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Friends With MS.com
Bringing you support and
information for Multiple
Sclerosis
What is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological
disease that affects over 350,000
Americans.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often
disabling disease of the central nervous
system. Symptoms may be mild such as
numbness in the limbs or severe paralysis,
or loss of vision. It causes demyelization
of the nerves in the Brain and Spinal cord
Some Symptoms of MS
Numbness
Fatigue
Weakness
Facial pain
Optic neuritis
Color blindness
Tremors
Muscle atrophy
Double vision
Dizziness
Vertigo
Constipation
Bladder problems
Spasticity
Restless leg
Depression
Testing for Multiple Sclerosis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is the
most preferred diagnostic tool
Lumbar Puncture or spinal tap shows
proteins in the spinal fluid. Only 1/3rd of
those diagnosed with MS have these
proteins. If the proteins are not present it
does not mean you do not have MS.
Evoked Potential Study
Blood work is done to rule out other
diseases and disorders.
An MRI showing MS Lesions
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging, (MRI) is done
typically with and without
contrast so the neurologist
can compare images. MS
lesions glow and show up
much easier with the
contrast injection. If you
are allergic to shell fish
make sure you tell your
Doctor.
Current Treatments to Slow the
progression of MS
Avonex (beta1a) once a week
intramuscular injection
Beta (Betaseron) every other day under
the skin.
Copaxone (Glatiramer Acetate) daily
injection under the skin
Rebif 3xs a week under the skin
Novantrone once every 3 months for about
2 to 3 years (8 to 12 doses).
Types of MS
Benign Sensory MS
Relapsing Remitting MS
Relapsing Remitting with Secondary
Progressive
Primary Progressive
Credits:
Presentation by Veronica Davidson
Information from the following sources:
National MS Society
MS Association of America
International Journal of MS Care
MS Active Source
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fighting this disease. As long as Friends with MS.com is
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