July 22 marks World Brain Day. This year’s theme is Multiple Sclerosis, which invites those living with MS, their loved ones, healthcare professionals, MS organizations, and others to raise awareness of the disease. The goal is to provide quicker diagnoses, better access to treatments, and advocate for improved quality of life. SpecialtyCare is proud to celebrate World Brain Day by helping to raise awareness about MS.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information in the body and between the brain and body. There are various relapsing and progressive forms of the disease. Every year, 2.8 million people are affected by MS globally, and someone is diagnosed every five minutes. MS symptoms are unpredictable and vary based on the individual.
Common symptoms include:
- MS Hug (Dysesthesia)
- Walking Difficulties
- Spasticity
- Vision Problems
- Bladder Problems
- Bowel Problems
- Cognitive Changes
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Numbness or Tingling
- Weakness
- Vertigo and Dizziness
- Sexual Problems
- Pain and Itching
- Emotional Changes
Less common symptoms include:
- Speech Problems
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Seizures
- Hearing Loss
- Loss of Taste
- Tremors
- Breathing Problems
Diagnosing MS
Although the cause of MS is unknown, researchers believe it involves a combination of factors. Ongoing research is being conducted in immunology, epidemiology, genetics, and infectious agents to determine what causes this disease. No single test can diagnose MS. Instead, medical history, a neurologic exam, and other lab tests can help healthcare providers rule out other conditions that ultimately confirm an MS diagnosis. No single test can diagnose MS. Instead, medical history, a neurologic exam, and other lab tests can help healthcare providers rule out other conditions that ultimately confirm an MS diagnosis.
Treating MS
Although MS is not a curable disease, some strategies can help modify or slow the disease, manage symptoms, and improve overall health. This usually involves multiple healthcare specialists that provide comprehensive, coordinated care. The five focus areas are modifying the disease course, treating exacerbations, managing symptoms, promoting function through rehabilitation, and providing emotional support. Aside from MS care, patients living with this disease should also get routine checkups with their primary physician to address any other problems not related to their MS diagnosis. Additionally, regular dental checkups can help prevent complications from infections.
World Brain Day
Our Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) and Neurodiagnostics teams are proud to celebrate World Brain Day 2021. SpecialtyCare is the largest provider of IONM services in the nation, with 110,000 cases every year. Our Neurodiagnostics team includes technologists who conduct studies that can help diagnose MS and hundreds of other neurologic disorders.
About SpecialtyCare
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