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The What, Who, Why, Where, When, and How
of Multiple Sclerosis
WHO & WHERE
There seem to be some dominating factors in a large number of people with MS. First of all, it is twice as common in women as in men. Secondly, although MS occurs in all races, it is more frequent in white people. Among Caucasians, it occurs most often in those living in northern Europe or among Caucasians of northern European descent. (Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand.) This finding leads some to believe that a certain gene predisposes a person to MS.
Besides race and sex, MS seems to be affected by environment. In places where there is a high incidence of MS, there is one common factor. Cool temperatures. The higher the latitude the greater the cases of MS. MS is more common in Canada and the northern U.S. than it is in the southern U.S. It's more common in northern Europe than southern Europe as well.
Facts:
MS affects more women than men
MS tends to appear in Caucasians more than any other race
MS is prevalent in those of northern European descent
MS seems to prefer the Northern Hemisphere
Another interesting tidbit is that MS tends to be more prevalent in those of middle to upper socioeconomic status (Tell that to us when we are piled under bills.)
WHEN
In most cases MS is diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. It is rarely diagnosed under the age of 12 or over 55 years of age. Symptoms may begin at an earlier age, but since they tend to disappear rapidly, people tend to dismiss them.
HOW
Multiple Sclerosis can affect a person in many different ways. Some of the common symptoms include:
Fatigue Unsteadiness or dizziness
Depression Shaking and loss of coordination
Weakness Numbness and tingling
Memory changes Bladder problems
Pain Bowel problems
Visual loss Sexual problems
Double vision
Many of these symptoms can be treated with various techniques such as medications, diet, exercise, and rest.
Some things that may worsen MS symptoms:
Heat. When getting overheated by outside temperatures or even a simple bath, people with MS may experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms until they get cooled off.
Fatigue. Most people with MS find that they feel better in the morning than evening. One of the first things a person with MS is taught is to, look, listen and feel. Some people even tend to get gray around the eyes as they come closer to a worsening of symptoms or a relapse. If you feel tired, and look tired, you probably need to take some time to rest.
Stress. Being stressed and anxious can wear on any person. Being worn down when you have MS usually means a worsening of symptoms. Try to avoid stressful situations or deal with them quickly in order to not prolong the affect the stress may have on you.
Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to days, weeks or even months. However sometimes a person may experience an unusual symptoms that lasts for only a few brief seconds or minutes. For example random slurring and brief weakness or unsteadiness, or shooting pains.
When a person experiences a worsening of original symptoms, it is called a fluctuation or flare-up. It is usually caused by fatigue, stress, or heat.
If a person experiences new symptoms, or a significant worsening of old symptoms that last more than 24 hours, it is considered an exacerbation, relapse, or attack. Fluctuations happen hour by hour whereas an attack lasts a day or more. Little fluctuations in your symptoms do not usually require any hospitalization. The symptoms tend to lessen when the stress is removed from the picture. These are not signs that your MS is going berserk.
In the case of an exacerbation, treatments with corticosteriods and hospitalization may be necessary. Always notify your doctor about your condition should it worsen.
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