- Multiple Sclerosis
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, disease of the central nervous system - the brain and spinal cord. The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis, however it can cause severe disability. Often striking those between the ages of 20 to 40, the average age of diagnosis is 30, but cases of MS have been diagnosed in childhood, and people in their fifties have been diagnosed as well.
According to the MS Society of Canada women develop MS almost twice as often as men and an estimated 50,000 Canadians have multiple sclerosis. Canada is a high-risk area for the disease, which occurs more often in countries which are further away from the equator.
Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis
There are a number of ways to diagnose MS, however the most advanced and accurate is done with an MRI scan. Through an MRI a radiologist has a very detailed picture of the brain and spinal cord which shows existing areas of MS plaques (lesions). MRI allows for faster diagnosis of MS and, equally important, faster evaluation of potentially useful MS therapies. However, the MRI scan in addition to evidence from the neurological examination, the medical history and other tests often leads to the best confirmation of the diagnosis of MS.
Most common types of Multiple Sclerosis
Although it can take time, doctors are able to determine what type or variation of MS a patient has. Some people are minimally affected by the disease (benign MS or relapsing-remitting MS without permanent disability) while others are affected more severely. While there are more variations, most people fit in between these two groups.
Treatment
Drug and physical therapies are used for treatment of this disease. There is no cure for this disease at this time.
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