By Florence Pia G. Yu
Published: Gulf News, Friday Magazine
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
March 28, 2003
Page 28
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom is fatigue. Other symptoms include: problems in balance and coordination, visual disturbances, spasticity, hearing problems, speech disorders, bladder and bowel problems, and cognitive and emotional disturbances.
What causes MS?
The cause of MS is a puzzle, although there is a consensus that there is abnormal response of the immune system to attack its own tissue. "Some of the chemicals of a virus might have similarities to chemicals in myelin, so that the immune system attacks both the virus and myelin," Dr. Prentice explains.
Who gets MS?
"Anyone can get MS, although it is common among people living in the Northern Hemisphere--like Europe, U.S. and Canada," tells Dr. Prentice. The disease is not as common in Dubai, he adds. It is not contagious, but it can not be prevented. It is not hereditary. It is common among young people between the age of 20 to 60, and rarely diagnosed among those under the age of 10, or over the age of 60. It is common in women than in men.
How do you treat MS?
Drugs are available today only to control the disease and lower the incidence of attacks, says Dr. Prentice. Commonly prescribed are Avonex, Betaserone, Copaxone and Rebif.
What about alternative medicine?
Some people use special diets, primrose oil and turn to therapies like yoga, herbal healing, Chinese medicine, etc. "We don't have any definite study to show you which helps and which doesn't. As long as it doesn't cause harm, use it," says Dr. Prentice.
Can women with MS have children?
"Women with MS may have babies." He recommends stopping the medication before pregnancy. He admits this is slightly risky. "It is possible that they might get attacks, but then again, nothing might happen. You just take a chance."
Can people with MS lead productive lives?
Yes. "Some of my patients are working. Most people picture MS patients in a wheelchair. It's not right. MS patients who end up in a wheelchair are actually a minority."