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MS News
MS Stem Cell Therapy Succeeds But Poses Risks
Toxic side effects of heavy chemo could limit use, researcher says
WebMD News from HealthDay
By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, June 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A treatment combining chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant could represent a major advance against aggressive multiple sclerosis, experts say.
Keeping Your Cool: MS and Heat Intolerance
Sensitivity to heat can disrupt the quality of life for people living with MS. Here’s how to keep your cool.
Heat intolerance is a common issue for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Not only are they in general more sensitive to heat, but heat can also make their MS symptoms considerably worse.
MS-related heat intolerance occurs because the myelin protective covering around the nerves in the brain is damaged and doesn’t function properly when the body is overheated, says Jack Burks, MD, chief medical officer of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.
Allergies Are Associated with Increased Disease Activity in Multiple Sclerosis
Studies exploring the association between allergic diseases and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) have shown conflicting results. A population based case control study in northern Italy showed that patients reporting history of atopic allergies had a decreased risk of MS compared to those reporting no history of allergies. On the other hand, a case control study nested in the Nurse’s Health Study I and II showed no association between history of allergy and MS risk. This lack of association was also reported in a meta–‐analysis of 10 observational studies. However, the association between allergies and MS activity has not been investigated. To download the research abstract, CLICK HERE
MS Cure Fund Goes to D.C.
MS Cure Fund is excited to announce that we will be headed to the 30th Annual Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)! This year CMSC will be hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland from June 1st – 4th, 2016.
CMSC is an event which celebrates the evolution and continuous growth of knowledge and research pertaining to MS in today’s society. The various exhibits at the convention focus on different aspects of MS research and care. Exhibitors at the convention include pharmaceutical companies, neurologists, other MS societies, and more! MS Cure Fund will also be exhibiting in order to grow awareness for our organization and connect with other professionals in the MS community. This gives us a chance to spread the importance of patient education, one of our strongest priorities, and also to collaborate with other MS professionals on new initiatives within our organization.
“A Trail Ride”
By: Maggie Harling
My friend and I have been learning to ride for some years, usually in a large indoor arena. Occasionally we would get to ride in an outdoor paddock, always careful not to get too hot in the sun. We both have MS, so we have very slowly progressed from having side walkers accompany us at all times to gradually gain enough confidence to ride independently.
MS Cure Fund Seeking Donations to Fund Additional Research of Spinal Remyelination
MS Cure Fund Medical Advisory Board members Adam Kaplin, MD and Daniel Becker, MD find Scuba Diving Improves Function of Body, Mind in Vets with Spinal Cord Injury
Johns Hopkins researchers find ‘dramatic’ results in small preliminary study
A small group of veterans with spinal cord injuries who underwent a four-day scuba- diving certification saw significant improvement in muscle movement, increased sensitivity to light touch and pinprick on the legs, and large reductions in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, according to Johns Hopkins researchers
Accessing the Power of Gratitude
Journaling and practicing gratitude has been my daily practice since my 20’s.
While focusing on gratitude had previously added positivity to my day, I had no idea how much it could actually change my life until I was diagnosed with MS. Then, practicing gratitude became a lifeline and absolutely shifted my experience from being fraught with fear and despair to enjoying days full of hope.
“Rein Loops”
by: Maggie Harling
I’d been riding for four years before I realized what the problem was. Because of MS I have a weak left hand. As I ride, my hand gradually slips up the rein; I can maintain a hold around the rein but I no longer have the finger pressure to maintain a grasp. Then, when I need to adjust the left rein, I no longer have any contact with the horse’s mouth.
Ask Maggie: Getting Around
As someone with secondary progressive MS, how do you manage to get around without a car? Do you ever feel like you are asking too much of your family and friends? I am in a wheelchair and can’t drive.