I was first introduced to Spark at a Multiple Sclerosis seminar at St Luke MS Clinic.

At first glance, you see the sub-headline: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain, and say to yourself, what this book could have to do with multiple sclerosis. My first initial impression was I can’t exercise much less do it at the level that could affect my disease. How could this help me?

But hold on a minute partner.

Dr Ratey lays out a case study from Naperville school district in Illinois on how children whom exercise perform better in school. A lot better. While it was impressive to see how children’s performance was changed for the better by a specific exercise regime, I still had trouble making the connection to my life. After all I am unable to walk more than a mile and a half before overheating and suffering from drop foot. Notice I said walk not run.

Never the less I continued through the rest of the book. Finally I arrived at Chapter 10. The Regimen, Build your Brain, and it started to make sense as to why you should read this book. The research scientists are proving that you can build your brain. Actually grow new nerve cells and myelin.

WHAT!

I thought you couldn’t rebuild nerves once they had been damaged Well not so. Neurologist Scott Small says,at his Columbia University lab, in 2007, where they saw the telltale signs of neurogenesis for the first time in live humans.

Neurogenesis is defined as the creation of nerves.

Dr. John Ratey states in his book Spark,

He and his peers view exercise primarily as a surefire trigger to increase the growth of new cells. It’s a similar story with many of the other positive effects of exercise I’ve discussed, from increasing neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors to releasing factors from the muscles that build new capillaries in the brain and encourage synaptic plasticity.

That was all I needed to read. I dug out my exercise bike and made a determined effort to start my exercise program. I couldn’t run but I could sit on my stationery bike and peddle till my hearts content. The key was to do it every day. So, I now ride my bike for 30 minutes a day at a minimum. At first it was hard, but now after six months it is just a part of the routine. Each day it is easier to keep a steady pace.

Raising your heart rate is the key to starting neurogenesis. You will need to calculate your base heart rate. Take 220 minus your age, and then calculate 55%, 65%, 75% and 90% or your maximum heart rate. You should be trying to exercise in the moderate level (65 -75) at least four time per week and twice a week you should be trying to achieve high intensity.

Don’t refuse to start today simply because you can’t achieve these results. When I am struggling to walk back to the car after a walk and look like I just spent the last fours hours at the bar, I simply say to myself, I am out here!! and that is the most important thing. So start today, you will never regret it. What is good for the heart is good for the brain. So get out there and start moving.

Robert Groth is the author of “Conquer Multiple Sclerosis”. To receive a FREE Ebook go to www.ConquerMS.com

Some people do without medical therapy and do well. Reasons they resist this type of therapy are the potential for serious side effects, risk of taking them or the cost.

What if any are the risks and side effects?

In the past, the principle medications used were steroids possessing anti-inflammatory agents. These include; Adrenocorticotropic hormone, (also known as ACTH), prednisone, Prednisolone, Methyleprednisolone, Betamethasone and Dexamethasone. There are indications that people with movement problems benefit from steroids use more than those with sensory system problems. Steroids do not affect MS over time, but they may reduce the duration and severity of attacks. The side effects of steroids include, acne, weight gain, seizures and psychosis, therefore they are not recommended for long term use.

One area of multiple sclerosis research involves antiviral proteins, known as Interferons. Interferons are a group of immune system proteins, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. These are produced by different cells in the body. Three forms of Beta Interferons which are now used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS are Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif. Common side effects are fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, fatigue, depression, and injection site reaction.

Some therapies being investigated, which may still be considered experimental, are showing results that immuno suppressive agents can affect the course of MS. The toxic side effects can leave the patient open to a variety of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Other studies include Novantrone which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic MS.

More therapies under consideration include cyclosporine (sandimmune), Cyclophosphamide (cytoxan), and Methotrexate Azathioprine (Imuran). More research is needed to assure that the risk and side effects to the multiple sclerosis patients are minimal.

Therapy to improve nerve impulse conduction, in ms patients, is being researched in small trials, using derivatives of a drug called Aminopyridine. Possible side effects included Paresthesias (tingling), dizziness, and seizures.

Copaxone, a synthetic based myelin was studied in trials and had few side effects and some ms patients showed some neurologic improvement.

While some research is done to find a cure for multiple sclerosis, several scientists try to treat the symptoms of MS. Spasticity can be treated with Lioresal, Zanaflex, Valium, Klonopin and Dantrium. Optic neuritis is treated with oral steroids and Solu-Medrol. Fatigue sufferers use antidepressants, Symmetrel and Pemoline. For pain, aspirin, acetaminophen, antidepressants and codeine are prescribed. Carbamazepine or other anticonvulsants are given for trigeminal neuralgia.

Multiple sclerosis patients do use some of these medications to help fight the disease. Many complain when more medications have to be prescribed to treat the symptoms or side affects. This often leads to more depression for the sufferer and their families. It is not always cost-effective for families that may have already lost some or most of their income.

The risk of prolonged treatment with most medications is not known, some of which have not been approved as of yet by the Federal Drug Administration.

If you show any symptoms of multiple sclerosis, please consult your physician for a ms diagnosis and treatment.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages Multiple Sclerosis at www.gilbertlowe.info

Homeopathy is the treatment of a disease using, in small dosages, drugs that produce the symptoms much like those of the disease itself. There may be no clear relation to what medical science knows about the cause of the diseases or the symptoms. Homeopathic practitioners are called Homeopaths.

Diet does seem to be a compatible hypothesis in the treatment of MS. It may be that the activation of T-Cells against the CNS (central nervous system) are caused by molecular mimicry. It is possible it is initiated by food proteins. The irritation and weakening of the blood-barrier could be caused by hypersensitivity to foods. This could lead to the onset and progression of MS.

Based on this theory, it would be best to remove foods that activate the T-Cells. Adding supplements could help strengthen the CNS, immune system, the BBB (blood, brain, barrier) and the gut. Eliminate dairy, cereal grains, eggs, yeast and legumes. It also would be helpful to be tested for foods you have an allergy to, and eliminate those also. Reduce saturated fat intake, and take vitamins and minerals.

It is believed every person has an energy that is a self-healing response. In homeopathy, this is called your – Vital Force. Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s healing process. The patients are given small doses of substances that produce like symptoms of the disease. This is called “like cures like”.

Homeopathy is an alternative treatment system based upon theories and practices. It is more of an individual or custom made type of remedies. The treatment is all about the symptoms, lifestyle, emotional and mental state and other factors. The Homeopaths ask many questions about each. It sometimes takes a while to decide on the remedy of each person based on what their symptoms are.

Whole medical systems well-known in the western cultures include homeopathic and naturopathic medicines. In non-western cultures, Chinese medicines are popular as well as Ayurveds.

Philosophy of Homeopathy medicine is that the body, mind, and emotions are fully integrated and given full consideration when looking for the remedy. There are three levels of Homeopathy.

1. First Aid, to treat common ailments and things such as sprains, bruises, minor burns and skin irritations.
2. Acute health problems where symptoms do eventually go away on their own such as; colds, flu, and coughs.
3. Called constitutional Homeopathy, it is where remedies are used to strengthen the body’s immune system (given small dosages of the cause). This can be effective when treating the patient as a whole, including past and present symptoms.

A homeopath works towards understanding the whole person to recognize and remove the cause of the symptoms. Their remedies are based on “like with like”, and they must know the physical, mental and the state of their emotions before deciding on a correct treatment.

Homeopathic medicines are only given when the physical and psychological symptoms have been recognized. The remedies prescribed by Homeopaths come from many natural sources. Most are derived from plants, but some come from minerals, metals, and animal substances. Preparation of these medicines begins by first putting them into alcohol, and then the process begins. The substance is diluted with water and alcohol, and then shaken several thousands of times. This process is called potentisation. This dilutes it to the right potency.

You should consult with a homeopath and also your physician should you choose this method of treatment. There are schools that teach Homeopathy, and it is much more common since the use of this treatment is getting more popular. Some medical doctor’s are now taking these courses to compliment their practices of conventional medicine.

Some symptoms are treated at home such as colds and flu, but it is recommended to consult one qualified to diagnose you, and that knows the remedies or medications needed for your disease.

In 1997, the Homeopathic Research Group, which was founded two years earlier by the Directorate Commission XIIE of the European Union Commission, published a report. In this report, findings were gathered on the status of homeopathic research. Also published, a Dictionary of Homeopathy and a data-base of homeopathic trials.

The conclusion was that there was evidence in these trials to warrant more research and better trial qualities. Therefore, there was not a definitive statement. More trials and research is being done as more people are interested in a more natural treatment for their problems.

Some prescription medicines derive from properties that are found in some of these homeopathic remedies. The practice of Homeopathic medicine has been around since 1796, or before. A German doctor Samuel Hahnemann discovered this different approach to cure the sick. It was found to be less evasive than some side effects of the medicines given by prescription.

In the case of Homeopathy, the research, often called “proving” is test of healthy people that are given the same substance. The effects and symptoms are recorded and compared to produce information for other Homeopaths to use in the diagnoses of others. The remedies are recorded and kept in the Materia Medica. Some say this type of treatment always existed, but was only practiced about 200 years ago.

The “like cures like” can be described as being given in minute dose the same substance that is causing the symptoms. One such example is homeopathically prepared doses of onion (allium cepa) will treat certain cases of hay fever where the symptoms match those of someone suffering the effects of inhaling the fumes of an onion.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages Multiple Sclerosis at www.gilbertlowe.info

The brain, as we know, has been referred to having gray and white matter. The neurons, which are made of a cell body, are grouped together in an organized position. When looking at the brain with the naked eye, it appears gray. This is the cerebral cortex. The much deeper gray cells are called nuclei. These two areas allow us to think, speak, and tell our body what to do.

Myelin is a coating that covers our axons, which when looked at, appear to be white. Axons are the threads that connect cells. The coating,(myelin) acting similar to insulation on electrical wires, keeps the treads from short circuiting allowing signals to flow quickly from the brain to other parts of the body.

MS, as it is also called, disseminated sclerosis, affects the white matter in the brain that has to do with the nervous system. The covering, like what you might find on an electric wire, covers the nuclei which can be attacked by your own immune system. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most nonvascular causes of neurologic disabilities. The disease has no preference, men or women, though some testing has shown it is more prevalent in the female gender. It has been found in children, but it usually begins in early adult life.

An exact cause has not been found, but MS may result from damage to the material which surrounds the nerve cells called the Myelin Sheath. Multiple sclerosis, a progressive disease, often worsens over time. The inflammation can leave many areas of scar tissue, also known as lesions. The progression and repetition of flare-ups, (inflammation) can occur anywhere along the threads from the brain to the spinal cord.

There are medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, but many patients have had problems dealing with the side effects of the medications and seek other types of treatment.

Researchers do not know what triggers the relapse of the disease. It is not unusual for MS patients to have higher numbers of immune cells. Immune responses may play a role in theories which include virus, or genetic defect, or combinations of both. Geographic studies have been preformed and results have shown that MS occurs more often in northern Europe, northern United States, southern Australia, and New Zealand. People who live in these areas and have a family history or the gene have a higher risk of the disease. It is not yet known what role genetics play in the disease, but it is on-going research.

Attacks of MS vary and symptoms may last days to months, reduce, disappear, and then have a relapse. The inflammation can reoccur in different parts of the brain. Symptoms may be different than before depending on what new areas of the brain are affected. Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress are common triggers and may worsen attacks.

A history of two or more attacks separated by a period of no symptoms may be signs of relapsing-remitting MS. Disability and discomfort vary with the damage done and the frequency of attacks. Progressive MS is diagnosed when attacks get more severe with less improvement between attacks.

It may be a common factor that there is a return to normal or near-normal function between attacks. Some people have remissions, that last days, months, or even years. Research has yet to come up with a cure, but there are new progressive treatments for the symptoms and some can ead a close to normal life. Living a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards the goal of controlling the disease.

Always check with your physician before you start any treatment, and know that you have a true diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Some diseases can mimic the symptoms of MS. Discuss the ways that may be of the most benefit to you both in healing your body and the safety involved.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages Multiple Sclerosis at www.gilbertlowe.info

Thankfully, things have progressed in the process of diagnosing neurological diseases with imaging techniques that now can help diagnose diseases of the brain quicker and tell more of the destruction caused by it.

Since there are no single test to diagnose multiple sclerosis, several tools are used to first rule out other damaging disorders.

Lesions in the nervous system can be found by using imaging technologies. The plaque is the result of the loss of myelin. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI, is painless and exposes no radiation.

An MRS, magnetic resonance spectroscopy can give information about the brain chemical N-acetyl aspartate. Decreased levels may show nerve damage.

Magnetization Transfer Imaging, MTI, detects white matter problem areas before lesions exist.

A Functional MRI (FMRI) uses radio waves to measure differences in the physical function of the brain such as mental problems and blood flow.

VEP, Visual Evoked Potential is the study of cerebrospinal fluid that circulates through the brain and the spinal cord. This exam can show cellular and chemical abnormalities associated with MS.

With these aids, physicians are able to more easily diagnose what is a true MS attack, but there can be similar symptoms in some conditions and diseases. Polyarteritis, lupus erythematosus, syringomyelin, tropical spastic Para paresis, some cancers, and certain tumors may show attacks and some MS like lesions of the brains white matter. Often it is understood to take a closer look when there are a reoccurrence of the MS symptoms.

Neurological exams performed by a physician can show decreases in nerve function. This might be a loss in sensations such as numbness (pins and needles). There may be signs of the loss of neurologic functions including changes in vision, speech or the ability to move parts of the body.

The Babinski reflex test may show as a positive. This test is done on the outside sole of the foot with a painful stimulus. A positive result would be for an upward movement of the big toe instead of the normal result of a downward flex.

Eye exams show pupil responses, changes in peripheral vision, or rapid eye movements triggered by eye movement. It can also show any problems with the internal structure of the eye.

There are many therapies that may slow the disease allowing you to control your system and the quality of life. Always talk to your physician for guidelines to the diagnosis and treatment of any disease.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages Multiple Sclerosis at www.gilbertlowe.info

There were limited treatments for multiple sclerosis at one time because there was limited knowledge. Since more research has been done, some new things have come to light in the fight with on going ms treatments. There is beginning to be a base line of research where new products are being tested as well as ways to diagnose the disease. There is still much research, and trial studies that need to be performed including but not limited to the use of pharmaceuticals, alternative and herbal therapies. There have been breakthroughs which have shown certain similar results in the MS patient. One such thing is the deficiency of vitamin D. It still needs to be more understood, what if any roll, nutrition, genetics, geographical latitudes, and allergies play in this disease. Because of such research, there have been facts that might make ms sufferers resort to alternative methods of treatment besides medication. Some people can not deal with the side effects, and use any means possible to feel better.

Your treatment depends on available options that should be evaluated; therefore you need to be informed on treatments to help you manage your health. Complimentary and alternative medicine, CAM for short, consists of either complimenting or using a completely different way from the traditional medicinal ways now offered by physicians.

Alternative is the practice used instead of conventional medications. Some popular CAM therapies include; diets, dietary supplements, acupuncture, meditation, massage, and yoga. It is always wise to advise your physician of any complementary or alternative choices you make.

Herbs are often used in therapies for many people, alone or in addition of drugs used to prevent symptoms. Herbs can be dangerous, even toxic when the wrong amount or types taken are not complimentary to one another.

Some herbs that might be effective are; cranberry tablets for the prevention of urinary tract infections. Psyllium, which is approved by the FDA, is used for constipation and Valerin may help insomnia. St. Johns Wort has long been the treatment for depression. The strength and amounts of this herb taken to assure the prevention of its toxicity, if any, has not been established by the FDA. It also may interfere with antiviral medications, and the effect of oral contraceptives. Medications for heart disease, seizures, and certain cancers may be affected by herbs.

Certain herbs may interact with medications given to MS sufferers. You should always know what you are taking and the appropriate doses of herbs. Some have immune-stimulating properties that include alfalfa, astragalus, Echinacea, garlic and Ginseng, Chamomile, Asian and Siberian Ginseng, Goldenseal, Kava-Kava, stinging nettle, passionflower, sage, St. Johns Wort, and Valerian may be considered sedating herbs, and care should be cautioned while taking sedating prescriptions at the same time.

The intake of steroids while taking the herbs; aloe, bayberry, or Asian ginseng may worsen the side effects.

Some herbs that have been recommended by some herbalists for the treatment of ms include; chaparral, comfrey and yohimbe.

Some facts found while doing research on certain herbs are; Kava is known primarily as a relaxant, and has been used as a muscle relaxant. Echinacea is used as a blood purifier and antibiotic. Valerian is used alone or in conjunction with other herbs. It depresses the central nervous system similar to GABA (which occurs naturally in the brain) and inhibits nerve impulse transmission. Some people are stimulated with the use of Valerian, so should it cause insomnia, try hops, chamomile, passion flower, skullcap or avena which are herbs that relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.

Valerian has many physiologic effects on the CNS, or central nervous system such as a depressant or stimulant to gastric, pulmonary and cardiovascular functions.

You should be evaluated metabolically before using herbs to see if they are suited to you as a complement or is of an antagonistic nature to your system. St. Johns Wort has also been used as an anti-depressant, and studies have shown that it may compliment some sufferers of depression and is an alternative to using prescribed drugs.

This is not a guide or how-to article for using herbal treatments. The exact amounts needed to help fight MS would need to be designed and discussed with your health manager. This article is only a fraction of the information available on herbs and MS. Hopefully; there will be follow-up articles as more results are known from clinical testing.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages Multiple Sclerosis at www.gilbertlowe.info

Still scientists and doctors are not exactly sure as to the main triggers but they are a whole lot closer on finding out how this mysterious disease works.

There are a number of risk factors that have become prominent in the last few years and I’m sure you’ve heard of them. In fact, some of these factors have been linked to other diseases as well.

Below you’ll find a list of factors that put you at risk for getting Multiple Sclerosis. But remember, these are risks and no true determinant that you will be walking into the neurologist tomorrow for your first CAT scan.

#1 Risk Factor is just being a woman.
Multiple Sclerosis is more prominent for woman with a ratio of 3.2 to 1. Doctors and scientists are just not sure why woman in their last trimester of pregnancy virtually loose all their symptoms of multiple sclerosis. And if this is the case why cannot doctors use their knowledge of female hormones, estriol, progesterone and prolactin to develop new ways of treating MS patients?
Sorry, readers I’m not a woman. So this risk factor definitely does not apply to me. I don’t think I’d like to take a female hormone, I very much like being a man and feel confident about my sexuality.

#2 Risk Factor Vitamin D Deficiencies
The Journal of the Medical American Association concludes in a study that researchers found individuals with the highest levels of vitamin D blood levels had a 62 percent chance of developing multiple sclerosis than those who had much lower levels. Previous research has showed that people living in northern states/regions have an increased incidence of Multiple Sclerosis.

I take every opportunity to get out in the sun and expose my skin to those vitamin D rays, as well I take a vitamin D supplement advised by my neurologist.

#3 Northern European Heritage
Individuals who come from Northern European decent are more likely to acquire multiple sclerosis. Increases in MS are seen in countries like Europe, Southern Canada, and the Northern United States. Researchers think that the disease may be inherited, but of course the other environmental factors need to be present as well.

My heritage is German; my grandparents are immigrants so this would also agree with researchers belief that heritage would play a significant factor in getting this disease.

#4 Links between Multiple Sclerosis and Epstein Barr Virus. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have found more possible information that there is a link between MS and the Epstein Barr Virus. EBV is a herpes virus that is very common among viruses in the world. Infection usually occurs during childhood. EPV is also very well known to be linked to other autoimmune diseases as well such as lupus.

I’ve been tested for EPV, and been found not to have it. So, no correlation here folks.
In conclusion from my own experience is that these factors increase your potential for getting MS but by no way are they engraved in stone that you will get the disease.

Robert Groth is the author of “Conquer Multiple Sclerosis”. To receive a FREE ebook on reclaiming your life and conquering Multiple Sclerosis go to www.ConquerMS.com

There is no cure but if we all work together as a team we can conquer multiple sclerosis.

So, who exactly should be on this team?

Depending on where you are at or what course you’re traveling down you need to consider a range of team members. All people with MS suffer from a wide range of challenges and mine of course can be very different from yours. And as well what bothers me may not bother another individual.

The absolute heart of any MS team would first and foremost consist of a neurologist.

Randall T. Schapiro, MD, director of the Schapiro Center for MS , University of Minnesota states,

While someone with MS may not need a physical or occupational therapist, everyone needs a neurological evaluation and the neurologist needs to follow them on a regular basis.

Also Dr. Schapiro states, looking for the right neurologist should be based on knowledge and chemistry.

The most important thing is that a neurologist has knowledge of and experience with MS.

Remember to ask friends and others who have MS.

In addition to your team you’ll be looking for a host of other individuals who will support you. And these individuals will depend on your current needs. Here is a sample list of possibilities:

1. Physical therapist for regaining mobility
2. Occupational therapist for daily living requirements
3. Social Worker for family issues
4. Urologist for bladder, bowel, and sexual problems
5. Ophthalmologist for vision
6. Speech pathologist to evaluate speech/swallowing problems
7. Neuro-psychologist for diagnosing cognitive issues

These are suggestions of medical professionals for your multiple sclerosis team, but I’ve also placed many other people on my team that are not a part of the medical profession.

Here is what my own conquer multiple sclerosis team looks like.

1. Meditation Program (monthly meditation) mailed to my home)
2. Message Therapist who I see bi- weekly
3. Mind and Body Visualizations Coach
4. Library of authors on mind and body and MS
5. Neurologist
6. Pastor who I consult with
7. Loving wife and family who supports me
8. Strange as it sounds- cats. They love me too.

All these people and things give me energy, renewal, hope, and love. Along with seeing medical professionals I find that the above have taken me to the additional steps of being able to conquer multiple sclerosis.

Robert Groth is the author of “Conquer Multiple Sclerosis.” Go To Conquer MS to receive a FREE Ebook

There are three basic choices in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. The first is the use of modern medicines. However, modern medicine does not have a medication that cures Multiple Sclerosis. The drugs available help to control the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. The problem many people face when using medications as a means of controlling the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are the many side effects of these medications. There is no known cure of Multiple Sclerosis. Some people choose this method to control the symptoms while others do not want to take the risks involved with using modern medicines.

The second method for treatment of Multiple Sclerosis is genetic engineering. However, genetic engineering is still too far off to help alleviate symptoms or cure the disease. The third method, and one that is becoming popular among many people is the holistic approach. Holistic medicine is a form of preventative medicine, one that involves making lifestyle choices that allow your body to heal naturally. One of the most important aspects of holistic medicine is diet. Micronutrients are also an important aspect of holistic medicine. The theory of using diet and micronutrients involves supplying the body with vital vitamins and minerals that it may be lacking while controlling the intake of certain foods that may lead to the symptoms of many degenerative diseases. For instance, diabetics decrease the amount of sugar intake in an effort to control the effect of the disease on the body.

Each treatment of Multiple Sclerosis mentioned is a legitimate treatment. Before treating yourself for a degenerative disease, it is important that you seek the advice of a physician for a true diagnosis. Once you have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, your physician will discuss the options with you. Before taking any medications, you should learn about the side effects and decide whether the risk is too great for you. Holistic medicine is becoming a popular way of controlling the symptoms of degenerative diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, without the side effects from modern medicines. By supplying your body with the essential micronutrients and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, you can allow your body to heal naturally and safely.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with ms for more than 14 years. You can see how he Manages Multiple Sclerosis at my website which is www.gilbertlowe.info

Benign multiple sclerosis is a form of relapsing-remitting ms with minimal disability. The decrease in small or large movements, decrease in memory, attention span, or use of speech, visual perception, coordination and judgment is called cognitive impairment. These are some of the most commonly affected functions. It can be caused by ms, other diseases or trauma.

The urinary problems are a combined dysfunction in ms also called detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia-DESD. The contractions of the muscles of the bladder and external sphincter cause urine to be trapped in the bladder resulting in the feeling of urgency, hesitancy, dribbling and incontinence.

The evaluation of cranial nerve function is a part of the neurological exam. It is made up of nerves that carry sensory, motor or parasympathetic fibers to the face and neck. Dysfunction of these twelve nerves can cause eye discomfort, pain in the face, difficulty in speaking or understanding speech.

Double Vision or Diplopia is when there are two images of the same object. This is from failure of the two eyes to work together.

Walking abnormalities or foot drop is the weakness of muscles of the leg caused by poor nerve conduction. This interferes with the ability of a person to extend the ankle and thus resulting in an abnormal gait.

Rhythmic shaking; a tremor, occurs in the course of a purposeful movement such as reaching to pick something up.

Vertigo is a dizzying sensation of spinning. It is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Paralysis and numbness can be experienced in the legs and trunk when an attack of inflammatory demyelization involves both sides of the spinal cord. The spine looses the ability to transmit nerve impulses.

Muscle spasticity is an increase in muscle tone when the muscle has involuntary contractions, spasms and stiffness. MS sufferers usual find this to be more prominent in the lower limbs.

A sign of Romberg is when you can not maintain balance in a standing position with feet and legs drawn together and eyes closed.

Nystagmus, consists of the rapid, involuntary, movement of the eyes horizontally or sometimes vertically.

Fatigue, sometimes the first symptom to show can be called neurasthenia. This is exhaustion or tiredness in excess of what would seem appropriate for a physical cause.

The sensation of pins and needles occurs in the spine and down into the arms and legs when the neck is bent forward.

If you show some signs of this disease, consult your physician to discuss diagnosis and the best treatment for you.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with ms for more than 14 years. You can see how he Manages Multiple Sclerosis at his website which is www.gilbertlowe.info