Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system.

In multiple sclerosis, the body incorrectly directs antibodies and white blood cells against proteins in the myelin sheath, which surrounds nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This causes inflammation and injury to the sheath and ultimately to the nerves that it surrounds. The result may be multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis) and eventually this damage can slow or block the nerve signals that control muscle coordination, strength, sensation and vision.

Follow the links below to find information on multiple sclerosis (MS).

Reviewed September 2008

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Systematic Reviews of Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
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Links to systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of treatments for multiple sclerosis.
15 Resources Found
Results 1 to 15 displayed.
Title:   Multiple sclerosis
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). In multiple sclerosis (MS) there are multiple areas of damage to the myelin sheath (demyelination) within the brain and spinal cord.
Date:   Nov 2008
Title:   Treatment of multiple sclerosis with newer immune-modulating drugs
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   Multiple sclerosis can be a severely disabling disease. Recently introduced immunomodulatory drugs (interferon beta or glatiramer acetate) should be considered for the treatment of patients in the earlier stages of the disease, if they have a relapsing-remitting course.
Date:   Feb 2002
Title:   Multiple sclerosis explained
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. Its symptoms are varied and unpredictable. The cause of MS is unknown and, as yet, there is no cure. Treatments are available to ease the symptoms and modify the course of the disease.
Date:   Oct 2007
Title:   Multiple sclerosis - common problems
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Common problems may include fatigue, incontinence, constipation, pain, cognitive changes, altered sensation, and muscular and visual changes.
Date:   Oct 2007
Title:   Multiple sclerosis - sexual issues
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. A person with MS may be concerned about a number of sexual issues including function, fertility, pregnancy and genetic factors.
Date:   Sep 2007
Title:   Multiple sclerosis - complementary therapies
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease of the central nervous system. Complementary therapies can work alongside a person's medical treatment by helping to ease symptoms. These therapies include chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation and dietary modifications.
Date:   Oct 2007
Title:   Multiple sclerosis - treatment options
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Drug therapy aims to ease specific symptoms and slow the progression of disease by shortening the frequency and severity of attacks.
Date:   Oct 2007
Title:   Understanding multiple sclerosis
Publisher:   Brainlink Foundation
Description:   This fact sheet explains what multiple sclerosis is, what we know about its cause and who develops it. It describes diagnosis, types of MS, symptoms, treatment and discusses ways of managing the condition.
Date:   Sep 2007
Title:   Multiple sclerosis
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system.
Date:   Nov 2007
Title:   Morbidity of Vietnam Veterans: Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease in Vietnam Veterans (Supplementary Report 3)
Publisher:   Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Description:   This report provides medical validations for two conditions of concern regarding the health of Vietnam veterans - multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease.
Date:   May 2001
Title:   Treatment of multiple sclerosis with newer immune-modulating drugs
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the nervous system which often strikes young adults. The damage it does to the nerves causes weakness and changes in sensation. Many patients have occasional attacks then recover, but some patients become disabled very quickly.
Date:   Jan 2002
Title:   Multiple sclerosis: a patient's perspective
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   Laurel C. is a 48-year-old mother of two teenaged children. She has been taking an immunomodulating drug for five years.
Date:   Jan 2002
Title:   Implementing private health reforms: consumers have a say - discussion session with Multiple Sclerosis Society NSW/Vic - Sydney November 2007
Publisher:   Consumers' Health Forum of Australia (CHF)
Description:   CHF has undertaken a series of engagements around Australia in partnership with CHF member organisations as part of the '2007-08 Implementing Private Health Reforms: Consumers have a say' project. The project aims to ensure health consumer involvement in the implementation of Australian Government private health insurance reforms which took effect from April 2007.
Date:   Nov 2007
Title:   Implementing private health reforms: consumers have a say - discussion session with Multiple Sclerosis Society NSW/Vic - Melbourne November 2007
Publisher:   Consumers' Health Forum of Australia (CHF)
Description:   CHF has undertaken a series of engagements around Australia in partnership with CHF member organisations as part of the '2007-08 Implementing Private Health Reforms: Consumers have a say' project. The project aims to ensure health consumer involvement in the implementation of Australian Government private health insurance reforms which took effect from April 2007.
Date:   Nov 2007
Title:   Patient support organisations: MS Australia
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   There are MS Societies in all States of Australia.
Date:   Jan 2002
Results 1 to 15 displayed.