Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis:
Foot Drop
Foot drop is the name given to a condition which affects walking where there is a difficulty or failure to properly lift the toe of the foot.
This results in what is sometimes referred to as 'slapping gait', where the toe gets dragged rather than lifted, and 'slaps' down when walking.
People with foot drop may drag the toe of their shoe on the ground or may only walk on the heel of the affected foot. This can result in scuffing of the toe of the shoe on the affected side.
Foot drop is not a disease in its own right. Rather, it is an indicator of an underlying condition such as multiple sclerosis although other conditions or disorders may cause it to occur.
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McFox's Multiple Sclerosis Pages
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Search terms and keywords: multiple sclerosis, ms, symptom, symptoms, multiple sclerosis symptoms
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Multiple Scleroses Cognition Issues
Home > [Multiple Sclerosis] > Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms > Cognitive Problems
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (ms) is the most common, disabling, neurological condition, to affect young adults in the world today.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis: Cognitive Issues
Brain Fog Concentration Language Problems Memory Speech
What is Cognition?
Cognition refers to a whole range of different intellectual processes our brains undertake to perform tasks and keep us functional. An easy way to understand cognition is to think of it in terms of memory and thinking.
When we can think clearly and remember things well, our cognitive ability is good since we have the information immediately to hand.
If either memory, or thinking were somehow disrupted, then our ability to process information would be impaired. Description of the how we use our cognitive skills:
to focus, maintain and divide attention (concentration)
to learn and remember new things
to think, reason and solve problems
to plan, carry out and monitor our own activities
to understand and use language
to recognize objects and assemble things together
to judge distances (spatial skills)
Cognitive Problems and DifficultiesCognitive problems and difficulties associated with multiple sclerosis are more common than was once thought. Previously, it was thought that multiple sclerosis was purely a physical disorder and that intellectual and mental functioning were left virtually intact.
However, this is now known not to be the case and that at least 50% - 60% of people who develop multiple sclerosis will develop some form of cognitive dysfunction as a result. This figure may yet rise as future studies shed more light on the range and extent of cognitive dysfunction associated with multiple sclerosis.
What Is Cognitive Dysfunction?There is no single description which fully encompasses the term, 'cognitive dysfunction'. It really applies to a whole raft of different problems and issues associated with, and related to; intellectual functioning.
For most people who develop some kind of cognitive dysfunction, usually mild; impairment typically means difficulties with thinking clearly, problems with recall (particularly very recent events) and decreased concentration.
For some, around 10% of people with multiple sclerosis, the impairment to their cognitive functioning will eventually become severe enough to significantly interfere with daily living.
What are the Signs of
Cognitive Dysfunction?Initial signs of cognitive dysfunction are typically very subtle (although this may not always be the case) and tend to be recognized retrospectively with the benefit of hindsight. It may even be noticed first by a partner or other family member.
Language processing, concentration and memory problems are the most common presentations of cognitive dysfunction.
'Finding the right words' is a common complaint relating to language use, where the person knows what they would like to say but is unable to 'find the words'.
Concentration may result in a person beginning a task, becoming distracted by another but beginning the new task before finishing the first, and so it goes on and on, until there are numerous unfinished chores or tasks.
Memory problems too, present a challenge for people with multiple sclerosis, particularly short term memory. This tends to show itself as a failure to remember basic things such as the name of a familiar item or animal, for example.The range of cognitive dysfunctions which can be associated with multiple sclerosis:
Verbal fluency and language skills can be impaired
Intellectual reasoning can be impaired
Inability to learn quickly
Poor problem solving abilities
Information processing can be slowed
Poor concentration
Poor judgment
[SEARCH]
McFox's Multiple Sclerosis Pages
Send mail to Webmaster@themcfox.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002 - 2004 McFox All Rights Reserved.
privacy policy
Search terms and keywords: multiple sclerosis, ms, symptom, symptoms, multiple sclerosis symptoms
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (ms) is the most common, disabling, neurological condition, to affect young adults in the world today.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis: Cognitive Issues
Brain Fog Concentration Language Problems Memory Speech
What is Cognition?
Cognition refers to a whole range of different intellectual processes our brains undertake to perform tasks and keep us functional. An easy way to understand cognition is to think of it in terms of memory and thinking.
When we can think clearly and remember things well, our cognitive ability is good since we have the information immediately to hand.
If either memory, or thinking were somehow disrupted, then our ability to process information would be impaired. Description of the how we use our cognitive skills:
to focus, maintain and divide attention (concentration)
to learn and remember new things
to think, reason and solve problems
to plan, carry out and monitor our own activities
to understand and use language
to recognize objects and assemble things together
to judge distances (spatial skills)
Cognitive Problems and DifficultiesCognitive problems and difficulties associated with multiple sclerosis are more common than was once thought. Previously, it was thought that multiple sclerosis was purely a physical disorder and that intellectual and mental functioning were left virtually intact.
However, this is now known not to be the case and that at least 50% - 60% of people who develop multiple sclerosis will develop some form of cognitive dysfunction as a result. This figure may yet rise as future studies shed more light on the range and extent of cognitive dysfunction associated with multiple sclerosis.
What Is Cognitive Dysfunction?There is no single description which fully encompasses the term, 'cognitive dysfunction'. It really applies to a whole raft of different problems and issues associated with, and related to; intellectual functioning.
For most people who develop some kind of cognitive dysfunction, usually mild; impairment typically means difficulties with thinking clearly, problems with recall (particularly very recent events) and decreased concentration.
For some, around 10% of people with multiple sclerosis, the impairment to their cognitive functioning will eventually become severe enough to significantly interfere with daily living.
What are the Signs of
Cognitive Dysfunction?Initial signs of cognitive dysfunction are typically very subtle (although this may not always be the case) and tend to be recognized retrospectively with the benefit of hindsight. It may even be noticed first by a partner or other family member.
Language processing, concentration and memory problems are the most common presentations of cognitive dysfunction.
'Finding the right words' is a common complaint relating to language use, where the person knows what they would like to say but is unable to 'find the words'.
Concentration may result in a person beginning a task, becoming distracted by another but beginning the new task before finishing the first, and so it goes on and on, until there are numerous unfinished chores or tasks.
Memory problems too, present a challenge for people with multiple sclerosis, particularly short term memory. This tends to show itself as a failure to remember basic things such as the name of a familiar item or animal, for example.The range of cognitive dysfunctions which can be associated with multiple sclerosis:
Verbal fluency and language skills can be impaired
Intellectual reasoning can be impaired
Inability to learn quickly
Poor problem solving abilities
Information processing can be slowed
Poor concentration
Poor judgment
[SEARCH]
McFox's Multiple Sclerosis Pages
Send mail to Webmaster@themcfox.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002 - 2004 McFox All Rights Reserved.
privacy policy
Search terms and keywords: multiple sclerosis, ms, symptom, symptoms, multiple sclerosis symptoms
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Friday, August 24, 2007
What is Multiple Scleroses
I hope that this will explain what my body is going through with auto-immune disease. Its lengthy but it has a lot of good information.
WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which comprises the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. The disease is characterized by more than one - or multiple - lesions or scars (in French, "sclerosis") on the myelin sheath, a covering that protects nerves and aids nerve conduction in the CNS much like insulation protects an electrical cord.These scars are best seen on a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.Prevalence and Symptoms.Approximately 350,000 Americans may have MS according to most estimates. The disease strikes women more often than men and typically is diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms of MS can come and go with no definite pattern, and some may become permanent. Symptoms vary widely from one person to the next and may include any of the following:
numbness
tingling, pins and needles, feelings of burning, cold, wetness, or other odd sensations (paresthesias)
vision problems (for example, optic neuritis, double vision, or eye movement disorders)
dizziness
balance problems (ataxia)
weakness, especially in the legs
foot drop
severe fatigue that may be brought on by minimal activity
nerve pain (neuralgia), often in the facial area although it may occur in any part of the body
bladder and/or bowel dysfunction
vertigo
L'hermitte's Sign (an electrical sensation down the spine that occurs upon suddenly bending the neck forward)
girdle sensation, or the feeling that a tight band is wrapped around the waist or a limb (the MS "hug")
spasticity (rigidity or stiffness of a limb)
cognitive difficulties
tremor
speech and swallowing problems (dysphasia).MS is categorized into four different disease courses:
Relapsing-Remitting, or RRMS
Secondary-Progressive, or SPMS
Progressive-Relapsing, or PRMS
Primary-Progressive, or PPMS.It is almost never fatal; however, in very rare and severe cases, death can result from MS-related complications.Causes and the role of diet.The exact cause of MS remains uncertain. It is currently thought to be an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body's own immune system is attacking the myelin sheath surrounding the CNS as if it were a foreign body. Other theories, such as the possible role of viruses, environment, genetics, etc., have also come into play.Dr. Swank developed the unsaturated-fatty-acid hypothesis which is discussed in detail in chapter 9 of his book. In his studies, Dr. Swank showed that "a reciprocal relationship of fat and oil consumption existed in our MS patients on the low-fat diet. Patients did best when the fat intake was very low and oil relatively high, and poorest [when the converse was true]." Again, the basis for this hypothesis is detailed in Dr. Swank's book, but the rationale behind the diet remains with Dr. Swank's patients who have benefited from improved health and a reduction in MS exacerbations over the years.ABC Drugs.Conventional medical advice today strongly encourages the use of the so-called "ABC" drugs (Avonex, Betaseron or Copaxone) for patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS). These drugs must be administered by injection and have been shown statistically to reduce the frequency and chances of having a relapse to some extent. They are not without problems, however. They are almost always recommended solely for RRMS patients and are usually ineffective once the disease becomes progressive. The interferons (Avonex and Betaseron) can cause flu-like symptoms, often for weeks or months, in susceptible patients. Copaxone must be injected daily and may cause itchy welts in the skin. These are just a few of the more common reactions.The ABC drugs can cost upwards of 10,000 dollars per year, whereas diet changes are extremely economical and without adverse side effects. While each person must make his or her own decision based on informed medical advice and research, Dr. Swank's research and his success rate with patients provide strong evidence that the Swank MS Diet can be compared favorably to the ABC drugs. Many of Dr. Swank's patients have been stable for years on the diet, whereas they had progressed prior to its advent. Some of their stories may be found on this site. Neither approach is a cure, of course, but the Swank MS Diet offers a soundly researched alternative or adjunct to drug therapy. Bear in mind that it takes a determined, concerted effort on the part of the patient with the cooperation of his or her doctor for best results. Each patient must determine for himself or herself the best direction to take. It is not a decision to be made lightly.
Sensible for the whole family.In any case, the Swank MS Diet is a healthy food plan for everyone, not just patients with MS. People with a tendency toward heart problems, stroke, obesity or other medical conditions can benefit as well. The diet advocates a very low saturated fat intake but encourages the use of "good" fats, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. You have nothing to lose (with the possible exception of excess pounds) and perhaps much to gain by giving it a try, with or without drug therapy. You can read about the Swank MS Diet here.More information on MS.We have attempted to provide a brief overview of MS. If you require more indepth information, our Resources page has some excellent web links.
Back to top
-->
Consult a physician before embarking on this or any other diet. Every patient is different. Information on this site does not constitute medical advice or treatment. This site does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.
© 2002 by The Swank MS Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which comprises the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. The disease is characterized by more than one - or multiple - lesions or scars (in French, "sclerosis") on the myelin sheath, a covering that protects nerves and aids nerve conduction in the CNS much like insulation protects an electrical cord.These scars are best seen on a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.Prevalence and Symptoms.Approximately 350,000 Americans may have MS according to most estimates. The disease strikes women more often than men and typically is diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms of MS can come and go with no definite pattern, and some may become permanent. Symptoms vary widely from one person to the next and may include any of the following:
numbness
tingling, pins and needles, feelings of burning, cold, wetness, or other odd sensations (paresthesias)
vision problems (for example, optic neuritis, double vision, or eye movement disorders)
dizziness
balance problems (ataxia)
weakness, especially in the legs
foot drop
severe fatigue that may be brought on by minimal activity
nerve pain (neuralgia), often in the facial area although it may occur in any part of the body
bladder and/or bowel dysfunction
vertigo
L'hermitte's Sign (an electrical sensation down the spine that occurs upon suddenly bending the neck forward)
girdle sensation, or the feeling that a tight band is wrapped around the waist or a limb (the MS "hug")
spasticity (rigidity or stiffness of a limb)
cognitive difficulties
tremor
speech and swallowing problems (dysphasia).MS is categorized into four different disease courses:
Relapsing-Remitting, or RRMS
Secondary-Progressive, or SPMS
Progressive-Relapsing, or PRMS
Primary-Progressive, or PPMS.It is almost never fatal; however, in very rare and severe cases, death can result from MS-related complications.Causes and the role of diet.The exact cause of MS remains uncertain. It is currently thought to be an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body's own immune system is attacking the myelin sheath surrounding the CNS as if it were a foreign body. Other theories, such as the possible role of viruses, environment, genetics, etc., have also come into play.Dr. Swank developed the unsaturated-fatty-acid hypothesis which is discussed in detail in chapter 9 of his book. In his studies, Dr. Swank showed that "a reciprocal relationship of fat and oil consumption existed in our MS patients on the low-fat diet. Patients did best when the fat intake was very low and oil relatively high, and poorest [when the converse was true]." Again, the basis for this hypothesis is detailed in Dr. Swank's book, but the rationale behind the diet remains with Dr. Swank's patients who have benefited from improved health and a reduction in MS exacerbations over the years.ABC Drugs.Conventional medical advice today strongly encourages the use of the so-called "ABC" drugs (Avonex, Betaseron or Copaxone) for patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS). These drugs must be administered by injection and have been shown statistically to reduce the frequency and chances of having a relapse to some extent. They are not without problems, however. They are almost always recommended solely for RRMS patients and are usually ineffective once the disease becomes progressive. The interferons (Avonex and Betaseron) can cause flu-like symptoms, often for weeks or months, in susceptible patients. Copaxone must be injected daily and may cause itchy welts in the skin. These are just a few of the more common reactions.The ABC drugs can cost upwards of 10,000 dollars per year, whereas diet changes are extremely economical and without adverse side effects. While each person must make his or her own decision based on informed medical advice and research, Dr. Swank's research and his success rate with patients provide strong evidence that the Swank MS Diet can be compared favorably to the ABC drugs. Many of Dr. Swank's patients have been stable for years on the diet, whereas they had progressed prior to its advent. Some of their stories may be found on this site. Neither approach is a cure, of course, but the Swank MS Diet offers a soundly researched alternative or adjunct to drug therapy. Bear in mind that it takes a determined, concerted effort on the part of the patient with the cooperation of his or her doctor for best results. Each patient must determine for himself or herself the best direction to take. It is not a decision to be made lightly.
Sensible for the whole family.In any case, the Swank MS Diet is a healthy food plan for everyone, not just patients with MS. People with a tendency toward heart problems, stroke, obesity or other medical conditions can benefit as well. The diet advocates a very low saturated fat intake but encourages the use of "good" fats, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. You have nothing to lose (with the possible exception of excess pounds) and perhaps much to gain by giving it a try, with or without drug therapy. You can read about the Swank MS Diet here.More information on MS.We have attempted to provide a brief overview of MS. If you require more indepth information, our Resources page has some excellent web links.
Back to top
-->
Consult a physician before embarking on this or any other diet. Every patient is different. Information on this site does not constitute medical advice or treatment. This site does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.
© 2002 by The Swank MS Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Psalm: 32:7-8 56:3
Thou are my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. What time I am afraid I will trust in thee.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Biblical Womanhood
Check this site out it has alot of good information on being a wife and mother.
http://www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com/
http://www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com/
The Love Of God
I love this song
The Love Of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell:
It goes beyond the hightest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin.
When years of time shall pass away, and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray, on rocks and hills and mountains call,
God's love so sure shall still endure, all measureless and strong.
Redeeming grace to Adam's race the saints and angel's song.
Could we with ink, the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk, on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, thought stretched from sky to sky.
The Love Of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell:
It goes beyond the hightest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin.
When years of time shall pass away, and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray, on rocks and hills and mountains call,
God's love so sure shall still endure, all measureless and strong.
Redeeming grace to Adam's race the saints and angel's song.
Could we with ink, the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk, on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, thought stretched from sky to sky.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Hope this helps those with cronic illnesses as it did for me.
Thank you Rebekah and Mary for sending this.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/
Thank you Rebekah and Mary for sending this.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Thank You All
Thank you all for your prayers and e-mails, in regards to my upcoming testing. I will keep you all informed as to what the results are.
Songs of Praise
Good Morning
I woke this morning as other mornings with a song in my mind, this morning the Lord put Nahum 1:7 on my heart.
The Lord is good a strong hold in the day of trouble: and he knoweth them that trust in Him.
I woke this morning as other mornings with a song in my mind, this morning the Lord put Nahum 1:7 on my heart.
The Lord is good a strong hold in the day of trouble: and he knoweth them that trust in Him.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Finally Some Answers
Hey friend's and Family
I went to the Neurologist today and got a lot answer's to my health issues.
The doctor checked me out good and said that she see's signs of Multiple Scleroses, and some symptoms of Lupus, but mostly MS. I told her that the Rheumatologist that I went to a few weeks ago said that I didn't have Lupus.
She said that I have whats called low positive for Lupus and may still have it because she see's signs of it. She wants to send me to one of her Rheumatologist to be re-evaluated. She was saying that she could not read the results from my records because it was send electronically and its hard to read so she ordered her own MRI test of the brain that will look deeper into the brain and looks at other areas of my spine and brain, to see what's going on. She is also ordering a EEG ( nerve testing using needles and shock, to look for nerve damage.
She has ordered me not to drive until futher notice (My kid's will be glad to hear this). She wants me to wait until I get treatment since my feet and hands go numb. As for the migraine headaches that I have been taking medicine for since 2005, she said that she does not see any evidence of migraines she said that my headaches are from the MS.
OK that's enough for now. Once I learn how to put pictures on this site I will, I'm still learning my way around.
I went to the Neurologist today and got a lot answer's to my health issues.
The doctor checked me out good and said that she see's signs of Multiple Scleroses, and some symptoms of Lupus, but mostly MS. I told her that the Rheumatologist that I went to a few weeks ago said that I didn't have Lupus.
She said that I have whats called low positive for Lupus and may still have it because she see's signs of it. She wants to send me to one of her Rheumatologist to be re-evaluated. She was saying that she could not read the results from my records because it was send electronically and its hard to read so she ordered her own MRI test of the brain that will look deeper into the brain and looks at other areas of my spine and brain, to see what's going on. She is also ordering a EEG ( nerve testing using needles and shock, to look for nerve damage.
She has ordered me not to drive until futher notice (My kid's will be glad to hear this). She wants me to wait until I get treatment since my feet and hands go numb. As for the migraine headaches that I have been taking medicine for since 2005, she said that she does not see any evidence of migraines she said that my headaches are from the MS.
OK that's enough for now. Once I learn how to put pictures on this site I will, I'm still learning my way around.
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