Discover what is Multiple Sclerosis, the Types of MS and forms of Diagnosing MS

Before answering the question of what is Multiple Sclerosis lets get a clear picture first of what is it as it was explained to me by my Neurologist when I asked him to explain it to me as if I was 5 years old!

Remember the movie Philadelphia with Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington? Anyway,

Well, when you think about what is multiple sclerosis the following analogy might come handy: Picture an electric cable – the lamp on your night table is a good example - now take a pocket knife and peel off some of the plastic insulation on the cable.

You’ll be able to see the electric filament running inside this protective sheath. Those chunks of plastic are the equivalent of the myelin that is attacked by autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.

As with a peel off electrical cable, the nerves going through your body are unable to carry the signals traveling from your brain to the different parts of your body fast and efficiently resulting in what we call MS.

DO YOU WANT TO READ ABOUT THE HISTORY OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

If you really want to know more historical information and some interesting facts like who was the first person with Multiple Sclerosis and other interesting details, you should take a look at my page on the history of Multiple Sclerosis

Going back to our previous discussion about what is Multiple Sclerosis, you should be aware that there are several different types of MS as well at theories as to what causes it.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MS SYMPTOMS?

This seemingly simple question unveils a huge range of conditions and problems usually attributed to Multiple Sclerosis.

MS symptoms are many and all affecting each person with the uniqueness that characterizes Multiple Sclerosis.

Click the following link to go and read more information on all the MS symptoms that folks suffering from this chronic disease have to deal with.

WHAT CAUSES MS?

There are many theories as to what causes multiple sclerosis or what is the trigger in MS. Among the most well known there are:

• Environmental factors

• Genetic factors
• Geographic factors
• Reaction to a Virus like measles, herpes, and even the flu viruses.

I think that for those of us that have MS, what really matters is knowing now that today there is a huge urgency to make the diagnosis, because we know that early and aggressive treatment can alter the course of the disease. This definitely makes the difference.

Also it is very important to know more about what causes multiple sclerosis since it is useful and important information for knowing more about our disease.

As Dr. Brad Stewart, an MS specialist and professor at the University of Alberta said "Back 15 or 20 years, making the diagnosis, was less urgent because we had nothing to offer the patient."

Now days We Know that MS:

1. Is not contagious
2. Is 2 to 3 times more frequent in women than in men
3. Is most often diagnosed in people between 20 and 50 years old
4. Is more common among people of northern European descent
5. Is more frequent in people who live in colder climates although it seems to matter most were you spend the first 15 years of your life

This does not mean that MS is inherited or completely genetic. A lot of other factors, like the ones mentioned above, can be involved when trying to investigate what is Multiple Sclerosis. The jury’s still out on that one.

HOW IS MS DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosing MS is done a lot more efficiently now days with all the technological and scientific advances made to discover what is Multiple Sclerosis all about. In my case, I was 33 years old when I had my first attack and I have Italian ancestors on my mother’s side of the family.

Italy has reported in the past a higher than average number of people diagnosed with MS. Several relatives on the same side of the family have other illnesses like Lupus and Scleroderma which are chronic autoimmune diseases like MS. So, I think that perhaps genetics have something to do with it.

Probably, as it was with me, once the doctor mentions MS as the possible source behind all the problems you are experiencing, it becomes a must to find out as much as you can about the disease and the different types of MS that we know about.

You will find here all the information that as a possible MS sufferer or a confirmed MS patient, you need to know about living & coping with MS told by someone with it just like you.

Now, if you’re like me, knowing what is Multiple Sclerosis may not be as important as starting or continuing treatment and living with MS. Look around the site and I hope it got what you are looking for.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS LINK

Multiple Sclerosis Health Center Multiple sclerosis affects 2.5 million people worldwide, including more than 400,000 Americans. Get in-depth information here on multiple sclerosis symptoms and treatments. Plus, find daily help in our online support group.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

Approximately 400000 Americans have Multiple Sclerosis, with about 200 new cases being diagnosed each week. In this edition of Health Matters, individuals with this disease share their stories of diagnosis, treatment and living with MS. Host David Granet, MD, is also joined by recognized expert Jody Corey-Bloom, MD, UCSD Department of Neurosciences, for an in-depth look at this unpredictable neurological disease. You won’t want to miss this special hour-long episode Click right here to watch the interview and learn more about MS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Do you think you have Multiple Sclerosis?

Are you experiencing the early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

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