Multiple Sclerosis is the most common of the demyelinating diseases, but the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) will vary from person to person.

At first there may only be an isolated symptom or a combination of several. The initial onset may only last for a short period of time and then be followed by a remission. However, as the condition progresses, the following disturbances and multiple sclerosis symptoms become apparent, depending on the areas of the brain and central nervous system affected. Incidence of multiple sclerosis, however, varies widely in different geographical areas. For example it is very low in the tropics but high in the temperate zones of both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Visual symptoms of MS

Involvement of the optic nerve may give rise to blurred vision, severe pain and tenderness of either one or both eyes. Double vision and nystagmus (oscillatory eye movement) or drooping of the eyelid may be present. In some severe cases of multiple sclerosis, blindness in one or both eyes has been known to occur on a temporary basis.

Motor and sensory symptoms of MS

General weakness and 'clumsiness' in one or both legs in the early stages are common. This might be indicated, for example, by toes catching on irregularities on the ground causing tripping. It may also be associated with a feeling of heaviness. There might also be numbness or tingling at the ends of hands and feet.

Bladder and bowel symptoms

Frequency, urgency and incontinence of urine can be of particular concern and is fairly common. On the other hand there may be retention of urine and constipation.

Sexual problems and symptoms

There may be partial or complete impotence. Lack of sensation and lack of vaginal lubrication will also cause distress.

Psychological and emotional symptoms

Euphoria, when it occurs, is quite significant. Depression is often present due to the emotional reaction to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and in some cases can become severe enough to require specific treatment.

Communication impairment

Slurred speech is not uncommon and will occur if the bulbar area of the brain is affected. The speech may become slow and deliberate with emphasis on each syllable.

A common picture of multiple sclerosis is therefore one of a variety of symptoms, such as an ataxic gait (clumsiness in walking), intention tremor, lack of coordination and loss of dexterity. The person becomes weak and easily fatigues. As the condition progresses he or she will become increasingly dependent on others.

Now read on - see the multiple sclerosis symptoms page at severe-brain-injury.com

Barbara Eastcairn writes about all the health issues which really matter to families and carers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Eastcairn

First Trial Assessing Therapeutic Benefit of Two Different Dosage Regimens of Disease Modifying Therapy in People With First Clinical Symptoms Suggesting Multiple Sclerosis

GENEVA, Switzerland, December 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Serono (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA) announced today the initiation of a Phase III clinical trial to evaluate the effect of two dosage regimens of the new formulation of Rebif(R) (interferon beta-1a 44 mcg, three times a week or once a week) on the time to conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS) in people with first clinical symptoms suggestive of the disease. The trial, called the REFLEX study (REbif FLEXible dosing in early MS), will involve 480 patients considered at risk of developing MS because of a recently experienced isolated demyelinating event and of typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans. “It has been demonstrated that early treatment with interferon-beta can reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Optimizing the impact of such treatment on development of irreversible neurological damage and ascertainment of long term outcomes is still subject of active experimental and clinical research”, said Professor Ludwig Kappos, from the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, and a member of the Steering Committee of the REFLEX study. “The REFLEX study will determine the respective therapeutic benefit of two different dosage regimens of the new formulation of Rebif(R) for people at risk of developing multiple sclerosis.”

The REFLEX study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Study participants will receive either the new formulation of Rebif(R) 44 mcg three times a week (160 patients), or the new formulation of Rebif(R) 44 mcg once a week (160 patients), or placebo (160 patients) as a subcutaneous injection for a period of 24 months, unless they suffer from a second attack leading to a diagnosis of clinically definite MS. In this case, patients will be offered open label treatment with the new formulation of Rebif(R) 44 mcg three times a week. The primary endpoint of the study is time to conversion to MS, according to the McDonald criteria. Other endpoints will include assessments of MRI brain scans, clinical relapses and disability progression. The REFLEX study will also evaluate the effect of the new formulation of Rebif(R) on cognitive function as measured by the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)[1]. Cognitive dysfunction can occur early in MS and impact memory, ability to process information and learning. A sub-study will assess retinal nerve fiber thickness (a marker of axonal loss) by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT). This sub-study will be conducted in selected centers, equipped with this leading edge technology. In addition, the REFLEX study will aim at identifying genetic/genomic profiles associated with disease and treatment outcomes.

The new formulation of Rebif(R) has been developed by an innovative approach, using state-of-the-art technologies. It is under regulatory review by the European Medicines Agency, the US Food and Drug Administration and other healthcare authorities, and is not currently approved.

About Rebif(R)

Rebif(R) (interferon beta-1a) is a disease-modifying drug used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and is similar to the interferon beta protein produced by the human body. Interferon helps modulate the body’s immune system, fight disease and reduce inflammation. Rebif(R), which was approved in Europe in 1998 and in the US in 2002, is registered in more than 80 countries worldwide. In the United States, Rebif(R) is co-marketed by Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Rebif(R) has been proven to delay the progression of disability, reduce the frequency of relapses and reduce MRI lesion activity and area[2]. Rebif(R) is not approved for treatment of chronic progressive MS. Rebif(R) is available in a 22 mcg and 44 mcg ready-to-use pre-filled syringe and a titration pack, and can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days if a refrigerator is not available. Most commonly reported side effects are injection site disorders, flu-like symptoms, elevation of liver enzymes and blood cell abnormalities. Patients, especially those with depression, seizure disorders, or liver problems, should discuss treatment with Rebif(R) with their doctors.

Thanks to a new little script that I picked up, I've decided to provide a video section on the side for multiple sclerosis related videos. 

If you would like to browse through them some, the link is on the left side of the page as Multiple Sclerosis Videos OR you can go directly there by visiting http://www.managing-multiple-sclerosis.com/video

Vince