Multiple Sclerosis

As you know, Karen Purnhagen has MS and is very familiar with the devastating toll it takes on her life--physically and emotionally. Obviously, none of us can really understand her feelings but we can understand that she has them--many of them. We can also give her the freedom to be whomever she might feel like being in any given moment. We can also purpose to encourage her by simply being available to her.

At any rate, I thought it worth while to give you the following brief summary of this dreaded disease, in the hopes of giving you better insight into what might be going on in her life:

Multiple sclerosis is a devastating disease that affects the spinal cord and brain. As a result, sufferers of MS lose muscle control, balance, and vision. The body's own immune system causes the damage, which is why multiple sclerosis is called an autoimmune disease. Scar tissue begins to build up in the brain and spinal cord, and the brain can no long send and receive messages from the body. MS is more common in women, and doesn't usually occur until after adolescence.

Why do people get MS? Doctors aren't sure what causes multiple sclerosis to strike. Some scientists claim it is genetic, passed down from parents. Others believe it's a result of environmental factors. Other studies have shown that viruses such as the flu or measles trigger MS, although this hasn't been proven.

People with multiple sclerosis begin to have symptoms like muscle weakness, and their coordination and balance worsens. Other multiple sclerosis symptoms including tingling and numbness are felt throughout the body. They might experience eye pain and double vision. Bladder control problems are common, as messages to the brain to empty the bladder are affected. As MS progresses, muscles stiffen and weaken further. Speech can become slurred and thinking and processing information becomes difficult. Many people need to use a walker or wheelchair once the MS symptoms become bad enough to impair walking and movement.

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, although multiple sclerosis medications are used to control attacks and relieve some of the stiffness and pain associated with the disease.