The scan, known as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), takes just a few minutes per eye and can be performed at a GPs surgery. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing problems with muscle movement, balance and vision. [Read more...]
Simple eye scan can predict how quickly Multiple Sclerosis patients will decline
December 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Vikings could be to blame for why Scots have highest levels of multiple sclerosis in the world, say scientists
December 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
People living on a group of Scottish islands could have the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world thanks to the Vikings, researchers claim. Scientists at Edinburgh University found that one in every 170 women in the Orkney Islands suffers from the disease. Dr Jim Wilson, who led the study, said their Norse ancestry may be at least partly to blame. The Vikings used the islands as a base for their raids and they remained under the rule of Norwegian “jarls” until 1231. [Read more...]
Babies risk developing MS if their mothers do not get enough sunshine while pregnant
November 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Babies whose mothers get less sunshine in pregnancy are at higher risk of developing MS in later life, warn researchers. The cause may be a lack of vitamin D in pregnant women’s blood, which is mainly manufactured from exposure to sunlight, at certain times of the year. British researchers are calling for pregnant women to be given vitamin D supplements to cut cases of the disease after carrying out the biggest study of its kind. It is thought that variations in vitamin levels could affect how a baby’s central nervous and immune system develops. [Read more...]
Leukemia Drug Is Highly Effective MS Treatment
November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Alemtuzumab Reverses Disability in Some
Alemtuzumab has been used to treat MS for close to two decades, but it has never been approved for this use. It is given by IV infusion.
The drug not only reduced relapses, but improved disability associated with MS, such as loss of coordination or difficulty walking, in some patients.
Side effects include infusion reactions, infections, and potentially serious autoimmune disorders. Patients taking it must be followed closely. [Read more...]
Multiple sclerosis: New drug ‘most effective’
November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new drug is the “most effective” treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, say UK researchers. During MS the body’s immune system turns on its own nerves causing debilitating muscle problems. Researchers at the University of Cambridge say a cancer drug, which wipes out and resets the immune system, has better results than other options. [Read more...]
Multiple sclerosis: ‘For 15 years, I’ve been living in limbo’
October 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
This morning, I woke up feeling good, with no pain or stiffness or numbness. Putting in my contact lenses gave me 20/20 vision and, when I saw my bus coming around the corner, I was able to run for it without falling over. [Read more...]
Some MS patients experience “natural” improvements in disability: UBC-VCH research
October 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dr. Helen Tremlett has found that some MS patients experience ‘natural’ improvements (Credit: UBC/VCHRI).
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients sometimes experience “natural” improvements in disability at least over the short term, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.
The study, published this month in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, is the first to quantify improvements in disability in patients who are not taking [Read more...]
