Many people may know a little bit about multiple sclerosis (MS) but it's surprising how even those who have the disease or know someone very close to them with it have a misunderstanding about what it is, what it is not, and how to deal with the symptoms of the condition. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is an organization dedicated to informing patients and family members about this disease and usually has some of the most up to date information available, much of which is very surprising even to its patients.

For one thing, multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system. This system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This is different from muscular dystrophy, which is a group of diseases that actually attack the muscles themselves. In MS sufferers, their muscles are fine but the nerves cannot signal them to move and function properly. In muscular dystrophy, the nerves are fine but the muscles cannot function as they should. While the patients of both may have similar symptoms they are actually two very different diseases.

Many people assume that those with multiple sclerosis will die at a young age but this just isn't true at all. Most patients with this condition have a normal life expectancy. It's also thought that it is an inherent disease; while the gene responsible for the condition can be found in families it is not directly inherent. Most with MS will see it skip a generation or two, or will find that there are patients in their extended family (aunts and uncles, distant cousins, etc.) rather than having the gene passed on from parent to child.

It's interesting also that most persons with multiple sclerosis do not become severely disabled. They may have certain problems or limitations that they will need to accommodate; many have issues with coordination and balance, or have trouble walking that means assistance with a cane, walker, or occasional wheelchair, but the vast majority of MS patients are able to have careers and families and function normally with only minor inconveniences. Typically just knowing that you have the disease or condition will help tremendously in being able to make accommodations around the house and place of employment; many patients with multiple sclerosis simply ask to be relocated to a desk or work station nearer the restroom so they have less distance to walk; they may request to be able to phone in to conferences and meetings rather than travel or even walk to the conference room, and of course they become quite adept at email and instant messaging so they don't need to get to a coworker's desk either! These minor accommodations are usually happily provided by an employer.

Those with MS usually experience quite a different set of symptoms than another patient or sufferer with MS. It's important to be in contact with your doctor as well because there are always new medications and treatment options being developed for MS that may not be able to cure the disease outright but that can make the symptoms that much more bearable.

A New Treatment Theory

Dr. Paul Goldberg has advanced the theory that a plentiful year round supply of the sun's ultraviolet rays, which trigger the production of vitamin D in human skin, is the reason why multiple sclerosis is almost non-existent in tropical regions. He argues that in temperate climates the disease strikes those who inherit an unfulfilled need for the high levels of vitamin D that the sun bestows on tropical humans. If his theory proves correct then multiple sclerosis should be easy to prevent but unfortunately not cure. Multiple Sclerosis is primarily in adults between the ages of 20 and 40.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.