantrone may cause serious side effects, such as heart damage, after long-term use, so it’s typically not used for longer than two to three years. And it’s typically reserved for people with severe attacks or rapidly advancing disease who don’t respond to other treatments. Close monitoring is critical for anyone on this medication.

    Some doctors are also prescribing other chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), for people with severe, rapidly progressing MS. However, these medications aren’t FDA-approved for treatment of MS.

    Medications for progressive MS
    Some medications may relieve symptoms of progressive MS. They include:

    • Corticosteroids. Doctors most often prescribe short courses of oral or intravenous corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in nerve tissue and to shorten the duration of flare-ups. Prolonged use of these medications, however, may cause side effects, such as osteoporosis and high blood pressure (hypertension), and the benefit of long-term therapy in multiple sclerosis isn’t established.
    • Muscle relaxants. Baclofen (Lioresal) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are oral treatments for muscle spasticity. If you have multiple sclerosis, you may experience muscle stiffening or spasms, particularly in your legs, which can be painful and uncontrollable. This typically occurs in people with persisting or progressive weakness of their legs. Baclofen may temporarily increase weakness in your legs. Tizanidine controls muscle spasms without causing your legs to feel weak, but can be associated with drowsiness or a dry mouth.
    • Medications to reduce fatigue. To help combat fatigue, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant medication, the antiviral drug amantadine (Symmetrel) or a medication for narcolepsy called modafinil (Provigil). All drugs prescribed for this purpose appear to work because of their stimulant properties. One study has showed that aspirin treatment may be effective in controlling MS-related fatigue; further research is planned to address the benefits of aspirin on fatigue.
    • Other medications. Many medications are used for the muscle stiffness, depression, pain and bladder control problems associated with multiple sclerosis. Drugs for arthritis and medications that suppress the immune system may slow MS in some cases.

    MS treatments other than medications
    In addition to medications, these treatments also may be helpful:

    • Physical and occupational therapy. A physical or occupational therapist can teach you strengthening exercises and show you how to use devices that can ease the performance of daily tasks. Therapists are usually supervised by doctors (physiatrists) who advise and coordinate the therapy that you might receive. Therapists can assist you in finding optimal mobility assistance devices such as canes, wheelchairs and motorized scooters. These devices and exercises can help preserve your independence.
    • Counseling. Individual or group therapy may help you cope with multiple sclerosis and relieve emotional stress. Your family members or caregivers also may benefit from seeing a counselor.

    · Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis). Plasma exchange may help restore neurological function in people with sudden severe attacks of MS-related disability who don’t respond to high doses of steroid treatment. This procedure involves removing some of your blood and mechanically separating the blood cells from the fluid (plasma). Your blood cells then are mixed with a replacement solution, typically albumin, or a synthetic fluid with properties like plasma. The solution with your blood is then returned to your body.

    Replacing your plasma may dilute the activity of the destructive factors in your immune system, including antibodies that attack myelin, and help you to recover. Plasma exchange has no proven benefit beyond three months from the onset of the neurological symptoms.

    Article from : Scribd



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    Physical Causes Of Fatigue February 8, 2009

    Filed under: MS — The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog @ 1:06 am


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    Multiple Sclerosis Treatments February 4, 2009

    Filed under: MS — The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog @ 11:46 pm

    Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Methods

    Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease and affects the central nervous system. Central nervous system is made up of nerves that act as the body’s messenger system. It damages the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects your nerve cells. This damage slows down or blocks messages between your brain and your body. Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually affects woman more than men. The disorder most commonly begins between ages 20 and 40, but can strike at any age. Multiple sclerosis affects neurons, the cells of the brain and spinal cord that carry information, create thought and perception, and allow the brain to control the body. Surrounding and protecting some of these neurons is a fatty layer known as the myelin sheath, which helps neurons carry electrical signals. MS causes gradual destruction of myelin (demyelination) and transection of neuron axons in patches throughout the brain and spinal cord. The name multiple sclerosis refers to the multiple scars (or scleroses) on the myelin sheaths. This scarring causes symptoms which vary widely depending upon which signals are interrupted. Multiple sclerosis may take several different forms, with new symptoms occurring either in discrete attacks or slowly accruing over time. Between attacks, symptoms may resolve completely, but permanent neurologic problems often persist, especially as the disease advances. MS currently does not have a cure, though several treatments are available that may slow the appearance of new symptoms. MS is believed to result from damage to the myelin sheath, the protective material which surrounds nerve cells. It is a progressive disease, meaning the damage gets worse over time. Inflammation destroys the myelin, leaving multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis). The inflammation occurs when the body’s own immune cells attack the nervous system.

    MS gets its name from the buildup of scar tissue (sclerosis) in the brain and/or spinal cord. Symptoms of MS may mimic many other neurologic disorders. Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States and probably more than 1 million people around the world. Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary widely, depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation (hypoesthesia), muscle weakness, abnormal muscle spasms, or difficulty to move; difficulties with coordination and balance (ataxia); problems in speech (Dysarthria) or swallowing (Dysphagia), visual problems (Nystagmus, optic neuritis, or diplopia), fatigue and acute or chronic pain syndromes, bladder and bowel difficulties, cognitive impairment, or emotional symptomatology (mainly depression). Most people with MS also exhibit paresthesias, transitory abnormal sensory feelings such as numbness, prickling, or “pins and needles” sensations. Some may also experience pain. Speech impediments, tremors, and dizziness are other frequent complaints. Occasionally, people with MS have hearing loss. Approximately half of all people with MS experience cognitive impairments such as difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, and poor judgment, but such symptoms are usually mild and are frequently overlooked. Subsequent symptoms also include more prominent upper motor neuron signs, i.e.,. increased spasticity, increasing para- or quardriparesis. Vertigo, incoordination and other cerebellar problems, depression, emotional lability, abnormalities in gait, dysarthria, fatigue and pain are also commonly seen.

    Multiple sclerosis is difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Several types of therapy have proven to be helpful for multiple sclerosis. Medications can help ease MS attacks and possibly slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and maintain a normal quality of life. Many patients do well with no therapy at all, especially since many medications have serious side effects and some carry significant risks. Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) and interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif) are genetically engineered copies of proteins that occur naturally in your body. They help fight viral infection and regulate your immune system. Glatiramer is synthetic medication made of four amino acids that are found in myelin. This drug stimulates T cells in the body’s immune system to change from harmful, pro-inflammatory agents to beneficial, anti-inflammatory agents that work to reduce inflammation at lesion sites. Natalizumab (Tysabri) drug is administered intravenously once a month. It works by blocking the attachment of immune cells to brain blood vessels ? a necessary step for immune cells to cross into the brain ? thus reducing the immune cells’ inflammatory action on brain nerve cells. During clinical trials, this drug was shown to significantly reduce the frequency of attacks in people with relapsing MS. Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) is a chemotherapy drug used for many cancers. It’s given intravenously, typically every three months. Muscle relaxants. Baclofen (Lioresal) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are oral treatments for muscle spasticity. If you have multiple sclerosis, you may experience muscle stiffening or spasms, particularly in your legs, which can be painful and uncontrollable. Baclofen may temporarily increase weakness in your legs. Tizanidine controls muscle spasms without causing your legs to feel weak, but can be associated with drowsiness or a dry mouth.

    Juliet Cohen writes articles on health doctor and skin disorders. She also writes articles on health disorders.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juliet_Cohen
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Multiple-Sclerosis-Treatment-Methods&id=643229



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    MS The Signs & Symptoms January 31, 2009

    Filed under: MS — The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog @ 1:04 am


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    Here are some great MS Sites and Resources January 28, 2009

    Filed under: MS — The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog @ 8:46 pm


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    Royal Hospital For Neuro-disability And Channel 4 Highlight Ability In Disability, England December 17, 2008

    Filed under: MS — The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog @ 8:00 am

    Next Wednesday, 17th December, the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability features in Channel 4′s Three Minute Wonder series. As part of the week-long strand themed Life After Coma, “Blah Blah Blah” focuses on Piotr, a remarkable resident living with Locked-in Syndrome, and shows how we have been able to restore his ability to communicate and publish three collections of poetry, despite his being over 90% paralysed.



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    New Website For People With Multiple Sclerosis December 15, 2008

    Filed under: MS — The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis Blog @ 8:00 am

    MS Invigor8, a website developed by researchers at the University of Southampton, to treat fatigue in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) will be completed on Friday (12 December) and is ready to be trialled.



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