MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
ABOUT 85,000 BRITONS ARE affected by multiple sclerosis (MS),but being diagnosed with the condition doesn't necessarily mean inevitable, increasing debility. On the other hand MS troubles doctors as well as those who have it, because its progress is unpredictable and no cure exists. There's not even a lot that conventional drugs can do.
Multiple sclerosis involves a tissue called myelin that covers nerve fibres in the spinal cord and brain. Myelin permits the rapid transmission of electrical nerve impulses. In a person with MS, the protective myelin sheaths begin to deteriorate, slowing down nerve impulses in the process. Eventually, scar tissue forms around the damaged nerves, causing a hardening, or sclerosis.
MS usually strikes people between the ages of 20 and 40, and it affects more women than men, at a ratio of 3:2. Although its cause remains unknown, researchers suspect a link to little-known viruses. MS is five times more common in temperate climates than in tropical climates but altogether rare in Japan, leading medical theorists to suspect that sun exposure, genetics and diet also play roles. High consumption of animal fats and low consumption of essential fatty acids has been linked to MS.
The symptoms of MS include fatigue, stiffness, loss of muscle strength or feeling in the arms or legs, poor coordination and loss of balance. The disease can also produce tremors, a constant tingling sensation, facial pain, blurred or reduced vision, and mood swings. Many people who are diagnosed with MS experience only minimal symptoms.
Unfortunately, medical science has little to offer people with MS. No drugs will stop or prevent the progression of the disease. For inflammation control, doctors may prescribe a pituitary hormone known as adrenocorticotrophic hormone, or ACTH. This hormone works to stimulate the adrenal glands to produce substances that inhibit inflammation.
DRUG TREATMENT
Steroids
Prednisolone. Function: decreases inflammation and tissue damage associated
with MS. Side effects: fat redistribution causing puffiness in the face,
acne, thinning of the skin, peptic ulcers, increased susceptibility to infection,
metabolism changes.
Immune-System Suppressants
Cyclosporin, azathioprine (Imuran). Function: suppress the immune system
to slow the course of the disease. Side effects: decreases in blood cell
counts, increased susceptibility to infection, skin rash, nausea, vomiting.
Interferon beta. Function: reduces the progression of MS by minimising damage in the brain. Side effects: fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, sweating, depression.
Muscle Relaxants
Dantrolene (Dantrium). Function: reduces muscle spasms. Side effects: diarrhoea,
nausea, weakness, liver damage, drowsiness, hallucinations.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Evening Primrose (Oenethera biennis), Blackcurrant (Ribes
nigrum), Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) Oils
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in these oils help maintain the myelin
sheath round nerves. Studies show that the oils help control symptoms and
prolong remission. Typical dosage: 500 to 1,500 milligrams per day of evening
primrose or blackcurrant seed oils; or 1 tablespoon per day of flaxseed oil.
Use pure oils that require refrigeration.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
This herb, with many time-tested uses in Asian countries, made headlines
when studies showed it helped people with Alzheimer's disease. One of the
compounds that is likely to be responsible, ginkgolide, is found in no other
plant. Best of all, ginkgolides have been shown to help inhibit flare-ups
of MS. Ginkgo is also a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Typical
dosage: 3 capsules containing at least 60 milligrams of extract standardised
to 24 per cent flavone glycosides and 6 per cent ginkgolides per day. Caution:
rarely, people taking ginkgo may experience gastrointestinal upset, headaches
or skin allergies.
Purslane
(Portulaca oleracea)
This flat, spreading garden 'weed' has long been added to salads by people
who enjoy slightly bitter wild greens. Purslane is high in magnesium, one
of many minerals that people with MS tend to be deficient in. Dr James A.
Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy, recommends eating purslane, steamed or
raw, along with spinach and other high-magnesium foods. Although purslane
is the focus of much new research, it's not yet available in supplement form,
so get it fresh.
