Multiple Sclerosis Sourcebook

Provides information about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its effects on mobility, vision, bladder function, speech, swallowing, and cognition, including facts about risk factors, causes, diagnostic procedures and treatment options. « hide

"Provides basic consumer health information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple sclerosis. Includes an index, glossary of related terms, and other resources"--

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is recognized as the most prevalent acquired inflammatory demyelinating disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Approximately 900,000 individuals in the United States and 2.3 million people worldwide are estimated to be affected by the disease. It generally strikes people between the ages of 20 and 40 and more commonly affects young adults and females. Symptoms of MS can vary significantly based on the location and severity of nerve damage but commonly encompass fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, coordination and balance challenges, vision impairments, and cognitive changes. While a cure remains elusive, treatments exist to alleviate symptoms, impede disease progression, and enhance overall well-being. Multiple Sclerosis Sourcebook, Third Edition provides information about causative factors, rare variants, primary symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, therapies, and management of multiple sclerosis. It also provides valuable insights into building resilience, exercise guidelines tailored for individuals with MS, and addressing the intersection of MS with work, financial, and legal issues. The book concludes with a glossary of terms related to multiple sclerosis and a directory of organizations that provide additional information. Part 1: Understanding Multiple Sclerosis provides information on the nervous system, factors causing multiple sclerosis (MS), the association between autoimmune diseases and MS, the prevalence of MS across different genders and ages, variants of MS, and other conditions connected to MS, such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, neuromyelitis optica, transverse myelitis, and trigeminal neuralgia. Part 2: Primary Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis describes the various aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS), including fatigue, spasticity, difficulties in communication, and problems related to thinking. It also covers vocal fold paralysis, poor balance, indicating difficulties in maintaining stability, and sexual dysfunction, which pertains to difficulties in sexual arousal or performance. Part 3: Diagnostic Tests, Treatments, and Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis describes the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the Kurtzke expanded disability status scale. It also explores various treatment options, including complementary approaches, aimed at halting the progression of MS. Additionally, it discusses the use of plasmapheresis and highlights the role of Vitamin D in treating MS. Part 4: Living with Multiple Sclerosis includes information about optimizing life with multiple sclerosis (MS) by addressing various aspects such as dietary changes, exercise guidelines, music therapy, vaccinations, equipment for self-care and independence, and self-care tips for caregivers of individuals with MS. Part 5: Multiple Sclerosis and Work, Financial, and Legal Issues explains supporting individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) in different areas of life. It includes accommodating employees with MS in the workplace, financial planning considerations specific to MS, exploring health care options for managing symptoms, understanding disability rights laws for patients, addressing guardianship needs for those with disabilities, and creating advance directives for medical decisions. These aim to provide comprehensive support and guidance for individuals living with MS and their caregivers to navigate various challenges effectively. Part 6: Additional Help and Information includes a glossary of terms related to multiple scelrosis and a directory of resources for further help and information.

Provides information about the risk factors, causes, and types of multiple sclerosis and its effects on mobility, vision, bladder function, speech, swallowing, and cognition.

The most trusted book on multiple sclerosis, updated and revised with the latest research in combating the disease Once known as the "crippler of young adults," now more than 75 percent of MS patients will never need a wheelchair. In Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Louis J. Rosner and Shelley Ross explain that there genuinely is new hope, more than ever before, both for controlling the disease today and curing it tomorrow. Updated with the latest research and terminology, this revised edition gets to the bottom of every treatment option from the tried-and-true to today's cutting-edge and experimental therapies. Its trusted advice covers every step of living with MS, what you need to know, and what you need to ask. Dr. Louis Rosner and Shelley Ross explain what the disease is, who gets it and why, and what people with MS can do to continue living happy and healthy lives. Whether you or your loved one has just been diagnosed with MS or has lived with it for a while, Multiple Sclerosis gives you the information you need to live well with the disease, including: • The diagnosis: how to understand and identify MS as early as possible • The varying symptoms and courses of the disease: how to recognize and treat them • The emotional struggles that come with MS: where to turn for support • The most current medical research and therapies available to MS patients: how to know if they are right for you For decades, this trusted handbook has helped those with MS and their families and friends to treat and understand their disease. Research brings us closer to a cure every day, but until that day comes, patients have, in this book, the very best tool for beating MS -- the facts.

Multiple Sclerosis: A Mechanistic View provides a unique view of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders. As the only book on the market to focus on the mechanisms of MS rather than focusing on the clinical features and treatment of the disease, it describes the role of genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of MS, the role of specific cells in the pathophysiology of the disease, and the pathophysiology of inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders related to MS. The book provides discussion of neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration, two critical emerging areas of research, as well as detailed discussion of the mechanisms of action of the approved and investigational drugs for treatment of MS and the emerging role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRI) in investigations into MS. It is the only book on the market to offer comprehensive coverage of the known mechanisms of MS and related diseases, and contains contributions from physicians and researchers who are worldwide experts in the field of study. Focuses on the pathophysiologic mechanisms of multiple sclerosis and the mechanisms of action in agents for the treatment of MS Discusses the roles of neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration in MS and related diseases Authored and edited by international leaders in the field of MS research

Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) doesn’t have to mean your life is over. Everyone’s MS is different and no one can predict exactly what yours will be like. The fact is, lots of people live their lives with MS without making a full-time job of it. MS for Dummies gives you easy to access, easy to understand information about what happens with MS—what kinds of symptoms it can cause, how it can affect your life at home and at work, what you can do to feel and function up to snuff, and how you can protect yourself and your family against the long-term unpredictability of the disease. You'll learn: Why some people get MS and others don’t How to make treatment and lifestyle choices that work for you What qualities to look for in a neurologist and in the rest of your healthcare team How to manage fatigue, walking problems, and visual changes Why the road to diagnosis can be full of twists and turns How to understand the pros and cons of alternative medicine Why and how to talk to your kids about MS How to find stress management strategies that work for you Your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act Complete with listings of valuable resources such as other books, Web sites, and community agencies and organizations that you can tap for information or assistance, MS for Dummies will tell you everything you need to know in order to make educated choices and comfortable decisions about life with MS.

"Education about multiple sclerosis has traditionally been medically oriented and related to disease and dysfunction. In contrast, this brand-new second edition of the Guide continues to focus on staying well in the presence of MS, a disease that - while incurable - can be managed. The book covers a broad spectrum of topics related to MS and its effects, focusing especially on the needs of those who have been living with the disease for some time. Practical tips on self-care are designed to promote maximum independence, well-being, and productivity. The theme of the book - wellness - can be described by the acronym: Weighing options Eating well Living to your fullest Learning new skills Needing others Evaluating situations realistically Surviving stress and Staying responsible. Contributors to the book are professionals who have a specialty or a special interest in MS. Their suggestions, advice, and strategies come from years of experience in the field. It is their hope that readers will come away with fresh ideas on how to cope with the ever-changing challenges of MS."