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 * Multiple Sclerosis**


 * All information from: http://www.nationalmssociety.org**


 * What is MS?!**
 * Multiple sclerosis (MS), is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness of the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.


 * What causes MS?**
 * While the cause of MS is still unknown, scientists believe that there are several factors that may be involved. The major scientific theories about the causes of MS include the following: immunologic; environmental; infectious; and genetic.


 * Who gets MS?**
 * In the U.S. alone there are 400,000 people living with MS, with 200 people diagnosed every week. Worldwide MS is thought to affect more than 1.2 million people. While the disease is not contagious or thought to be directly inherited, it has specific factors like gender ( 2 times greater in women) **;** genetics; age (typically 20-50); geography; and ethnic background.


 * How do we treat MS?**
 * Currently there is no cure for MS, but effective strategies are available to modify the disease course, treat relapses, manage symptoms, improve function& safety and also to provide emotional support.


 * Diagnosing MS**
 * At this time, there are no symptoms, physical findings or laboratory tests that can, by themselves, can determine if a person has MS. The doctor uses several methods to determine if a person meets the long- established criteria for diagnosing MS, and to rule out other possibilities. These strategies are careful medical exams, neurological exams and various tests, MRI's and a spinal tap.

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