What is MS?
A disease of the central nervous system, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) primarily strikes young adults ages 20-40. With MS, the patient’s white blood cells attack the myelin, which insulates and conducts messages between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body, causing inflammation, eventual scarring and possible nerve destruction. The message is either partially or totally interrupted, resulting in one or more of these symptoms: Numbness, tingling, pain, loss of balance/coordination, problems with memory and cognition, depression, inability to function in heat, vision problems, choking and swallowing, hearing difficulties and bowel and bladder weaknesses.
Types of MS:
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) symptoms come and go. Relapses are temporary periods when the disease is “active”. These periods may be referred to as flare ups or exacerbations and typically last a few days to months.
- Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS) symptoms steadily worsen with or without relapses and remissions.
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) is rare and found in about 10% of the MS population. Symptoms slowly but continually worsen from the onset.
- Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS) is rare and affects about 5% of the MS population. Symptoms are steadily worsening of the disease with acute relapses with or without recovery.
How is MS Diagnosed?
- MPH (Medical and Physical History)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- ERTS (Evoked Response Tests)
- Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)
- CSF Collection (Cerebrospinal Fluid Collections)
