Epidemiological data show several interesting trends regarding multiple sclerosis: Different populations and ethnic groups have a markedly different prevalence of MS. The disease is especially common in Scotland, Scandinavia, and throughout northern Europe. In the U.S. the prevalence of MS is higher in whites than in other racial groups.

Studies show that MS is more common in certain parts of the world, but if you move from an area with higher risk to one of lower risk, you acquire the risk of your new home if the move occurs prior to adolescence. Such data suggest that exposure to some environmental agent encountered before puberty may predispose a person to MS.

Moreover, MS is a disease of temperate climates. In both hemispheres, its prevalence increases with distance from the equator.

Also there have been "epidemics" of MS -- for example, the group of people living off the coast of Denmark after WWII, suggesting an environmental cause.

What Role Do Genetics Play in Multiple Sclerosis?

Researchers believe that multiple sclerosis may in part be inherited (genetics contribute to the increased risk of MS seen in family members). First, second and third degree relatives of people with MS are at increased risk of developing the disease. Siblings of an affected person have a 2%-5% risk of developing MS.

Researchers believe that there is more than one gene that makes a person more likely to get MS. Some scientists theorize that MS develops because a person is born with a genetic predisposition to react to some environmental agent, which, upon exposure, triggers an autoimmune response.

Sophisticated new techniques for identifying genes may help answer questions about the role of genetics in the development of MS.

What Viruses Are Linked to Multiple Sclerosis?

Some studies have suggested that many viruses such as Epstein-Barr (mononucleosis), varicella zoster, and the hepatitis vaccine may be the cause of MS. To date, however, this belief has not been proven.

Are There Other Potential Factors That Cause Multiple Sclerosis?

There is growing evidence suggesting that hormones, including sex hormones, can affect and be affected by the immune system. For example, both estrogen and progesterone, two important female sex hormones, may suppress some immune activity. Testosterone, the primary male hormone, may also act as an immune response suppressor. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels are very high, which may help explain why pregnant women with MS usually have less disease activity. The higher levels of testosterone in men may partially account for the fact that women with MS outnumber men with MS by 2-3 to 1.

Article Source:  WebMD

THE ADA IS HERE!!!!

After a six-year wait, the new Americans with Disabilities Act has become the law of the land.   Facilities now have 18 months to comply with the new law or see an unlikely exclusion.

September 15, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In  a July ceremony marking the 20^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, President Obama announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has issued final regulations revising sections of the ADA.

The final regulations include   revisions to Title II (pertaining to the more than 80,000 states and local governments, public entities and public transportation) and Title III ( which covers the more than 7,000,000 nonprofits, businesses open to the public accommodations and commercial facilities).   It also includes adoption of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design.

Generally, final rules will become effective six months after the date on which they appear in the Federal Register (September 15, 2010).   Compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design will be required 18 months after the date of publication.

“It’s been a long anticipated release but only proactive businesses and architectural firms have been using the guidelines,” say Peter Fischer, president of Access, Architectural, LLC, an ADA Consulting Firm in the Phoenix, Metro area.

Business that are not in Compliance could face fines, law suits and/or complaints filed against them with the Department of Justice, according to Fischer.

Facilities can be excluded from the law if they prove it would significantly alter their historic nature, reasonable accommodations are not readily achievable, or it would create undue financial hardship.    But the DOJ has warned that it would be difficult to prove such a case.

Among the changes that will affect both Title I and Title II rules are:

Adoption of the Revised Design Standards – New accessible design standards are established for a variety of recreational facilities, including swimming pools, playgrounds, golf courses, amusement rides, recreational boating facilities, exercise machines and equipment, miniature golf courses and fishing piers; as well as for such public facilities as courthouses, jails and prisons.

Element by Element Safe Harbor – The department is mitigating the cost of design changes by adopting a “safe harbor” under which existing building elements that already comply with the 1991 ADA Standards until the elements were subject to a planned alteration.

Ticketing-  The department has added provisions that provide guidance on the sale of tickets for accessible seating, the sale of season tickets, the secondary ticket market, the hold and release of accessible seating to persons other than those who need accessible seating, ticket pricing, prevention of the fraudulent purchase of accessible seating and the ability to purchase multiple tickets when buying accessible seating.

Service Animals-  The regulations define “service animal” as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for benefit of an individual with a disability.

Wheel Chairs and other Power Driven Mobility Devices – The amended rules provide a two-tiered approach under which wheelchairs and scooters must be permitted in all areas open to pedestrian use.

Timeshares – The Title III regulation also makes clear that timeshare and condominium properties that operate like hotels are subject to title III, providing guidance about the factors that must be present for a facility that is not an inn, motel. Or hotel to qualify as a place of lodging.

Reservations at places of lodging- The Title III regulation includes provisions for reservations made by places of lodging, including requirements for procedures that will allow individuals with disabilities to make reservations for accessible guest rooms during the same hours and in the same manner as other guests.

Also published today in the Federal Register were four new ADA proposals addressing the accessibility of websites, the provision of captioning and video description in movies shown in theaters, accessible equipment and furniture and the ability of 9-1-1 centers to take text and video calls from individuals with disabilities.

For more information regarding the new ADA-ABA Standards or any accessibility issues and concerns, please contact Peter Fischer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Access.Architectural, LLC is an Americans with Disabilities Act and Accessibility Consulting Firm that specializes in Accessibility Evaluations and Plan Reviews for Designers, Businesses, and Home Owners.   We develop Strategic Accessibility and Transition Plans, as well as on-site reviews of existing homes and businesses for ADA Compliance.

For the entire article with imbedded hyperlinks, go to:

http://www.iomsn.org/images/pdf/NEW_ADA_ABA_Law.pdf

There is no single test that is proof-positive for diagnosing multiple sclerosis. However, there are accepted criteria for making the diagnosis, but even this system is imperfect.

Since diagnosing MS can be very difficult, a neurologist who specializes in treating MS should evaluate your symptoms. As many as 10% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis actually have some other condition that mimics MS. Examples of other conditions that masquerade as MS include inflammation in the blood vessels, multiple strokes, vitamin deficiency, lupus, or a brain infection. Sometimes stress-related disorders can lead to a misdiagnosis of MS.

How Is a Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis Made?

An accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is based on your medical history and a neurological exam (an exam of the function of the brain and spinal cord) using various tests. A lot depends on the skill of the doctor in asking the right questions to uncover information and to properly evaluate the signs and symptoms of a malfunctioning brain or spinal cord.

In addition to a thorough medical history and exam, a variety of specialized procedures are helpful -- although not always necessary -- to accurately diagnose MS. These include imaging techniques, such as MRI, spinal taps or lumbar punctures (examination of the cerebrospinal fluid that runs through the spinal column), evoked potentials (electrical tests to help determine if MS has affected a person's nerve pathways), and lab analysis of blood samples.

Continue reading from WebMD

Source: National MS Society

Preliminary studies have suggested that a phenomenon called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), a reported abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, may contribute to nervous system damage in MS. This hypothesis has been put forth by Dr. Paolo Zamboni from the University of Ferrara in Italy who published initial findings in June 2009 from a study of approximately 65 patients. There have been additional studies published since then, some of which showing results that conflict with the original findings. Read more about published studies to date.

National MS Society research leaders first met with Dr. Zamboni in February at New York University’s Society-funded MS Center of Excellence and again in April when the Society hosted, along with the American Academy of Neurology, a live Web forum on CCSVI. Based on the results of preliminary research which has been published in respected peer journals, Dr. Zamboni and others have recommended larger scale studies to determine if CCSVI may be treated through an endovascular surgical procedure, which involves inserting a tiny balloon or stent into blocked veins in order to improve the flow of blood out of the brain and spinal cord.

Dr. Zamboni suggests that if further evidence supports the link between MS and CCSVI, that its treatment may ultimately add to the arsenal of therapies available for MS. He emphasized the need for more research on his hypothesis, and noted that people with MS should remain on their immunomodulatory therapies as has his wife after her endovascular surgical procedure.

This Lead is Being Pursued

The Society shares in the public urgency to advance the understanding of CCSVI as quickly as possible. In order to pursue new and unanticipated leads in MS, the National MS Society established the Rapid Response Fund. An example of this fund in action is the global outreach and expedited review process that led to the more than $2.4 million which the US Society, in collaboration with the MS Society of Canada, is devoting to the funding of seven initial grants that focus on the role of CCSVI in the MS disease process. Work has already begun on these grants.

Continue Reading

Although MS is typically thought of as an adult-onset disease, some children and teens have been diagnosed. Children and Teens with MS: A Network for Familiesoffers educational and psychosocial support for families living with MS. The Network is a collaborative effort of the National MS Society and the MS Society of Canada. Together we recognize the unique needs of these families.

Students with MS & the Academic Setting: A Handbook for School Personnel

Students with MS & the Academic Setting: A Handbook for School Personnel is an informational guide for school staff working with children and teens with MS. The handbook includes a discussion on the issues children and teens with MS may face, recommended accommodations and modifications in the school setting, transition issues, as well as basic information on MS.

The Network currently offers the following resources specifically for this special population:

Registration Information

For information specific to pediatric MS or to register for the Network, call 1-800-344-4867 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Learn more about the Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence.

Source: National MS Society

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Want to catch up on previous e-newsletters, filled with information on medications, therpies, CCSVI, stem cell reports, patient stories and more? Click here to visit our "Stu's Views & M.S. Related News", e-newsletter archives.

Updated September 13, 2010

''MS Views and News" believes that knowledge is Power, which is why we strive to provide education materials about MS that affect the patient, caregiver and others with interest in MS

Link source: MS Foundation

MS affects each person differently so understanding the basics about MS is just the first step in learning how to live your life well with your MS.

Whether you have a confirmed diagnosis of MS or are still waiting to find out what your diagnosis might be, you can read about the challenges and opportunities related to each of the different courses and stages of MS:

• Possible MS
• Newly Diagnosed
• Relapsing MS
• Progressive MS
• Advanced MS
• Pediatric MS

Links provided by The National MS Society