3-01-05
Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis can be devastating, but new screening techniques and treatments are helping patients lead more productive lives.

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, chronic disease of the central nervous system. Approximately 350 thousand Americans have MS. Dr. James LaGuardia, assistant professor of neurology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says MS usually affects people in their 20s and 30s, and can have a variety of symptoms.

SOUND BITE: " . . . weakness in arms and legs and the sensory functions can affect people's vision or hearing. They can have speech or swallowing difficulty. They could even have bowel or bladder disfunction – almost anything that any nerve does in the brain or spinal cord."

Twice as many women than men have MS. With treatment, most patients can be expected to lead a normal or near normal life. About two-thirds of MS patients remain able to walk, though some may need the aid of a cane or crutches. Dr. LaGuardia says it’s important for people to be diagnosed early so they can start medications to help prevent disability. He explains the treatment options.

SOUND BITE: "The most common treatments are all injectable, there are four of them that are FDA approved. Three of them are based on interferon and the fourth is a novel amino acid. Their function is to try to prevent future relapses of the disease and to try to prevent progression of disability with time."

If someone you know has symptoms of MS, they should see a physician for evaluation and possible treatment.