CHRISTINE M. VALENTíN

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  • About Me
  • Services
    • Individual Play Therapy
    • Family Play Therapy
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What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

6/17/2015

2 Comments

 
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Two years ago I worked at the National MS Society-NYC chapter and became familiar with the many struggles that individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) face. It was during my time there, I witnessed the impact this disease has not only on the individual but also on the family and significant others, especially when such individuals are not familiar with the disease. Below is general information I believe many individuals should be aware of so as to raise awareness and increase understanding. 

1) Defining Multiple Sclerosis- 
According to the National MS Society, "Multiple Sclerosis is considered to be an immune-mediated disease in which the body's immune system attacks the central nervous system." While the disease affects everyone differently, common symptoms include fatigue, walking difficulties, numbness or tingling, vision problems, dizziness, vertigo, cognitive changes, etc. For more information about MS-related symptoms, click here. 

2) Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis - Diagnosing MS at this time requires an extensive review of one's medical history along with a series of tests and exams that allows a physician and/or a medical team of various health care professionals to rule out other potential diagnosis. The aforementioned also allows health care professionals to find evidence that meets the current criteria for diagnosing MS. For more information regarding the diagnosis criteria and tools involved in diagnosing MS,  click here. 


3) Available Resources - Aside from obtaining more information about MS, various organizations offer opportunities for individuals with MS to meet one another, obtain emotional support through support groups and/or apply for financial assistance. The following organizations are just a few that can be helpful in finding available resources in your area - Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National MS Society. 

Being aware of the symptoms of MS, as well as the diagnosis process, can help individuals begin the journey of accessing appropriate medical treatment, obtaining any emotional and/or financial support they may need and helping their loved ones understand the physical and emotional symptoms an individual with MS may be experiencing, especially when such symptoms are not visible.  Such resources and knowledge can also help to reduce stress that may otherwise cause symptoms to exacerbate. 



Are you aware of any other resources that can be beneficial to individuals and their families dealing with MS? If so, please share them below.

2 Comments
Paul Turner
6/19/2015 07:31:16 am

The wife of a friend of mine died from MS at a time when they both should have had a happy marriage and life together. After her death, one of their children was diagnosed with it. So far as I know, she is still alive, but struggling quite a bit, and is still in her special care facility. What a tough time it's been for my friend and his other child!
As for myself, I may want to pay a little more attention to MS. I have a history of seizures,(although they are controlled well with medication), was recently sent to the ER of my local hospital with a bout of positional vertigo(but felt much better the next day), and am currently getting physical therapy for a pinched nerve in my lower back, which has led to some numbness and tingling in a foot.
As I say, I will be reviewing MS with a bit more seriousness these days. While I don't believe I am a pre-MS candidate, I certainly don't want to find that this was something "waiting to happen".

Reply
Christine M. Valentin link
6/24/2015 03:27:11 am

H Paul,

Thank you for sharing your situation. I hope you feel better soon.

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    Christine M. Valentín

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