Navigating Life with Multiple Sclerosis

September 15, 2015
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system (brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). Diagnosis can be difficult and frustrating. Symptoms of MSfatigue (the most common one), weakness, visual problems, numbness, trouble with balance, memory difficultycan be vague and unpredictable. Yet diagnosis requires more than the presence of symptoms. Abnormalities must be identified from a neurological exam, MRI scan of the brain, and analysis of spinal fluid. This useful guide clearly condenses and explains a complicated disease so that patients can better manage and cope with the disorder on an everyday basis. And while there is no cure for MS, a number of disease-modifying medications and treatments are described. Lifestyle recommendations are offered. Exercise improves quality of life, targeted physical therapy helps, but there is no proven special diet for MS. Because two-thirds of MS patients are women, and the majority are young adults, an entire chapter is devoted to reproductive issues, including fertility, contraception, and pregnancy. Lots of useful information in a small, well-written package.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)