Multiple Sclerosis

MS is generally thought to be an autoimmune disease that can affect otherwise healthy young adults. The pathology results from the inflammation and destruction of the myelin and axons within the brain and spinal cord. Injury to the myelin and axons causes loss of function and is responsible for the symptoms that the patient reports. Depending on the anatomical location of the injury the patient may report loss of vision, weakness, or numbness, among other complaints.

MS: Overview of the Symptoms

The symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis vary and have a variety of ways in which they can manifest. Typically, MS will come in waves known as episodes which can last as short as a few days or as long as several months. They will typically fade after a while and patients will slip into remission where they will suffer from none of the symptoms. Extreme exposure to sun, fevers or even stress can aggravate and prolong the episodes.

Symptoms for MS can attack almost every part of the body, including the muscles, bowels and bladders. It can also manifest in troubles with vision, issues with numbness or pain, difficulty with sex, speech or other brain-related problems, such as depression or a loss of memory. There is almost no area that cannot be affected by MS and it is therefore extremely important that medical advice is sought should symptoms of this nature become pronounced.

Diagnosing and Treating Multiple Sclerosis

Although no one test is one hundred percent accurate, MRI's and spinal fluid analysis usually establishes the diagnosis with a high level of certainty in patients with appropriate symptoms. The exact cause is not known but is a topic of intensive research.

The medications that are currently available are able to moderate the course of the disease but are unable to cure it. While there is no cure, there are treatments for MS that can help control the episodes and alleviate some of the stress applied by the symptoms. For some patients, the medications have a large beneficial effect, but for not for everyone. Strategies involve limiting the immune cells from being able to cross into the brain and targeting the myelin. We are currently working on trials of oral medication for MS and are looking for volunteers.

Interesting Links: Multiple Sclerosis

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
http://www.nationalmssociety.org

We are currently looking for volunteers for MS clinical trials in San Diego, California. At Coordinated Clinical Research. our goal is to make a difference to those who are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. By participating in an MS clinical trial, you may be able to experience relief and will also be helping to forward this important medical research.

Call us or click here to sign up for our San Diego MS clinical trial.