The Everything Health Guide to Multiple Sclerosis: An Authoritative Guide to Help You Understand Symptoms, Decide on Treatment, and Enhance Your Well-Being

by Russell, Margot

Edition: 1st

ISBN13: 9781598698053

ISBN10: 1598698052

Format: Paperback

Pub. Date: 2009-01-01

Publisher(s): SIMON & SCHUSTER INC

Other versions by this Author

List Price: ~~$15.95~~

Rent Textbook

Select for Price

Add to Cart

There was a problem. Please try again later.

New Textbook

We're Sorry
Sold Out

Used Textbook

We're Sorry
Sold Out

eTextbook

We're Sorry
Not Available

Buy from our Marketplace starting at $3.04

Summary

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates that 400,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with MS. Because MS is a chronic disease, people with this diagnosis will live with the disease for years. MS sufferer Margot Russell and Dr. Allen C. Bowling, a nationally known MS expert, team up to help readers: Recognize signs and symptoms; understand the types of MS; decide on treatment and find the right doctor; explore alternative therapies; take charge by creating a management plan; develop strength and avoid relapse; and more. Filled with tips for daily living (like staying cool) and the latest information on new treatments, this reassuring book offers more than medical advice. It gives readers with MS the strength, knowledge, and resources they need so they can live a full, active life!

Author Biography

Allen C. Bowling, M.D., Ph.D., is the Director of Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the Rocky Mountain MS Center and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Introduction	p. xi
MS: The Nuts and Bolts	p. 1
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?	p. 1
The Role of the Immune System	p. 2
Understanding Plaques	p. 3
The Role of the Blood-Brain Barrier	p. 4
Suspected Causes of MS	p. 6
New Treatments and Choices	p. 10
Signs and Symptoms	p. 13
Disease Types in MS	p. 13
The Symptoms of MS	p. 15
Visual Disturbances	p. 17
Sensory Symptoms	p. 19
Motor Symptoms	p. 19
Fatigue	p. 21
Cognitive Symptoms	p. 22
Bladder and Bowel Problems	p. 22
Less Common Symptoms	p. 23
Visible and Invisible MS	p. 24
The Diagnosis Process	p. 26
Differential Diagnosis	p. 26
Your Medical History	p. 28
Neurological Exam	p. 29
Imaging Techniques	p. 30
Evoked Potentials	p. 33
Lumbar Puncture	p. 34
Diagnostic Criteria	p. 35
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment	p. 36
The Delayed Diagnosis: Now What?	p. 37
Dealing with a Diagnosis	p. 40
Lighten the Load	p. 40
The Grieving Process	p. 41
Make a Plan	p. 45
Address Your Fears	p. 46
Defining a Positive Outlook	p. 47
Reach Out for Support	p. 48
Keeping Perspective	p. 49
Creating an MS Management Team	p. 51
Finding the Right Doctor and Specialists	p. 51
Your Doctor's Credentials	p. 53
Routine Care with a Neurologist	p. 55
The Team Approach	p. 57
Coordinating Your Team	p. 62
Comprehensive MS Treatment Centers	p. 64
Establish a Relationship with Your Health Care Team	p. 65
The Treatment of MS	p. 67
Early Treatment Makes a Difference	p. 67
Starting a DMT Before a Definite Diagnosis	p. 68
The Disease-Modifying Therapies	p. 69
Injectable Immunomodulating Medications	p. 71
Infusion Treatments	p. 73
The Scoop on Tysabri	p. 76
Managing Side Effects	p. 78
Treatment Support	p. 81
Recognizing Problems with DMTs	p. 83
Paying for Treatment	p. 85
The Relapse	p. 89
What Is a Relapse?	p. 89
Is This the Real Thing?	p. 90
What Causes a Relapse?	p. 92
How Long Does a Relapse Last?	p. 93
Treatment for Relapses	p. 93
The Relapse Plan	p. 98
Remission	p. 100
Taking Charge	p. 102
Understanding the Disease Course	p. 102
Creating a Strategic Plan	p. 105
Multidisciplinary Care	p. 106
Tips for Daily Living	p. 108
Resetting Your Pace	p. 110
Coping Strategies	p. 112
Planning Ahead	p. 115
Managing Symptoms	p. 118
Fatigue	p. 118
Spasticity	p. 124
Ataxia and Tremor	p. 125
Bladder Dysfunction	p. 126
Bowel Problems	p. 127
Visual Changes	p. 128
Swallowing and Speech Dysfunction	p. 130
Sexual Problems	p. 133
Sensory Symptoms and Pain	p. 136
A Word about Walking	p. 139
Cognitive Challenges and Mood Changes	p. 142
Cognitive Changes	p. 142
The Cognitive Evaluation	p. 146
Treatment Options	p. 147
Toolbox for Cognitive Challenges	p. 148
Mood Swings and Emotional Challenges	p. 150
Controlling Depression	p. 151
Complementary and Alternative Therapy	p. 155
What Is CAM?	p. 155
Types of CAM	p. 156
Choosing Wisely	p. 157
Understanding Studies	p. 159
CAM Therapies for MS	p. 160
The Spiritual Approach	p. 167
Stress and MS	p. 168
The Science Behind Stress	p. 168
The Symptoms of Stress	p. 170
Identifying Your Stressors	p. 171
Creating a Stress-Management Plan	p. 175
Putting Your Plan to Use	p. 178
Practicing Wellness	p. 180
Physical Wellness	p. 180
Exercise	p. 184
Just Do It	p. 187
Emotional Well-Being	p. 189
Living Well with MS	p. 192
Barriers to Self Care	p. 193
Mind and Body	p. 195
Mind-Body Connection	p. 195
Spirituality	p. 196
Mind-Body Techniques	p. 199
Relaxation Techniques	p. 200
Prayer	p. 203
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)	p. 204
Do Mind-Body Techniques Work?	p. 204
MS and Employment	p. 206
To Tell or Not to Tell	p. 206
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)	p. 209
Choosing Assistive Technology for the Workplace	p. 213
Leaving Your Job	p. 215
Social Security Disability Insurance	p. 216
Family Life	p. 220
Family Issues	p. 220
Changing Roles	p. 224
Parenting with MS	p. 229
Family Trips	p. 232
MS and Real Life	p. 235
Pregnancy: Your Questions and Concerns	p. 235
MS and Relationships	p. 239
Sharing Your Diagnosis	p. 242
MS and the Holidays	p. 243
Flu Shots and Other Vaccinations	p. 245
Beat the Heat	p. 247
The Future with MS	p. 251
Oral Therapies	p. 251
Therapies for Progressive MS	p. 253
The Future of Symptom Relief	p. 254
Stem Cell Research	p. 255
Blood Test to Diagnose MS	p. 255
Statins and MS Research	p. 255
Genetic Research	p. 256
Remyelination	p. 257
Cytokines	p. 257
Participating in a Clinical Trial	p. 257
Do Your Homework	p. 263
Staying One Step Ahead	p. 266
Creating a Support Network	p. 268
Reaching Out	p. 268
Cultivating Your Support Network	p. 270
Friends as Support	p. 271
Family as Support	p. 275
Support Groups	p. 275
Internet Support	p. 277
Advanced MS and the Caregiver's Role	p. 280
Treatment for Advanced MS	p. 280
Tips on Managing Advanced MS	p. 282
Options for Care	p. 286
The Caregiver's Role	p. 289
Tips for Caregivers	p. 290
Additional Resources	p. 292
Glossary	p. 297
Index	p. 303
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.