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MS Views & News
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The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) is a proactive and innovative charity, passionately committed to supporting anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis through access to unbiased information and advice. Our approach is to encourage individuals to make choices that are appropriate to their daily lives, empowering them to maximise their potential.
Study Funded by U.S. and Canadian MS Societies Pinpoints Factors That May Contribute To Faster Progression to Secondary Progressive MS
Written by Stuart Schlossman
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 08:57
Aug 30, 2010
In a study of over 5,000 people with MS, researchers pinpointed motor symptoms at onset (such as muscle stiffness known as spasticity) and male gender as factors associated with a faster progression fromrelapsing-remitting MStosecondary-progressive MS. Marcus Koch, MD (University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands), Helen Tremlett, PhD (University of British Columbia) and colleagues report on the findings in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry (2010 Jul 16. [Epub ahead of print]). Researchers were funded by the National MS Society, the MS Society of Canada and others.
Background: Of the 85% of people who are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), many will eventually transition to secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), which means that the disease will begin to progress more steadily, with or without any relapses. Although we have some clues, we don’t yet fully understand what triggers relapses or what causes MS to progress. The disease progression rate, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Research is ongoing to find risk factors that might contribute to MS progression and markers that will help predict the course of MS, which would help greatly in making treatment decisions.
The Study: The team selected people who initially presented with RRMS from a database that contains information on people with MS at the four MS clinics in British Columbia, Canada. Information was available on 5169 people, and of these, 1821 (35%) had progressed to SPMS during the observation period from 1980 to 2003. Because this study set out to be a “natural history” study, data from people who went on disease-modifying therapies were excluded starting on the first day of their therapy.
Results: In this untreated group, the median time to secondary progression was 21.4 years from onset, but there was a wide range of variability. Those 25% of patients with the slowest progression took more than 32 years to reach secondary progression after onset. The investigators found that having motor symptoms at onset (such as uncontrolled or spasticity) and male gender were associated with a faster progression to SPMS and younger age when converting to SPMS. Median time to SPMS was 18.6 years for those with motor symptoms at onset vs. 22.0 years for those without such symptoms. Median time to SPMS was 17.1 years for men vs. 22.7 years for women. Also, younger age at disease onset was associated with a slower progression to SPMS, but also a younger age when SPMS began. The presumed influence of disease-modifying therapies on progression to SPMS cannot be determined from this study.
There is no single test that is proof-positive for diagnosing multiple sclerosis. However, there are accepted criteria for making the diagnosis, but even this system is imperfect.
Since diagnosing MS can be very difficult, a neurologist who specializes in treating MS should evaluate your symptoms. As many as 10% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis actually have some other condition that mimics MS. Examples of other conditions that masquerade as MS include inflammation in the blood vessels, multiple strokes, vitamin deficiency, lupus, or a brain infection. Sometimes stress-related disorders can lead to a misdiagnosis of MS.
How Is a Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis Made?
An accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is based on your medical history and a neurological exam (an exam of the function of the brain and spinal cord) using various tests. A lot depends on the skill of the doctor in asking the right questions to uncover information and to properly evaluate the signs and symptoms of a malfunctioning brain or spinal cord.
In addition to a thorough medical history and exam, a variety of specialized procedures are helpful -- although not always necessary -- to accurately diagnose MS. These include imaging techniques, such as MRI,spinal taps or lumbar punctures (examination of the cerebrospinal fluid that runs through the spinal column), evoked potentials (electrical tests to help determine if MS has affected a person's nerve pathways), and lab analysis of blood samples.
Although MS is typically thought of as an adult-onset disease, some children and teens have been diagnosed. Children and Teens with MS: A Network for Familiesoffers educational and psychosocial support for families living with MS. The Network is a collaborative effort of the National MS Society and the MS Society of Canada. Together we recognize the unique needs of these families.
Students with MS & the Academic Setting: A Handbook for School Personnel
Students with MS & the Academic Setting: A Handbook for School Personnelis an informational guide for school staff working with children and teens with MS. The handbook includes a discussion on the issues children and teens with MS may face, recommended accommodations and modifications in the school setting, transition issues, as well as basic information on MS.
The Network currently offers the following resources specifically for this special population:
Children with MS
An activity book for children ages 5-12 with MS. The book includes educational games, activities, and age-appropriate articles to help children better understand their diagnosis.
Virtual Community for Parents
The Network connects parents through a moderated listserv where they can share concerns and information.
Information and Referral
You can receive information about MS and local resources from your chapter by calling 1-800-344-4867.
Pediatric MS: Understanding for Today, Hope for Tomorrow A 20+ minute DVD that provides an overview of pediatric MS and how the Society is addressing the needs through programs and services and the Network of Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence. The piece includes interviews with three families with a child with MS, healthcare professionals from the six Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, and Society staff and volunteers. The DVD is hosted by Society volunteer Channing Barker, a young adult who was diagnosed with MS in her teens.
Children with MS
An activity book for children ages 5-12 with MS. The book includes educational games, activities, and age-appropriate articles to help children better understand their diagnosis.
Virtual Community for Parents
The Network connects parents through a moderated listserv where they can share concerns and information.
Information and Referral
You can receive information about MS and local resources from your chapter by calling 1-800-344-4867.
Pediatric MS: Understanding for Today, Hope for Tomorrow A 20+ minute DVD that provides an overview of pediatric MS and how the Society is addressing the needs through programs and services and the Network of Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence. The piece includes interviews with three families with a child with MS, healthcare professionals from the six Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, and Society staff and volunteers. The DVD is hosted by Society volunteer Channing Barker, a young adult who was diagnosed with MS in her teens.
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Written by Stuart Schlossman
Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:38
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:59
Wellness and Multiple Sclerosis
Written by Stuart Schlossman
Saturday, 17 July 2010 09:05
Wellness and Nutrition
Good health has a lot to do with what you put on your plate at every meal. Diet is an area where a person with MS can be in control. Studies show that sensible eating habits have a dramatic impact on many aspects of health. For instance, the risks of heart disease, certain types of cancer, and obesity can all be reduced by healthy eating. But you shouldn't stress yourself out trying regimented eating plans.
We know the benefits of physical exercise: strength, stamina, and weight control. Exercise may also have a protective effect against certain cancers and stroke, and reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
But what does this all mean to a person who is constantly told to rest and not overdo it? What does this mean to a person with MS?
The first thing we need to do is change our perception of exercise.
Wellness & Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Complementary describes those that are used along with conventional medical interventions. Alternative therapies are certain therapies used instead of conventional medicine.
Remember, only FDA-approved DMDs have been proven to be effective in the treatment of MS.
''MS Views and News" believes that knowledge is Power, which is why we strive to provide education materials about MS that affect the patient, caregiver and others with interest in MS
MS affects each person differently so understanding the basics about MS is just the first step in learning how to live your life well with your MS.
Whether you have a confirmed diagnosis of MS or are still waiting to find out what your diagnosis might be, you can read about the challenges and opportunities related to each of the different courses and stages of MS:
Resources for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Written by Stuart Schlossman
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 19:58
The following official websites of various MSorganizations provide information, education, and support to individuals with,or affected by Multiple Sclerosis (those affected include the patient, caregiver, family, friends, colleagues, health care providers and other persons with interest). Topics include MS research, disease treatments, symptom management, MS center locations, additional resources, and social/community support.
At the request of a friend, The
Wheelchair Kamikaze embarks on a quest to find a statue dedicated to Audrey
Hepburn, located on the east side of Manhattan. The trip takes us through
Central Park an...
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