What is Shingles? About one in every three Americans will have shingles in their lifetime. Shingles is a painful array of blisters that follow the distribution of a single nerve root on the skin (usually the torso) and are usually one-sided. The blisters usually resolve entirely in two to four weeks. The blisters often are
MS and Shingles: What MS Patients Should Know Read More »
Our Three-Part Series on the Nervous System There are many different parts of the nervous system, each with its function and vulnerabilities to damage and disease. This is the first of a three-part blog: This blog gives a basic overview of the nervous system. Next, we will discuss which disease states impact which parts of
The Nervous System Crash Course Read More »
While the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) public health emergency declaration officially ended this month, on May 11th, the infectious disease has not gone away. Experts say COVID is here to stay. That is especially true for those dealing with the long-term effects of COVID. COVID’s Neurologic Symptoms At initial infection, most people infected with COVID-19 have
Long COVID and Its Neurologic Effects Read More »
For those dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, every day presents challenges. Some are new challenges; others are recurring. Making the best of a bad situation is a mantra for many MS patients. We have some suggestions to offer on how to make life a little better. Yes, we are past those New Year’s resolutions (which are
How to Make Life (a little) Better: 10 Ideas for MS Patients Read More »
It’s not a surprise that the time with your physician is precious, especially for those dealing with multiple sclerosis. During an appointment with any healthcare provider, the clock is ticking to maximize the amount that can be accomplished in a limited time. According to national data, doctors spend an average of 18 minutes with patients.
MS Patients: How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment Read More »
We focus on multiple sclerosis and mental illnesses as we enter May’s Mental Health Awareness Month. In this blog, we cover why people with MS are at high risk of developing mood disorders while suggesting ways to mediate the associated anxiety and depression experienced by many MS patients. Background: Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is an
MS and Depression, Mood Disorders, and Mental Illness Read More »
Overall Shortage of Physicians Today, the United States faces a shortage of physicians, which is projected to worsen significantly over the next decade. For example, the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortfall of 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. The ramifications of the deficit are clear: an impending crisis in which our healthcare
Overwhelming Shortage of Specialists in Neurology: Nine Reasons Why Read More »
Overview of Early Treatment After a lengthy debate, early treatment of multiple sclerosis is now strongly advocated by MS experts. Our blog, “Insights into Early Treatment,” explored two trials that studied the effect of drug therapy after the onset of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS). The study results revealed that early intervention decreased the percentage of
Early Detection of MS: Early Treatment Ties to More Favorable Outcomes Read More »
Meet and listen to Sandy’s experience with BeCare MS Link! “I’m Sandy, and I was diagnosed with MS in 2014 after I could barely walk on my wedding day. I’ve had to find the tools that work for my everyday life to ensure I’m taking care of myself. There’s a healthy diet and exercise and,
BeCare MS Link Champion and Testimonial Read More »
The Mystery of Autoimmune Diseases The mystery that faces those with multiple sclerosis and any autoimmune disorder: what triggers the disease? On a basic level, autoimmune disease occurs because the body’s natural defenses, the immune system, attack the body’s healthy tissue. But the answers to “how” and “why” remain elusive to scientists, physicians, and those
New Research Advances Understanding of What Causes MS Disease Read More »