Multiple Sclerosis Sourcebook 2nd Ed

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

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 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 Sourcebook, Second Edition provides information about risk factors, causes, and types of multiple sclerosis and its effects on mobility, vision, bladder function, speech, swallowing, and cognition. Treatments and rehabilitation therapies are described, guidelines for nutrition and exercise are discussed, and tips on choosing assistive equipment are provided.

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

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.

Special populations, societal and family issues, and related disorders that are often mistaken for MS are also covered. Dedicated chapters on neuromyelitis optica and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis incorporate newer diagnostic criteria. Because comorbidities often make the management of MS-related disability more complex, the book addresses these comorbidities as part of a comprehensive management plan. To enhance the clinical utility, critical-to-know information and management pearls are boxed for quick reference and most chapters include lists of "Key Points" for clinicians, and for patients and families. Illustrations, tables, graphs, assessment scales, and up-to-date MRI imaging inform the text throughout. The treatment chapters include specific recommendations where available and highlight areas of controversy.

Over the past 30 years there have been significant advances in our understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) due to the use of MRIs to better visualize the disease and because of the introduction of new ameliorating drugs. However, MS is still an incurable disease and diagnosis remains challenging for many physicians; for instance symptoms often mimic MS and there is not a specific test for the disease. To ensure optimal patient care there is a need for physicians to remain up to date with new drugs on the market, disease detection, diagnosis, and latest management options. The Handbook of Multiple Sclerosis (Second Edition) provides a concise, easily assessable guide for all healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of this condition, including standard therapies, as well as more novel treatments. The book includes comprehensive evaluations of the pharmacological treatments available, including novel investigational agents currently in development.

Revised and updated second edition of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders: Clinical Guide to Diagnosis, Medical Management, and Rehabilitation, the only comprehensive but practical source of core information on multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders. Intended as a ready reference for clinicians who provide ongoing care to MS patients, this book combines evidence-based science with experience-based guidance to present current standards and management protocols from leading MS centers. Beginning with the scientific underpinnings of MS for clinicians, the book proceeds through diagnosis, including initial symptoms, diagnostic criteria and classification, imaging, and differential diagnosis, and onto approved treatments for the various MS types and emerging therapies. Later parts of the book discuss symptom management and rehabilitation with chapters focusing on specific side effects, along with considerations for special populations, comorbidities, societal and family issues, and related autoimmune disorders that are often mistaken for MS. Throughout, chapters include lists of Key Points both for clinicians and for patients and families, and management pearls are boxed for quick reference and clinical utility. Illustrations, tables, algorithms, assessment scales, and up-to-date MRI imaging enrich the text, making this a wide-ranging clinical reference for all members of the MS care team. New to the Second Edition: Includes summary recommendations from new AAN practice guidelines for use of DMTs All chapters updated to reflect the latest literature and diagnostic criteria Five entirely new chapters added to expand coverage of treatment, rehabilitation and symptom management, and special issues related to MS Treatment section has been completely revised to better capture current approaches to disease modifying therapies, with separate chapters devoted to injection and oral therapies, infusion therapies, and treatments for progressive forms of MS Related autoimmune diseases section significantly expanded to include transverse myelitis, autoimmune encephalitis, and neurosarcoidosis