Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects approximately 400,000 Americans which include around 8 to 10,000 children or adolescences and about 2.5 million individuals worldwide according to the National MS Society. Experts label MS as one of many autoimmune diseases, which occurs when the body’s immune system recognizes antigens (proteins) as foreign. In MS, the central nervous system is attacked and myelin a lipid and protein rich material protecting nerve fibers is lost leaving scare tissue (sclerosis) producing numerous associated symptoms.
Although the official cause of MS continues to elude the healthcare community still today, research continues to make strides and discoveries. At present, researchers studying this disease acknowledge the involvement, role, and interplay of several factors including gender, ethnic origins, genetics, and environmental triggers like heavy metals, viruses, traumas, and so on (National MS Society).
Diagnosing MS is often about ruling out other health concerns such as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Lyme disease, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, hypertension, syphilis, lupus, Muscular Dystrophy, and other as signs and symptoms can be similar to MS (Mayo Clinic). Currently, there is no test to diagnosis MS. MS diagnosis is usually done through extensive medical evaluations, which Mayo Clinic lists can include a medical history, neurological tests, MRI scans, spinal taps, and evoked potential tests.
Early detection of MS is critical to implementing “disease-modifying treatment” as drug therapies appear to prevent new lesions according to Dr. Peter Calabresi of John Hopkins University School of Medicine in an article entitled Diagnosis and Management of Multiple Sclerosis published in the American Family Physician journal in 2004. There are many medications used in treating and managing MS as well as referrals to rehabilitation programs such as physical therapy.
Alternative or complimentary medicine also offers a range of treatment/symptom management therapies and approaches including dietary supplements, acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, hydrotherapy, etc. The Rocky Mountain MS Center, an internationally recognized non-profit resource for complimentary and alternative medicine, provides many services for MS patients including a cool hydrotherapy program at their Englewood, Colorado facility. They highlight the benefits of hydrotherapy for MS patients as including “increased mobility; aerobic conditioning without overheating, increased muscle strength, increased circulation, weight control, improved range of motion, and decreased risk of injury with falls.”
Thank you for reading this brief overview of MS blog made available to you by MyBath.biz! As with any medical condition, please consult with your physician to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
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