There are many diseases that are so similar in nature to multiple sclerosis that they are considered to be borderline multiple sclerosis. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is one of these diseases. This immune system disease is a disease that attacks the brain and typically occurs after a viral infection although there are other causes.

ADEM usually occurs in children and is not highly prevalent, occurring on about 8 out of every 1,000,000 people. While this is not a high rate, parents who are coping with ADEM need to learn about the disease, what causes it and how it is treated in order to feel more confident that their child will recover. Adults may also be diagnosed with ADEM although their onset is not typically related to vaccinations.

Causes

ADEM may be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, vaccinations, and organ transplants. A more detailed breakdown of the cause of this disease follows:

• Viral Infections: Herpes simplex, hepatitis A, Epstein Barr, cytomegalovirus, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, coxsackievirus, and varicella zoster.
• Bacterial Infections: Beta-hemolytic Streptococci, Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and Leptospira.
• Vaccinations: It is important to note that the only vaccine that has been proven to be linked to ADEM is a form of the rabies vaccine known as Semple; however, other vaccines have shown to be linked to ADEM, including vaccines for measles, mumps, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and pneumococcus.

Further investigations into the causes of ADEM are being conducted, particularly in the cases thought to be related to vaccinations. These tests have caused many parents to question the vaccinations that pediatricians recommend for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis usually appear within a few weeks of being exposed to the virus or having been vaccinated. Symptoms usually include:

• Fever with no obvious origin;
• Headache
• Extreme drowsiness
• Seizures
• Coma

Initially these symptoms may appear mild; however, if the culprit behind them is ADEM, they worsen quickly, typically in about 4 days with the most severe symptoms being cranial nerve palsies, extreme weakness on one side of the body (hemipareiss) and even paralysis of the lower body (paraparesis). Fortunately, most children who have ADEM are under a doctor’s care before these severe symptoms occur.

Treatment

Treating ADEM involves an aggressive attack on the central nervous system with medications that will reduce the inflammation. Steroids, typically corticosteroids, are given intravenously until the body begins to respond. These are followed by a longer cycle of oral steroids such as prednisone. The length of the prednisone dosing plays a large role in how well the patient responds and maintains there wellness. Three weeks of oral steroids has been shown to be at least the minimum amount of time needed to increase recovery chances.

Recovery

The good news for parents of children with ADEM is that 50 -70% of cases have a full recovery over a period of time ranging from 1-6 months. Approximately 70-90% of ADEM patients will recover with only minor disabilities assessed when the condition is gone. The highest rate of death associated with ADEM is in patients that are not able to tolerate steroid therapy, have sever, sudden onset of the disease or have extreme neurological effects from the disease. Children have a better recovery rate than adults as do those cases that present with fever versus those that have no fever.

Comparing ADEM to MS

As stated previously, many doctors and scientists consider ADEM to be part of a family of diseases that are linked to multiple sclerosis. The two diseases are very similar in that they both involve damage to the protective covering of the nerves in the central nervous system that are associated with the autoimmune system.

Like multiple sclerosis, ADEM patients can suffer from cognitive disability even when there are no obvious physical disabilities. The cognitive disabilities seen with ADEM are typically less severe than those seen in patients with MS.

There is no majority agreement that places ADEM and MS in the same class of disease; in fact, there is not a completely and totally agreed upon definition for multiple sclerosis as it can encompass a host of disease and symptoms. One definition of MS labels it as a disease with inflammatory lesions that affect the CNS – this is the definition that ADEM fits in with perfectly. A more technical definition of MS, based on the location of the offending plaque shows the two to be entirely different– distinctly in the white matter in MS and more broadly spread out with not distinct definition in ADEM. These differing definitions explain why some doctors consider ADEM to be borderline MS and some do not.

ADEM is a dangerous disease that can be contracted by viral infection and possibly from certain vaccinations. The good news is that treatment options are vast and the prognosis for recovery is high.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that starts when the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks the myelin protection that surrounds the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The area under attack becomes inflamed and the nerves don’t work right with the pathways between the brain and body blocked.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include dizziness, fatigue, blurred speech and problems remembering language, issues with vision, numbness, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Those suffering from MS may experience vertigo, clumsiness, unsteady gait, weakness, bowel and bladder problems, memory and cognitive issues, and mild to severe pain.

Multiple sclerosis has a number of signs and symptoms, never affecting two people in exactly the same way. The disease may consist of mild episodes and long symptom-free periods throughout a patient’s life, with very few permanent effects. It can be progressive, with an escalating succession of attacks with a diminished recovery after each one, or anything in between.

Yoga

Yoga is a discipline that is meant integrate the spiritual, physical, and mental aspects of life. The physical aspect of yoga is referred to as Hatha yoga, which takes a person through different sequences of poses that require the practitioner to stretch muscles and control their breathing.

Hatha Yoga comes in many different styles which will allow multiple sclerosis sufferers to choose the style that fits their physical ability. One style that is often recommended by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is Iyengar yoga which can even be done while in a wheel chair. Iyengar yoga concentrates on the precise alignment of the poses. This type of yoga requires participants to utilize objects like chairs, straps, mats, blocks and blankets in the yoga poses.

Other types of yoga include:

• Ashtanga yoga is fast-paced and vigorous. The focus is on building flexibility, strength, concentration, and stamina.
• Gentle yoga is a series of slow stretches, centering on flexibility, and deep breathing.
• Kundalini yoga adds chanting and meditation to a variety of poses and breathing techniques.
• Restorative yoga is a style that promotes full relaxation. Practitioners passively maintain simple postures for extended periods of time, focusing on breathing and the positioning of the pose.
• Vinyasa or power yoga is similar to Ashtanga yoga. This style is vigorous, with the focus on improving flexibility, strength, and stamina.
• Bikram yoga is is typically practiced in rooms where the temperature is over 100° Fahrenheit or 37.8° Celsius and is generally not recommended for those with MS. This is because most MS sufferers are very sensitive to heat, in fact heat can cause a relapse of MS.

Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis

A yoga program designed for those suffering with MS can be personalized or adapted to meet the needs and conditions of almost anyone. Yoga can be practiced from a prone position, or from a wheel chair. You can go to classes or get a class on DVD to do at your home. Whenever possible it is recommended that you try to attend at least a months worth of classes. This would allow you to work with a trained yoga instructor to ensure you are doing the poses correctly.

Below are some of the typical symptoms of multiple sclerosis and how yoga can be used to combat these medical issues:

• Fatigue – the Restorations form of yoga utilizes a deep, restful series of poses that is great for combating fatigue, stress, and allows the practitioner to rest and yet stretch their muscles and work on their breathing.
• Muscle Spasms and clumsiness – Assisted or passive yoga poses will allow the practitioner to have more control of their balance. The poses and breathing exercises help relieve muscle tension and will relieve the spasms. The postures that require forward bends will stretch the entire back and hamstrings, releasing lower core tension this will help keep the spinal column flexible and strong. Standing poses will allow you to strengthen legs, showing you how to open your hips and focus on improving your sense of balance.
• Limited movement – for those in a wheel chair or with a limited range of motion there are yoga chair poses that can be modified to meet your personal abilities.
• Muscle Weakness can be improved by starting with what you can do and working through the poses to build up muscle tone and strength. Because much of yoga also focuses on controlled breathing exercises it will also improve your oxygen intake and lung capacity.
• Mood or fighting depression – from breathing deeply to working on finding inner peace, yoga practices help with the mind-body connection and many Multiple Sclerosis sufferers say that this is one of the first benefits to yoga, and one of the most lasting.

The Science of Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis

There have been several studies done on the effects of yoga on multiple sclerosis symptoms. One study tied yoga to significant improvements in fatigue within just six months.

For thousands and thousands of people in the United States and around the world, finding cures for multiple sclerosis is a dream they have on a daily basis. They live each day with pain, coordination and balance problems and other conditions that make their daily life a struggle. Multiple sclerosis affects everyone differently and yet at the same time the common goal of finding a cure is shared among all.

To date, there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis that will stop its progression and no known vaccination to prevent people from contracting the disease. In fact, scientists cannot say with complete accuracy what causes the disease which in turn means they can determine what will cure it. However, there are many types of treatment that are employed to help provide some relief and allow for a better quality of life.

Treatment Options

The best treatment options are those that can help slow down the progression of the disease, particularly since there is no known way to completely stop it from ravaging the body. Other treatments are designed to help with the pain and discomfort associated with the symptoms so that daily life can be enjoyed to the fullest.

Immunotherapy is one of the most used treatments for multiple sclerosis. This type of treatment is typically injections of immunotherapy medications that have been found to alter the immune system and the way it functions. These medications, known as beta interferons, attack infection in the body to facilitate relief of the attacks associated with multiple sclerosis and their severity.

Many people with multiple sclerosis choose not to use beta interferons because of the unpleasant side effects that can occur such as fever, indigestion, coughing, drowsiness and skin irritation. When these side effects become severe many people will forego this treatment and seek other options.

Some doctors use chemotherapy drugs like Mitoxantrone to treat multiple sclerosis; however, this medication cannot be used for long periods of time due to the damaging effects it has on the body and many people cannot deal with the side effects.

Other medications that are used to treat MS are prescribed for the symptoms of the disease to make it easier to live with. Medicines such as pain relievers, anti-depressants, steroids for vision problems, and other common prescriptions to help with pain, swelling and other conditions are part of the daily regiment for many MS patients.

Therapy

Medication is not the only treatment used by people with MS; therapy is an important part of coping with the disease. There are many different types of therapy that can be used depending on how far the disease has progressed and what is needed to help with daily life.

Physical therapy can provide muscle tone and help with the weakness and coordination problems that are part of the disease. As the disease progresses, many people find that they need to have rehabilitative therapy to maintain their quality of life. Such therapy can include speech therapy to help with swallowing and speaking as well as therapy to assist with day to day activities such as dressing and maintaining their grooming habits on their own.

Psychological treatment should not be overlooked. Support groups and therapists are an essential part of staying as healthy as possible by learning to cope with the disease and its ravaging effects on the body. Depression and other mental health issues are common in MS patients and so it is important to stay on top of this by seeking support when needed.

Self Treatment

Treatment can be done at home using prescription medications and over the counter drugs as deemed appropriate by the doctor. However, if injections are needed or prescribed these are most often administered by a doctor or nurse. The doctor can often refer a home health nurse to do the injections. This is a huge help for the person who has multiple sclerosis and may have trouble with mobility.

Exercise and eating healthy are also treatments that can be handled without the assistance of a doctor. Exercise helps with mobility and keeping the muscles toned and in conjunction with physical therapy can help keep arms and legs from deteriorating as fast as they would without exercise.

A healthy diet should always be part of the lifestyle of people with multiple sclerosis. Keeping the body as strong and protected against common illnesses such as colds and flu are facilitated by a diet filled with vitamins and minerals obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables. There is not a specific diet that must be followed by people with multiple sclerosis; however, some theories abound that dairy should be avoided. This should be discussed with the doctor who can decide if there are specific dietary needs.

The bottom line is that there are no cures for MS and the best a person can do is use the treatment options available to ease the symptoms and make life easier.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with disabling side-affects. Over 40,000 Americans have it. MS is diagnosed through various tests and procedures.

The Ways You Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis can be a life changing disease. There is no one multiple sclerosis test; instead you diagnose using carious tests. Some ways to get an accurate diagnosis are:

• Go to a trained neurologist- A neurologist will know what tests to run better then an average doctor
• MRI of the brain.-This can check for lesions and other things that can be in your brain
• Spinal taps- This procedure remove fluid from your spine to test for disease such as MS
• Blood samples-Blood samples from your arms can pick up on any intrusions in your blood stream that are because of diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Go To a Trained Neurologist

A neurologist is a specially trained doctor that works with the central nervous system, and types of nerves. You see these doctors if you are having symptoms of a neurological disease. Most of the time you will be referred to a neurologist if your doctor believes that you could have a neurological disease that he can’t handle. These doctors often diagnose patients who disease and medical problems including:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Severe Headaches
• Tremors
• Sleep Disorders
• Recovering from Stroke
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Brain Cancer
• A Traumatic Brain Injury
• Alztimers Disease

These disease and medical issues are often what you will be referred to a neurologist for. MS is a large percentage of neurologist patients. The other two largest being Brain Cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.

MRI of Brain

An MRI or Magnetic Resosnse Imaging is a non-invasive procedure that s used to diagnose medical problems or diseases. An MRI uses radio frequency, pulses, a computer, and a magnetic field to take very detailed pictures of internal body structures. Most people get MRI’s on their bones, soft tissue, and organs. The detailed pictures of an MRI allow doctors to see medical diseases and problems more clearly than with pictures from x-rays, CAT Scans, CT Scans, or MDCT’s.

An MRI is safe to use for areas of the body such as the chest, and head because it does not use ionizing radiation like x-ray machines do. It is easier to read the picture of brain from an MRI than a MDCT. An fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resosnse Imaging) is a fairly new form of MRI. This new test allows doctors to take detailed pictures of the active part of the brain.

Lesions

A Lesion by definition is “part of a soft tissue that has been damaged.” When you have MS small portions of the brain can become damaged due to the side affects of the disease. An MRI or fMRI is a good way to find these lesions. A trained neurologist can often times tell what symptoms are causing a lesion in your brain, and can diagnose you from the data he or she gathers.

Blood Tests

A blood test is when a doctor takes blood from your body using a sterile needle and tube. The blood is transferred from the needle into the holding tube, and is never with contact with the surrounding air. A blood test is often times one of the easiest ways to check for certain diseases. Bacteria in the blood can be seen in a microscope and when your blood work is sent to a lab they look for specific bacteria. If you have multiple sclerosis certain types of bacteria can show up on blood work.

Spinal Tap

A Spinal Tap (Also known as Lumber Puncture) is a way to collect fluid from your spinal cord for testing. Your spinal chord and brain are surrounded by thick fluid. This fluid can help doctors and neurologists figure out what medical disease or problem their patient might be suffering from. Often something will show up in a Spinal Tap that will cause a neurologist to diagnose someone with multiple sclerosis if they have been having the correct symptoms.

A spinal tap is often used when a neurologist believes a patient might have an infection in their spinal chord or brain. This procedure can also be used to administer antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, or anesthetic. A Spinal Tap is a very painful procedure and is often the last test a neurologist will have ordered for someone they believe has multiple sclerosis.

There is no solid way to diagnose MS. There have been people in the past who have been misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis because of doctors’ unsure knowledge about how to correctly diagnose the disease. However, doctors try their best to give correct diagnosis, and use all of the tests available to diagnose someone with multiple sclerosis or another medical problem or disease.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is different for every person. This makes nearly everything about the disease complicated and uncertain. From diagnosis to possible progression of the disease, there are no clear answers. Because of statistical analysis, however, doctors can provide some sort of idea in how the disease progresses in the ‘typical’ MS sufferer.

Diagnosis and Testing for MS

Diagnosis for MS generally occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. There are, however, cases of MS that surface before and after this time period, but they are very rare.

Diagnosis and testing for MS can be very difficult, even for neurologists that specialize in Multiple Sclerosis. Early stages of MS can go undetected and a diagnosis of “probably” or “possibly” may be given in lieu of a “negative” or “positive.” As the disease progresses, however, the presence of Multiple Sclerosis becomes more evident.

Stages of Multiple Sclerosis

Benign MS is considered the very first stage in Multiple Sclerosis. Approximately 20% of diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis cases start in this phase of the disease. It is characterized by one or two attacks, each followed by complete recovery with no permanent disability. No disease progression is evident in benign cases.

In most benign MS cases, symptoms are motor or non-visual sensory related. Some MS cases that are diagnosed in this category will never progress to other stages of the disease. Others will experience a progression in the disease around 10 to 15 years after diagnosis.

Approximately 25% of MS diagnosis will fall into the category of Relapsing/Remitting MS. For some, this is the primary stage. For others, it is the stage after the benign stage. RR-MS is classified by sporadic acute attacks, otherwise known as exacerbations or relapses, followed by inactive periods of the disease.

Attacks during the RR-MS stage can last days or months, but it can be months or even years before another attack occurs. During the inactive phases, partial or complete recovery occurs. The disease can progress, however, even during the inactive phases. Nearly half of all RR-MS cases will continue on into the Secondary/Progressive phase of MS within the first 10 to 15 years and 40% will progress within 25 years.

The Secondary/Progressive phase of MS is reached by approximately 40% of all MS patients. Two sub categories exist in the SP-MS phase; those that retain an RR-MS pattern and those that lean closer to a Primary Progressive MS pattern. Those that retain their RR-MS pattern may continue to receive benefits from ImmunoModulatory drugs and treatments.

For MS patients that lean more towards Primary Progressive MS, the recovery from acute attacks now becomes less complete. Attacks often become less pronounced and remissions may phase out altogether. By the time this has happened, severe damage has occurred within the central nervous system and the disability becomes more evident. It is thought that somewhere in this time frame, damage from MS becomes irreversible.

Primary Progressive MS affects approximately 12% of all patients diagnosed with MS. For those that receive a diagnosis of PP-MS or move into a PP-MS diagnosis, generally have a slower onset of the disease and symptoms are more likely to include difficulty walking, motor dysfunction and increased disability with a lack of distinct inflammatory attacks. Fewer and smaller lesions are generally present for those diagnosed with PP-MS and disabilities progress continuously.

Progressive Relapsing MS accounts for only 3% of all MS cases but it is the most dreaded stage of MS because of the high mortality rate associated with this stage of MS. While PR-MS behaves much like PP-MS and RR-MS, there are some differences. Like Relapsing MS, Progressive Relapsing MS will have acute attacks, but unlike RR-MS and PP-MS, functions lost after attacks in PR-MS will never return.

Putting Fear in its Place

If you have recently been diagnosed with MS, you should know that no one can predict the course of your disease. While your doctor can provide you with probabilities and statistics, only time will tell if your disease will actually progress. Focusing on the uncertainty will only rob you of the life that you can have now, in this moment. Try to stay optimistic. Join a support group, seek therapy, find support from friends and family. These are all ways to help you stay positive about your condition.

The Continuing Fight for a Cure

While there is no cure at the present time for MS, researchers are constantly working towards a cure. A lot of ground-breaking research has been conducted over the last several years and a breakthrough could happen at any moment. There are also treatments that you can receive to help slow the progression of the disease. Some medication can help you live a fuller life despite the fact that you have MS. Life is what you make of it. This applies to everyone; not just MS sufferer

The disease multiple sclerosis is present in the lives of over 40,000 Americans, 75000 Canadians, and 50,000 Europeans. Multiple sclerosis can cause dizzy spells, loss of balance, severe headaches, loss of muscle control, and paralysis. This disease has a long and terrible history about it.

Who Discovered Multiple Sclerosis?

Jean Martin Charcot a French neurologist discovered multiple sclerosis in 1868 after conducting experiments on patients who had the same unexplainable symptoms. Charcot is considered the father of modern neurology and psychology, because of his numerous discoveries of psychological and neurological diseases. Charcot is most famous for discovering 15 diseases and solving over 150 medical mysteries. His discoveries include the famous Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. He also dabbled in the arts, writing poetry about his discoveries, the people he saw, and things he found interesting. He died after going mad in 1893 at age 69.

The First Person Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis

The first person who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis was a young woman fromFrancein 1869, briefly after the discovery of the disease. She was twenty years old, and Jean Martian Charcot paid her a visit, There was and still is no cure for multiple sclerosis, however, after the diagnosis was confirmed she was given medications to help with pain. She died fairly young because the disease paralyzed her lungs. The first recorded case of something similar to multiple sclerosis was recorded in the early fourteenth century inHolland. A young girl was having unexplained and uncontrollable muscle spasms, and seizures. The doctors called it a medical mystery that could never be solved after her right side became paralyzed. A doctor’s journal records that this girl died at the age of 19, and the doctor believed that her symptoms were what caused the death. He and others believed it was a brain disease.

The First Oral Medication for Multiple Sclerosis

On September 22, 2010 the FDA approved the first oral multiple sclerosis medication called Novartis Gilneya.  Although it doesn’t treat multiple sclerosis the drug can help lower the chance of MS attacks, reverse paralysis, and low the effects of certain symptoms, along with taking care of pain. It was originally invented to help people who couldn’t receive a kidney treatment; however the necessary dose was far too toxic to give to people. It was found to help people with MS when given at five times a lower dosage.  The side effects include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhea
• Bronchitis
• Distorted vision
• Slowing of the heartbeat after first few doses

The drug was available by prescription early 2011, and the first prescription was given to mother Denise Malchano who was diagnosed in 1996. Her entire left side had been paralyzed, and she could no longer provide or care for her children on her own. She started the drug February of 2011, and on July 22^nd 2011 the family has a picture of Denise jumping on a trampoline with the youngest daughter. She had spent almost the last 15 years of her life in a wheel chair, but with the help of Novartis Gilneya was out of the chair by March, and was leading a relatively normal life by July. She is 40 years old and is an active and caring mom. She is the first person to have a prescription for the drug.

Another Promising MS Drug

Another medication for multiple sclerosis is currently being tested in labs. Its current name is BG-12. Scott Thompson the creator is excited about it seeing that his wife has the disease. So far tests show that the drug is very potent but has many long term risks. It appears to be safer than the only other oral drug for MS on the market. It also has a very low dose. Scientists say that is should be approved for testing on humans by February of 2012.

Current MS Research

A treatment is currently being tested at the Multiple Sclerosis National Society. The treatment has no name, but is supposed to be injected into patients through IV, keep symptoms under control, and hopefully lead to remission of disease. SO far the tests are coming up unsuccessful and scientists in the society are beginning to doubt whether this treatment will ever actually be administered to patients. They are also currently testing a therapy on woman over 30 who have MS and the treatment seems to be going well, and helping the patients. The Society is also helping test the new BG-12 drug that is on its way to being tested on humans in 2012. Another drug is also in the works, however not much progress is being made.

Although multiple sclerosis is a terrible disease with a long history there are people trying to solve this disease. The hope is that in thirty years there will be a cure for MS. However, this seems like an unlikely prediction. It should not stop people from dreaming about the future, and the eventual cure of MS.

The onset of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) generally occurs between the ages of 20 and 50. It is in this timeframe of life that most women consider having a family. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with MS, so it is understandable that there are a lot of questions that women have about MS and pregnancy.

The History of MS and Pregnancy

Women with MS used to be discouraged from starting a family. At this time, very little was known about MS, and while it is still considered an elusive disease, there are some things that researchers, physicians and scientists now know about MS that has changed the recommendation for women suffering from MS that want to start a family.

Before, it was unclear as to whether or not a pregnancy would worsen MS or cause flare ups. Today, it is known that pregnancy, in most cases, does just the opposite for women. Many women with MS who become pregnant go their entire pregnancy attack free. Some even see an improvement in their condition during the pregnancy.

It is thought that pregnancy affects the body in a positive way because of additional proteins and hormones that are produced by pregnancy – some of those proteins and hormones may be depleted by MS, but pregnancy restores them temporarily. Granted, the relief is only short-lived but this knowledge has allowed many women to start a family, despite their disease.

Careful Consideration Needed

Every couple should think carefully before having a child. Considerations about the condition of the planet and economy should be made. Couples should also consider the long-term care needed when starting a family – education, food, shelter, clothing and whether or not the parents will be able to sustain parenting and quality of life for the next 18 years.

For MS patients, these considerations become even more important. Because MS can take a turn for the worse at any given moment, women with MS must consider the possibility that they may not be able to fully raise their children because of death (rare, but a possibility with MS) or because of disability. Fatigue is also a symptom of MS, which could make raising a child much harder, especially in the early years.

Tips for Deciding

Being a mother is a joy – one that many women, including MS sufferers – want to experience. This is normal and a part of who you are, but part of being a parent is making choices that are in the best interest for the future of your child – this responsibility extends to the planning phase of pregnancy as well. If you feel a strong urge to be a parent but are having a hard time deciding if it is the right decision, consider a few of these things:

• What is your current MS stage?
• What prognosis have you been given?
• What is your current disability level?
• Is your disease progressive and if so, to what extent?
• Do you have someone that would love and care for your child, should your condition take a turn for the worse?

While no one can really give you the right answer, these questions can help you reflect on some really important points that you need to consider.

MS Treatment and Pregnancy

If you do decide that pregnancy is a safe and viable option for you at this time, there are some things that you should be aware of; one of which is how your MS treatment may be affected by pregnancy. Soon-to-be mothers that suffer from MS cannot continue most types of treatments because of the health risks on the fetus. The only exception is steroid use for acute MS exacerbations. During post-partum, however, even steroids may be dangerous if the mother wishes to breastfeed.

Labor, Delivery and Postpartum and MS

In most cases, labor and delivery are no different for MS sufferers than for any other woman. Giving birth comes with its own set of health risks, as does the anesthesia that some women choose during labor, but MS does not seem to be affected negatively by either. On the other side, however, women with MS may feel fatigue sooner than other women during the labor and delivery process, so your obstetrician may have special tools ready, just in case you need some help with pushing the baby out.

During postpartum, exacerbation rates are higher during the first three to six months. Relapse within this time frame occur within about 20-40% of women with MS. Despite the potential of relapse, however, no long-term disabilities have been noted in other women that have delivered and suffered from a postpartum attack.

Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy on MS

While some women can expect to see an attack shortly after pregnancy, there has been no evidence to support that pregnancy has any long-term effects on MS. This applies to both negative and positive effects. As long as you talk with your doctor and your neurologist, like most women with MS, you should be able to conceive, carry and birth a child safely.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a crippling disease that affects your central nervous system. Studies have been done linking MS with headaches and migraines. Could your headaches by symptoms of undiagnosed MS?

What Is MS?

MS is a disease that affects you central nervous system. It specifically targets your spinal chord, brain, and optic nerves. This can cause problems in your heart and lungs. If you have MS you can frequently suffer from symptom attacks. Symptoms can include: Numbness, tingling, loss of muscle and bladder control, dizzy spells, and headaches.

Why Headaches?

A main symptom of MS is headaches. These headaches are described as migraines and cluster headaches by people with MS. These headaches can be specifically linked to lesions in your brain, depression, or certain medication you are taking to control your other MS symptoms.

Migraines

Migraines seem to be more common with people who have been in remission and are having relapsing MS. You can identify an MS migraine from the following symptoms:

• Often is followed by distorted or blurry vision
• Often followed by fatigue, hunger, or anxiety
• Throbbing on only one side of your head
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Pain and discomfort following the migraine
• Typically followed nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or loss of appetite

These migraines can often last from 4-12 hours. If they are being caused by multiple sclerosis, these migraines will often come back later in the day or go on for days at a time.

Cluster Headaches

If you have a cluster headache, the symptoms can be must more severe and painful than those that come with a migraine. Cluster headaches are what are most common with people who have MS. Symptoms include:

• Pain that increases rapidly
• Burning or stinging in your nose or inside of your eye
• Electric-like shock pains behind one eye
• Pain on only one side of the face
• Comes at the same time everyday for a few weeks
• Comes out of nowhere unlike a migraine
• Can cause watery eyes and runny nose
• Pain goes completely away after the headaches disappears

These cluster headaches can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours. They last for the same amount of time everyday. More people with MS are susceptible to Cluster Headaches  than Migraines if they have lesions in the brain.

Tension Headaches

These headaches hit the general population, but if experienced for day at a time can be an early warning sign of MS. Symptoms include:

• Rarely cause severe pain
• Pain is above the eyebrows or encircling the head
• Pain increases gradually
• Can happen at any part of the day but normally happens later in the day
• Last anywhere from 1 hour to all day.

If you experience these types of headaches its ok, everyone does. However, experiencing this type of headache for days or weeks in a row could be a warning sign of MS. You should speak to your doctor right away if Tension Headaches persist for more than three days.

Remedies for Headaches

There are many ways to decrees the pain or heal a headache. Many of these ways work for people who have MS because most are natural cures. Herbal remedies include:

• Aromatherapy: Using essential oils such as peppermint, ginger, lavender, Sandalwood, Rosemary, and Eucalyptus can work wonder son a headache or migraine. For centuries people have used those six essential oils to cure the pounding in their head. These oils clear your nasal cavities, and head which should help ebb the pain of a severe headache.
• Acupuncture: In Asian countries such asChinaandJapanuse acupuncture to resolve the pain of headaches. The idea is to think about the relaxing pain from the needles in your back and the brain will forget about the harsh pain in your head. Many people use this remedy and believe it works.
• Eating Ginger: Ginger is supposed to remove the nausea that you can get from a headache. Taking the capsules can take about twenty minutes to work but should take care of your pain and nausea. You can also put ginger in your tea or take it in gummy form.
• Cranberry: Although some people claim that it doesn’t work, the acid in cranberry is supposed to reduce the pain from any kind of headache.
• Ginkgo: Ginkgo has been proven to increase brain circulation which will help cure a headache and keep it at bay. Gingko can be grated into foods or tea or taken in pill form.
• Ginseng: Although this tea has been proven to give you any energy boost it also has the chemical necessary to reduce the pain for migraines or cluster headaches. Get more energy and heal your headaches!

Headaches and MS have a long and painful history together, however, there are ways to improve the pain. Although there is nothing you can do to avoid this symptom of MS it is nice to know why you have this symptom and what can be done to help prevent it.

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be difficult because of the varying symptoms. However, living with MS can be something you can learn to do, and you can learn how to live a normal life.

Managing Your Symptoms

Although your MS symptoms can be disabling, if you haven’t experienced a symptom that has marred you permanently, you can take treatment options such as special therapy, or injections for specific symptoms. You can also try controlling your symptoms with the new prescription only medication Gilneya. This medication does come with a few health risks including diarrhea, slowing of heartbeat, and slight rise in blood pressure. However, this medication has helped many people function without crippling effects of MS symptoms. You can also wait for the medication BG-12. This medication is still currently being tested, however, it is supposed to be much safer than Gilneya. There is also a unnamed medication still being developed that should control headaches, dizzy spells, and numbness caused by multiple sclerosis.

Living Without Treatment or Medication

There are people who don’t benefit from multiple sclerosis treatments or can’t have the new prescription drugs. These people are the unlucky ones that must live with their symptoms day to day. The first thing you should do is alert the place that you work about your condition. Headaches, dizzy spells, and decrease in vision can prevent you from working or doing your best work. Those who can’t use medication and treatment for MS can also apply for disability. Those living day to day with their multiple sclerosis symptoms should also think about living with someone. Either a home rented with a friend, with a husband/wife, or with your family. Your symptoms can make you susceptible to other infections and diseases, can paralyze you, or prevent you from seeing properly. Living with someone can ensure your safety along with the safety of those around you.

Living with Young Children

If you have children multiple sclerosis can be very hard to deal with. You may not be able to care for your children properly if your symptoms flare up. If you are living with young children you should considered moving in with someone who can help you care for the children, and take care of them completely if something bad happens to you (such as paralysis). You can also consider hiring someone to come and stay at your house (such as a nanny). You pay these people for these services, and they will make sure your children are safe and taken care of if you can’t take care of them for a few days.

Assisted Living for the Elderly

Elderly women and men with multiple sclerosis are more susceptible to falls and therefore can be endangered. Hiring someone to help take care of them everyday is a good thing to do. Hiring a nurse for assisted living means he or she will come into the elderly persons home once a day or week to check on them, bathe them, keep them company, help them cook, and make sure that they are safe. They do not live with the elderly person, but make sure that they are safe. You yourself could also move in with an elderly person if needed.

Nursing Home Care

Sometimes the elderly or someone with other disabilities can’t be cared for within their own home. You can send these people to nursing homes or special group houses where they will be taken care of as their disease progresses. This is sometimes the best option if the person can’t take care of themselves, and you do not have someone to take care of them on a daily basis. These situations call for special attention, and nursing home arrangements can be the best option for those who are elderly, and group homes can be good for those with other disabilities.

What if You Are Paralyzed and Live Alone?

One of the main symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be paralysis. If you become paralyzed and live alone there are a few things you can do.

1. If you are paralyzed from the waist below: You can mostly care for yourself except for showering, driving, and getting in and out of bed. Firs, you should buy a wheelchair or one could be available through your insurance. You can then hire a driving service, and buy a van that it is wheel chair accessible. You can also apply for disability, and hire someone from an assisted living service to help you in the evening and morning to help with bathing, dressing, and getting in and out of bed.
2. Paralyzed arms or legs- If you have paralyzed arms of legs it would be good to have someone move in with you to help you do everyday things.
3. Paralyzed side-Moving in with someone or to a nursing home may be your best option. A paralyzed side will limit what you can do.

Living with multiple sclerosis can be tough, but it manageable. Celebrities and regular folk live with MS every day. Even with multiple sclerosis you can live a regular life, and enjoy the healthy times you have.

Watching someone close to you struggle with the affects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be a frightening endeavor; especially when you are left wondering if the disease itself can be inherited, putting you at risk for the same fate.

Scientists and researchers have studied the genetic tendencies of MS for decades and have come up with several conclusions.  First, Multiple Sclerosis does not seem to be inherited. What that means is that if you have a close family member with the disease, they can not give it to you through your genes.

That said, MS does tend to run in families.  How can that be?  While not considered a true hereditary disease, Multiple Sclerosis does present genetic variations among some family groups (and even races), which can make a person more susceptible to contracting the disease.

What Is MS?

Before going further into the genetic makeup of Multiple Sclerosis, let’s take a closer look at this debilitating disease and the many ways it presents itself.  Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative disease which attacks the central nervous system including nerves and nerve sensors of the spinal cord and brain.  Over time, the degeneration of these nerves can cause an array of symptoms including blurred vision; balance and coordination problems; fatigue, weakness, numbness and even paralysis.  Lung function may also be affected in the latter stages of MS. Although not common, more than two million people now struggle with the disease worlwide.

The Genetic Factor

Researchers are quick to state that Multiple Sclerosis is not readily considered a hereditary disease, even though there are some genetic factors which make members of certain families more prone to its attack.

The familial recurrence of MS is about 20%. That means that if you have a parent or sibling with MS, your chance of coming down with the same symptoms are 20% higher for you than the general population.  In some cases, siblings only have a 5% higher risk of the disease. Twins, of course exhibit a much higher ratio, upwards of 35-40%.

In addition to the familial studies which do show some link to MS in family’s, several genes have been linked to Multiple Sclerosis. Right now there have been eight genetic variants found by researchers that increase a person’s chance of developing Multiple Sclerosis at some point in their life.   They are located on chromosomes 1,5,6 (in the HLA-DRA region), 10, 11, 12 and 16.

It is also important to note here that almost all of the genes linked to MS have a strong tie to the immune system, and the function of the all-important T-Cell.  Autoimmune conditions linked to T-Cell malfunction have also been shown to increase when MS is present.  This puts immunology in the forefront of the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.

For those worried that they may have the gene variants for MS, the deCodeme Complete Scan can often identify these variants and offer a look at your genetic risk for the disease.

MS and Race

In the vast majority of cases, it is important to understand that these gene variants occur in whites of European descent and Blacks.  Asians and Filipinos have the smallest instances of MS. As a matter of fact, until just recently, it was believed that Asian and Filipinos could not even get the disease. That assumption has since been proven wrong; but still, these are two racial groups that seem to be relatively safe from contrasting it.

Between the genetic and immunological link now being investigated, many researchers believe that science is on the cusp of making some real strides in the eradication (or at least better control) of Multiple Sclerosis and its devastating symptoms.

Whether you hold a genetic tendency to the disease or not, the fact remains that more and more is being learned about MS every day and this is good news for everyone who suffers with it now –and those who will be faced with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in the future.