Multiple sclerosis often affects young people
Multiple sclerosis: insights into diagnosis and research
06/04/2013
Multiple sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system. According to recent calculations by the Federal Insurance Office, up to 200,000 people are affected in Germany - almost twice as many as previously estimated. The disease is difficult to recognize and is still considered incurable. Reason enough to take a closer look at the subject of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis: „The disease of the 1,000 faces“
Multiple sclerosis is not without reason as the „Disease of the 1,000 faces“ designated. There are many symptoms associated with it: „The spectrum ranges from numbness to visual and coordination disorders, congenital difficulties, bladder disorders, fatigue, antinodes, tremors, movement disorders and paralysis“, explains the managing director of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Dorothea Pitschnau-Michel in an interview with Mediaplanet. „Multiple sclerosis is extremely complex and versatile“, she adds later. However, the research of recent years has shown tremendous progress in treatment.
Also Prof. Heinz Wiendl looks positively into the future. In an interview, the head of the Department of Neurology at the University of Münster reports on the research successes of recent years, „as far as the study of factors of disease and the therapies are concerned“. The biggest problem is rather the early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It is important to consult appropriate experts as soon as possible a corresponding expert. „At the latest when it comes to decisions about therapy, you should, if possible, insist on being treated by a designated MS specialist or in a treatment center.“
Consequences of the disease of multiple sclerosis
The disease of the central nervous system can be attributed to an intrusion of immune cells into the brain or the destruction of protective sheaths of the nerve fibers initiated by the immune cells. The result is all sorts of neurological deficits, not infrequently is also depression. Often, however, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis only appear for a limited period of time and resolve over the course of weeks. „Depending on the severity and duration of the episode, the symptoms may completely recede or leave behind a disability“, writes the non-profit Hertie Foundation on the occasion of World MS Day.
Most commonly, multiple sclerosis is between the ages of 20 and 40, but women are twice as likely to be affected as men. The causes of the nervous disease are largely unclear. At any rate, a classic hereditary disease is not multiple sclerosis, explains the Hertie Foundation. „There is probably some predisposition that, together with external factors such as viral infections, causes the disease.“ Thus, the probability of developing multiple sclerosis near the equator is less likely than in the southern or northern latitudes.
MS research is making great progress in therapy
For Prof. Ralf Gold, the early diagnosis of the disease is particularly important, he explains in an interview with Mediaplanet. Like Wiendl, he sees great opportunities for those affected after a quick diagnosis. „Patients who are diagnosed with the disease today have a good chance of aging in good shape“, he explains optimistically. Although the resident colleagues are sensitized to the symptoms of the disease, sufferers should „but always catch up with a second opinion“. If the evidence is clear, it is important to quickly initiate appropriate treatments. This has the greatest influence, especially in the early stages of the disease. „Here, the anti-inflammatory therapies currently available on the market can be most effective“, explains gold.
Already this year, new drugs are expected to come on the market, which counteract multiple sclerosis more effectively. Siegried Throm, Managing Director Research, Development and Innovation of the Association of Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies. Even now, some medications could reduce the heart rate of the suffering patients by about one third. However, this is not enough for researchers in companies and universities. For example, scientists from the Ruhr University Bochum have found that fumaric acid esters are effective against multiple sclerosis. This drug has been used mainly against psoriasis.
„Currently, four new drugs have made it into the Zulasungsverfahren, three more are in recent tests“, so throm. „It will be a challenge for the doctors in practice to clarify for which patient which [...] remedy is the best one.“ However, there are many indications that resolute and timely action produces the greatest successes. Thom also joins Gold and Wiendl in this respect: A fast diagnosis is extremely important for those affected. Enlightenment in the form of a World MS Day seems the right approach.
How can patients live with multiple sclerosis??
Completely apart from the medical backgrounds illuminates the specialized publication of Mediaplanet also the handling with the nervous illness. A recent survey has shown that „The support of friends, colleagues and employers is essential for many people affected“ be. Basically „to help raise awareness of the condition in public.“ Participation in society through exercise, play and sport is also important, writes Mediaplanet. Because „In the end, regular exercise also improves the immune system and helps prevent infections.“ This is also shown in the story of Andreas Beseler, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 20 years ago.
In the interview Beseler reports how he started to live with the disease. „After the diagnosis, it went downhill very fast.“ After a short while, he was unable to walk, he felt trapped in his own body. Because a friend took him to the swimming pool, learned to walk there in the current channel for the second time in his life, and later started cycling, his life improved. He had to fight a lot in the beginning, overcome hurdles and take mistakes. But now „he wants to encourage other MS patients“ and „ride the road bike through the Canadian Rockies, from Whitehorse to Vancouver.“ With his project Rad-statt-Rollstuhl.de, he wants to collect donations for the Nathalie Todenhöfer Foundation, which works for MS patients in need. (Lb)
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World MS Day: Mistakes About Multiple Sclerosis