Multiple Sclerosis
By: Katelyn Pederson 5th hour
Sources:
- www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis
- www.health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/multiple-sclerosis
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis
- www.gilenya.com
- People to go to for help with M.S. In Mankato can be found at the Wenger physical Therapy Treatment Center, at 430 North Division St. N. Mankato Mn. Ask for either Ronald Wenger (PT; RPT) or for Todd Kruse (PT; MPT)
Advances:
Advances in technology have proved to be a major addition to furthering the studies on M.S. There are more treatment options, New techniques on how to repair the damage caused by this disease, new information on symptoms of the disease, and new understandings of the genetics of the disease. Today there are many different treatment options that there weren't before, such as: Corticosteroids, (Which reduces the inflammation that spikes during a relapse.) and Plasma exchange. There are also many ways that a person can modify the course of the disease by getting; Beta Interferons, Glatiramer, Fingolimod, Natalizumab, Mitoxantrone, Muscle Relaxants, Medications to reduce fatigue, and by going to physical Therapy. Advances in technology have allowed us to use MRI's and E.P tests, we have been able to take more accurate blood tests, and have been able to undergo Cerebrospinal Fluid Tests to check for immune system proteins and antibodies in spinal fluid.
Media Influences:
The National M.S. society, (online source at convio.net) has said that the purpose of the M.S. walk, is to connect the people with M.S., to those who care about them. The M.S. walk is something that has been available since 1988, and has raised over $770 million, to support life changing programs. The national M.S. society encourages people to participate in the M.S. walk, to show the care that they have for others, and to help stand up against it. In the Natural News Articles, it explains how you can get different treatments for M.S., and stresses the importance of Vitamins that can keep you out of risk for chances of getting M.S.
Immediate and Long Term Risk Factors:
Once you are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, some of the Immediate Risk Factors may include: Tingling, numbness, loss of balance. weakness in one or more limbs, blurred or double vision, and troubles walking. As Multiple Sclerosis progresses, some of the long term risk factors may include: Muscle spasms, sensitivity to heat, fatigue, depression, paralysis, tremors, speech and swallowing problems, changes in thinking or perception, hearing loss, and possibly even death.