News

Findings On Brain MRI May Predict Multiple Sclerosis

· Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco report that patients with certain findings on their brain MRI appear to be at increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. According to a recent article published in the journal Neurology, patients with incidental MRI anomalies suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) appear to be at increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

· Study author, Dr. Okuda and colleagues obtained clinical and radiological information on 44 patients whom had no symptoms of multiple sclerosis but had brain MRI scans with certain anomalies.  These patients had normal neurological examinations.

· The authors report that over time, 24 of 41 patients, or 59%, showed progressive changes on their MRI scans consistent with development of multiple sclerosis.  Over a period of about five years, ten patients in the study developed either clinically isolated syndrome or definite multiple sclerosis.

· Although the study is limited by the small number of study subjects, it does provide insight into early detection of multiple sclerosis and may guide a formal process of early diagnosis and treatment options.

Reference
Neurology 2009;72:780-781,800-805.

Read more – March 31, 2009

Multiple Sclerosis May Be Associated With Vitamin D Deficiency

· Multiple Sclerosis is a devastating illness in which the immune system attacks nerves leading to paralysis MS affects 2/5 million people worldwide, with an incidence is higher in areas with less sunshine. Recently, researchers have discovered a relationship between vitamin D (the vitamin made with sun exposure) and incidence of Multiple Sclerosis.

· According to an article published in the journal PLoS Genetics; researchers report that women who may not have adequate sun exposure may be giving birth to children with a higher risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis. Authors state that they found a relationship between Vitamin D and a specific gene, known as DRB1*1501. The combination of a vitamin D deficiency and this gene in infants increases the risk of Multiple Sclerosis.

· Vitamin D deficiencies can be associated with low vitamin D levels. Physicians have previously known of a relationship between a higher incidence of Multiple Sclerosis and geographic areas with less sunlight.

One of the study’s authors, Dr. Sreeram Ramagopalan, stated, “the study implies that taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and the early years may reduce the risk of child developing MS in later life”.

The study authors concluded that their findings, “suggest a mechanism that links vitamin D exposure to autoimmune disease.”

February 12, 2009

Read more – February 12, 2009

Leg weakness

• Leg weakness is the symptom of loss of strength of muscles of the leg.

• Leg weakness may be loss of the stability of the ligaments and tendons of the hip or knee.

• Leg weakness that is isolated to specific location of the leg can result from stroke, muscle damage, an injury to a nerve, or a sign of multiple sclerosis.

· Diffuse leg weakness of muscles may result from illnesses such as diseases of the thyroid or adrenal glands.

• Leg weakness should be evaluated by your doctor.

Read more – January 13, 2009

Forearm weakness

• Forearm weakness is the symptom of loss of strength of muscles of the forearm.

• Forearm weakness may be loss of the stability of the ligaments and tendons of the forearm.

• Forearm weakness can be a weakness of the muscles supporting the forearm or a laxity of the tendons connecting the forearm.

• Forearm weakness that is isolated to a specific location of the forearm can result from stroke, muscle damage, an injury to a nerve, or sign of multiple sclerosis.

• Forearm weakness should be evaluated by your doctor.

Read more – January 8, 2009

Foot paresthesia

• Foot paresthesia is the symptom of the sensation of tingling of the foot.

• Foot paresthesia can be a sign of a peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage).

• Foot paresthesia (tingling) can result from heavy metal exposure or trauma (injury) to nerves.

• Foot paresthesia (tingling) can be a sign of diabetes and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Read more – January 6, 2009

Finger weakness

• Finger weakness is the symptom of loss of strength of muscles of the hand.

• Finger weakness may be loss of the stability of the ligaments and tendons of the finger.

• Finger weakness can be a weakness of the muscles supporting the finger or a laxity of the tendons connecting the finger.

• Finger weakness that is isolated to specific location of the finger can result from:
· stroke
· carpal tunnel syndrome
· muscle damage
· injury to a nerve
· multiple sclerosis.

• Finger weakness should be evaluated by your doctor.

Read more – January 5, 2009

Facial paralysis

• Facial paralysis is the symptom of the loss of strength of muscles in the face.

• Facial paralysis that is isolated to one side of the face can result from:
· stroke
· Bell’s palsy (damage or impaired function of the facial cranial nerve)
· muscle damage
· a sign of multiple sclerosis

• Facial paralysis should be evaluated by your doctor.

Read more

Facial weakness

• Facial weakness is the symptom of the loss of strength of muscles in the face.

• Facial weakness that is isolated to one side of the face can result from:
· stroke
· Bell’s palsy (damage or impaired function of the facial cranial nerve)
· muscle damage
· a sign of multiple sclerosis

• Facial weakness should be evaluated by your doctor.

Read more

Facial paresthesia

• Facial paresthesia is the symptom of the sensation of tingling of the face.

• Facial paresthesia can be a sign of a peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage).

• Facial paresthesia (tingling) can result from heavy metal exposure or trauma (injury) to nerves.

• Facial paresthesia (tingling) can be a sign of diabetes and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Read more – January 4, 2009

Facial pain

• Facial pain is the symptom of localized discomfort of the facial area.

• Facial pain can result from:
· arthritis of the temporal mandibular joint (TMJ)
· multiple sclerosis
· trigeminal neuralgia (neuropathy of the fifth cranial nerve)
· sinusitis (infection of the maxillary or frontal sinus)

• Facial pain should be evaluated by your doctor.

Read more

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