Multiple Sclerosis

In 2005, MS has just been named as one of the top five illnesses that are often missed or misdiagnosed in a national survey

Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that has spiked significantly in the last few years.  MS is a rather common result of long term exposure of Stachybotrys or Chaetomium, according to new studies they both can destroy the myelin sheath; the security system to your highway of nerves, which can lead to a host of permanent and severe health problems.  Early intervention is highly recommended, which means awareness, testing, and sound medical advice.

MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condition. Myelin is a fatty material that insulates nerves, acting much like the covering of an electric wire and allowing the nerve to transmit its impulses rapidly. It is the speed and efficiency with which these impulses are conducted that permits smooth, rapid and coordinated movements to be performed with little conscious effort. In Multiple Sclerosis, the loss of myelin (demyelination) is accompanied by a disruption in the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain and this produces the various symptoms of MS. The sites where myelin is lost (plaques or lesions) appear as hardened (scar) areas: in Multiple Sclerosis these scars appear at different times and in different areas of the brain and spinal cord - the term Multiple Sclerosis meaning, literally, many scars.

The Nerve Destroyer

In people with MS the body's defenses turn against the brain and spinal cord--the central nervous system.  "The immune system attacks the the nerves, then leaves them alone, then attacks them again; causing pockets of damage at multiple sites here, there, and everywhere." says Robert J. Fox, M.D., medical director at the Mellen center for Multiple Sclerosis at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio,  The assault appears to zero in on the myelin, a sheath surrounding nerves like insulation around a pipe.  Damage to the sheath slows down the traffic of messages through the nervous system, leading to M.S.'s many symptoms  The aftermath of the attacks on the myelin sheath cause scar tissue (sclerosis) in the brain and spinal cord, which can impair nerve function.  Research published in 1998 shows that the attacks also damage nerve cells by slicing through the nerve fibers, a process called transection.  "it's like snipping telephone wires out on the street." says Dr. Fox, "At first, the telephone company can find a way to reroute the signals, but eventually the phone service starts failing. That's what we think happens in the later stages of MS, when the brain can no longer compensate for the loss of nerve pathways."

When mold patients begin suffering from cognitive and other neurological symptoms, it is suggested that they undergo testing for multiple sclerosis.  Aggressive proactive knowledge and treatment are extremely important in your final outcome.

Through a current research trial, a high percent of patients who were exposed to demylienating molds such as stachybotrys and Chaetomium are showing signs of of early onset multiple sclerosis.

What are the symptoms of MS?

Multiple Sclerosis is a very variable condition and the symptoms depend on which areas of the central nervous system have been affected. There is no set pattern to MS and everyone with MS has a different set of symptoms, which vary from time to time and can change in severity and duration, even in the same person. The systems commonly affected include:

• vision
• co-ordination/balance
• strength
• sensation
• speech and swallowing
• bladder control
• sexuality
• cognitive function

There is no typical MS. Most people with MS will experience more than one symptom, and though there are symptoms common to many people, no person would have all of them.

Visual disturbances:

• blurring of vision
• double vision (diplopia)
• optic neuritis
• involuntary rapid eye movement
• (rarely) total loss of sight

Balance & co-ordination problems:
loss of balance
tremor
unstable walking (ataxia)
giddiness (vertigo)
clumsiness of a limb
lack of co-ordination  

Weakness:

• this can particularly affect the legs and walking
• Balance & co-ordination problems:
  loss of balance
  tremor
  unstable walking (ataxia)
  giddiness (vertigo)
  clumsiness of a limb
  lack of co-ordination

Spasticity:

• altered muscle tone can produce spasticity or muscle stiffness which can affect mobility and walking
• spasms

Altered sensation:

• tingling, numbness (paraesthesia), or burning feeling in an area of the body
• other indefinable sensations

Pain may be associated with MS, e.g. facial pain, (such as trigeminal neuralgia), and muscle pains

• slowing of speech
• slurring of words
• changes in rhythm of speech
• Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)

• a debilitating kind of general fatigue which is unpredictable or out of proportion to the activity. Fatigue is one of the most common (and one of the most troubling) symptoms of MS

Bladder & bowel problems:

• bladder problems include the need to pass water frequently and/or urgently, incomplete emptying or emptying at inappropriate times.
• bowel problems include constipation and, infrequently, loss of bowel control

Sexuality & intimacy:

• impotence
• diminished arousal
• loss of sensation

Sensitivity to heat:

• this symptom very commonly causes a transient worsening of symptoms

Cognitive & emotional disturbances:

• problems with short term memory, concentration, judgment or reasoning

For a more detailed and scientific description of symptoms of MS, you may see our MS Symptom Section, for more information. Whilst some of these symptoms are immediately obvious, others such as fatigue, altered sensation, memory and concentration problems are often hidden symptoms. These can be difficult to describe to others and sometimes family and careers do not appreciate the effects these have on the person with MS and on employment, social activities and quality of life.

For more information on other illnesses related to fungal exposure, they are in our medical section.

Research underway to determine extent of military link to MS; cover-ups

This site is not intended to give medical advice.  Seek the advice of a professional for diagnosis, medication, treatment options, and complete knowledge of any illness.  The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions do not necessarily reflect my peers or professional affiliates. The information here does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supersede the professional advice of others.