The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Western Neurological Associates, PC, (Salt Lake City, Utah) provides a comprehensive and advanced treatment center for multiple sclerosis in one facility. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling neurological disorder which affects 350,000 Americans. Multiple sclerosis symptoms occur most often in people ranging from adolescence through age 30. Twice as many females are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis than males. Scientists believe it may be caused by a combination of genetics and something in the environment. People with multiple sclerosis are distributed in a remarkable geographic pattern. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis and subsequent diagnosis of this neurological disorder are found to be most prevalent in people living furthest from the equator.
Multiple sclerosis involves inflammation within the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). The inflammation of multiple sclerosis is followed by destruction of the protective myelin sheaths surrounding the nerve fibers (demyelination). Axons (nerve fibers) are slowly destroyed. Myelin is similar to the insulation surrounding and protecting electrical wires, and when it is damaged the nerve impulses are not transmitted as quickly or efficiently. As a result of the inflammatory process, lesions (called plaques) form in the brain and spinal cord causing a variety of neurological symptoms indicative of multiple sclerosis.
Because multiple sclerosis is such an individual disease, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary greatly from person to person. The onset of symptoms may be dramatic or so mild the individual is not even aware of them until multiple sclerosis progresses. The symptoms may persist for days or weeks and then partially or completely disappear with or without treatment. The most common early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is usually based on the patient's physical symptoms, and the results of the neurological exam. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain (and sometimes the spinal cord) is ordered to see if there are lesions caused by multiple sclerosis. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is helpful to detect abnormalities of the cerebrospinal fluid characteristic of multiple sclerosis. Computer-assisted electrodiagnostic tests called evoked responses may also be useful in making the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In some patients, the diagnosis is easily made while in others it is quite difficult.
Currently, there is no prevention or cure for multiple sclerosis only treatment of the disease. There are, however, several new medications that have been shown to modify the underlying process of multiple sclerosis. Medication treatment for multiple sclerosis is divided into three categories:
Much more information about multiple sclerosis, current research, and support groups can be found on the official site of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the site of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, and the site of The American Academy of Neurology.