Managing MS

When does MS start? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurologic condition caused by repeated inflammatory attack (or flares) on the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Because the central nervous system controls most cognitive, motor, balance and sensory systems, these flares are expressed in many different ways- such as fatigue, imbalance, motor […]

The nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (all nerves after they have exited the brain and spinal cord). Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the central nervous system along the myelin sheath (the protective coating on the outside

Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can suffer all the same illnesses and diseases that people without MS do.  So, it is important to keep in mind that not everything you feel is from your MS.  You too can have heart disease, thyroid problems and any other ailment out there.  The problem is that people with

The most common form of initially diagnosed MS (multiple sclerosis) is Relapsing Remitting MS, accounting for 85-90% of presenting patients.  RRMS is characterized by distinct relapses followed by periods of partial or complete recovery.  Over time, some patients transition to secondary progressive MS in which disability increases without distinct flares. The other traditionally recognized forms

Hormonal changes in females, such as onset of menses and at menopause, have a well-documented role in headache frequency.  But what, if any effect, does menopause, with a drop in estrogen do to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease activity? The answer is a significant effect because estrogen has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. During  menopause there is

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are among the most empowered and engaged when it comes to taking control of their disease and disease symptoms.  The average age of MS sufferers is a bit younger than that of other neurologic disorders (30 years old vs 60 years for all neurologic conditions).  This means MS patients tend

Marijuana is being used to provide symptom relief for many conditions.  In MS, it comes with both risks and benefits. While studies of marijuana use for symptomatic control in people living with MS have had inconsistent results, it is widely used in well-reputed MS centers for pain control. It is legally sold at marijuana dispensaries

Women suffer from both migraines and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) more often than men. In fact, approximately 18 percent of all women suffer from migraines.  As a result, many women with MS will suffer from both. In fact, having MS increases the frequency of migraines to up to 45% and often occurs concurrently or before MS

With all of the new Multiple Sclerosis (MS) drugs available, it can be confusing on which one to choose.  Of course, your doctor will help navigate you, but it is always good to understand the choices and be armed with questions to make the most of your doctor’s visit. Ocrevus came onto the market in

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been divided into different subtypes based on disease activity and progression.  Some people have Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS) in which the signs of MS are only MRI abnormalities without clinical symptoms,  Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) in which the person only has one clinical symptom in her lifetime, Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS)