http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/multiple_sclerosis/ Information on multiple sclerosis. Read current research articles and learn about multiple sclerosis diagnosis, symptoms as well as the latest MS treatment options. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/multiple_sclerosis/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514122607.htm A clinical study of 30 adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has shown that smoked cannabis may be an effective treatment for spasticity – a common and disabling symptom of this neurological disease. Mon, 14 May 2012 12:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514122607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509180046.htm It is relatively common for doctors to diagnose someone with multiple sclerosis when the patient doesn't have the disease -- a misdiagnosis that not only causes patients potential harm but costs the US health care system untold millions of dollars a year, according to a new study. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509180046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm An antibody that neutralizes Kallikrein 6 is capable of staving off MS in mice, new research suggests. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114600.htm Medical researchers have defined the structure of a key part of the human obesity receptor -- an essential factor in the regulation of body fat -- which could help provide new treatments for the complications of obesity and anorexia. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135240.htm A new study outlines the specifics of how autoimmune disorders can be controlled by infusions of mesenchymal stem cells. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419162358.htm People who received injections of the multiple sclerosis (MS) drug interferon beta-1a soon after their first signs of possible MS were less likely to progress to clinically definite MS than people who switched to interferon beta-1a from placebo, according to new phase three results of the three-year REFLEXION clinical trial. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419162358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416165639.htm An investigational oral drug called ONO-4641 reduced the number of lesions in people with multiple sclerosis, according to the results of a phase two clinical trial. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416165639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313145013.htm Scientists have shown that outdoor temperature significantly impacts cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis (MS). In cross-sectional and longitudinal samples, patients performed worse on processing speed and memory tasks during warmer outdoor temperatures. Previous research documented increased disease activity during warmer months; this study is the first to show that cognition also fluctuates. This is the first study to support the subjective impression of patients with MS that warm weather negatively affects their cognition. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313145013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216143957.htm Scientists have created the first high-resolution virtual image of cellular structures called S1P1 receptors, which are critical in controlling the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis and other diseases. This new molecular map is already pointing researchers toward promising new paths for drug discovery and aiding them in better understanding how certain existing drugs work. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216143957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192733.htm For roughly two thousand years, Chinese herbalists have treated Malaria using a root extract, commonly known as Chang Shan, from a type of hydrangea that grows in Tibet and Nepal. More recent studies suggest that halofuginone, a compound derived from this extract's bioactive ingredient, could be used to treat many autoimmune disorders as well. Now, researchers have discovered the molecular secrets behind this herbal extract's power. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145059.htm Scientists have documented increased cerebral activation in patients with multiple sclerosis following memory retraining using modified Story Memory Technique. This study is the first to demonstrate that behavioral interventions can have a positive effect on brain function in MS, an important step in validating the clinical utility of cognitive rehabilitation. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117144332.htm Researchers have succeeded in converting stem cells from umbilical cords into other types of cells, which may eventually lead to new treatment options for spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, among other nervous system diseases. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117144332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109145729.htm The discovery of a gene that causes a form of hereditary spastic paraplegia may provide scientists with an important insight into what causes axons, the stems of our nerve cells, to degenerate in conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109145729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106130332.htm New research highlights the possibility of reversing aging in the central nervous system for multiple sclerosis patients. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106130332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222195019.htm Radiology researchers have found evidence that multiple sclerosis affects an area of the brain that controls cognitive, sensory and motor functioning apart from the disabling damage caused by the disease's visible lesions. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222195019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140517.htm It's still unclear what's different in the brains of people with autism spectrum disorders, but evidence from genetic and cell studies points to abnormalities in how brain cells, connect to each other. A new study now provides visual evidence associating autism with a disorganized structure of brain connections, as well as defects in myelin -- the fatty, insulating coating that helps nerve fibers conduct signals and that makes up the brain's white matter. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202091949.htm Researchers have identified critical steps leading to myelin destruction in neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a debilitating neurological disease that is commonly misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis. The findings could lead to better care for the thousands of patients around the world with NMO. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202091949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121193923.htm Studies have shown that people who are overweight in middle age are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease decades later than people at normal weight, yet researchers have also found that people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease are more likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI). A current study examines this relationship between Alzheimer's disease and BMI. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121193923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101173638.htm An experimental drug called Ocrelizumab has shown promise in a phase two clinical trial involving 220 people with multiple sclerosis, an often debilitating, chronic autoimmune disease that affects an increasing number of people in North America. It usually strikes young adults and is more common in women than in men. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101173638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027112520.htm Multiple sclerosis is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For a long time, pathogens were believed to be such external influences. According to scientists from Germany, however, it is apparently not harmful bacteria that trigger multiple sclerosis, but beneficial ones -- specifically, the natural intestinal flora, which every human being needs for digestion. The researchers discovered that genetically modified mice develop an inflammation in the brain similar to the human disease if they have normal bacterial intestinal flora. The microorganisms begin by activating the immune system's T cells and, in a further step, the B immune cells. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027112520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026122412.htm Scientists are reporting the development and successful tests in humans of a sensor array that can diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) from exhaled breath, an advance that they describe as a landmark in the long search for a fast, inexpensive and non-invasive test for MS -- the most common neurological disease in young adults. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026122412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013121521.htm Scientists have improved upon previous efforts to pluck out just the right stem cells to address the brain problem at the core of multiple sclerosis and a large number of rare, fatal children's diseases. Details of how scientists isolated and directed stem cells from the human brain to become oligodendrocytes - the type of brain cell that makes myelin - were recently published. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013121521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112801.htm Researchers have turned off a life-threatening allergic response to peanuts by tricking the immune system into thinking the nut proteins aren't a threat to the body, according to a new preclinical study. The peanut tolerance was achieved by attaching peanut proteins onto blood cells and reintroducing them to the body -- an approach that ultimately may be able to target more than one food allergy at a time. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112801.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007122549.htm Researchers have discovered a cellular pathway that promotes inflammation in diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the details of this pathway may provide opportunities for tailored treatments of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007122549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006094831.htm A new oral drug has been shown in a large international clinical trial to significantly reduce the relapse rate of people with multiple sclerosis and to slow the progression of the disease. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006094831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004221110.htm Taking the new generation anti-inflammatory drug natalizumab for two years lowers the number of remitting multiple sclerosis patients who experience relapses and progression of disability. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004221110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930123057.htm A glucosamine-like dietary supplement suppresses the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis, according to a new study. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930123057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163533.htm Scientists have discovered a type of spinal cord cell that could function as a stem cell, with the ability to regenerate portions of the central nervous system in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). The radial glial cells, which are marked by long projections that can forge through brain tissue, had never previously been found in an adult spinal cord. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915114004.htm Scientists have announced the discovery of a new class of cells in the spinal cord that act like neural stem cells, offering a fresh avenue in the search for therapies to treat spinal cord injury and disease. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915114004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913172631.htm Researchers may have solved a 100-year puzzle: How to safely open and close the blood-brain barrier so that therapies to treat Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and cancers of the central nervous system might effectively be delivered. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913172631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103211.htm A new imaging technique could help doctors and researchers more accurately assess the extent of nerve damage and healing in a live patient. Researchers aimed lasers at rats' damaged sciatic nerves to create images of the individual neurons' insulating sheath called myelin. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810141255.htm Scientists have identified 29 new genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis, providing key insights into the biology of a very debilitating neurological disease. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810141255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810132848.htm Results of the largest genomics study of multiple sclerosis patients ever undertaken have identified more than two dozen new genetic variants linked to disease risk, including some previously implicated in other autoimmune diseases. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810132848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804133606.htm Researchers report the discovery of a new type of cell that makes autoantibodies, which attack the body's own tissues. It is more common in elderly female mice and humans with autoimmune disease. An application for a patent has been made for a method to treat autoimmune disease by depleting these cells. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804133606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721163035.htm The development of a new cell-culture system that mimics how specific nerve cell fibers in the brain become coated with protective myelin opens up new avenues of research about multiple sclerosis. Initial findings suggest that myelin regulates a key protein involved in sending long-distance signals. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. The cause remains unknown, and it is a chronic illness affecting the central nervous system that has no cure. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721163035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720162039.htm A new study shows that the health gains associated with a category of medications commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) -- know as disease modifying drugs -- come at a very high cost when compared to therapies that address the symptoms of MS and treatments for other chronic diseases. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720162039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718155616.htm In a new study, scientists demonstrate on the molecular level how the anti-malaria drug chloroquine represses inflammation, which may provide a blueprint for new strategies for treating inflammation and a multitude of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and certain cancers. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718155616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711164522.htm Osteoporosis and low bone density are common in people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711164522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628163321.htm Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring disease in monkeys that is very much like multiple sclerosis in humans -- a discovery that could have a major impact on efforts to understand the cause of multiple sclerosis. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628163321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621093315.htm Scientists have discovered a molecular mechanism which could bring about the development of new treatments for multiple sclerosis -- a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621093315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608123006.htm Taiwanese investigators have found that there can be a significantly higher risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) occurring in the year following a shingles, or herpes zoster, attack. The findings support a long-held view on how MS may develop. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608123006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531115313.htm Environmental and inherited risk factors associated with multiple sclerosis -- previously poorly understood and not known to be connected -- converge to alter a critical cellular function linked to the chronic neurologic disease, researchers have discovered. Tue, 31 May 2011 11:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531115313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110530190341.htm Contrary to earlier reports, a new study finds that stress does not appear to increase a person's risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Mon, 30 May 2011 19:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110530190341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523161147.htm African-Americans who have multiple sclerosis (MS) have lower vitamin D levels than African-Americans who don't have the disease, according to a new study. However, most of the difference in vitamin D levels was due to differences in climate and geography. Mon, 23 May 2011 16:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523161147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523152348.htm Laboratory studies by chemical engineers may lead to new experimental methods for early detection and diagnosis -- and to possible treatments -- for pathological tissues that are precursors to multiple sclerosis and similar diseases. Mon, 23 May 2011 15:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523152348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110519090354.htm Researchers have discovered that Viagra (sildenafil) drastically reduces multiple sclerosis symptoms in animal models with the disease. The research demonstrates that a practically complete recovery occurs in 50% of the animals after eight days of treatment. Researchers are confident that clinical trials soon will be carried out in patients. Thu, 19 May 2011 09:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110519090354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091634.htm While there is no cause known for multiple sclerosis, patients with MS seem to have genetic vulnerability to certain environmental factors that could trigger this condition, such as the Epstein-Barr virus. Scientists have now found a link between the Epstein-Barr virus --- which belongs to the herpes viruses family --- and the development of this condition. Tue, 17 May 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512132410.htm Researchers have discovered a steroid hormone that inhibits inflammation in the brain. The findings have implications for understanding the exaggerated inflammatory responses that are characteristic features of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Thu, 12 May 2011 13:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512132410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512091810.htm Researchers have developed a new method for making detailed X-ray images of brain cells. The method, called SAXS-CT, can map the myelin sheaths of nerve cells, which are important for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Thu, 12 May 2011 09:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512091810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110510121518.htm Systemic sclerosis is an independent determinant for moderate to severe coronary calcification or atherosclerosis, suggests a new study. Conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as age and hypertension predispose patients with systemic sclerosis to plaque build-up in the heart arteries similar to the general population. Tue, 10 May 2011 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110510121518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509122726.htm The drug FTY720 is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Although highly effective it can have serious side effects. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which the drug affects its target could lead to the development of a drug with the same therapeutic efficacy but reduced side effects. In this context, researchers have now detailed the molecular mechanism by which FTY270 causes adverse effects in the lungs of mice. Mon, 09 May 2011 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509122726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427154301.htm Widespread demands in Canada for clinical trials for a controversial treatment for multiple sclerosis show the growing power of the Internet and social media to influence research priorities, according to a new article. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427154301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110424152445.htm The neutralization of the cytokine GM-CSF could halt the development of multiple sclerosis, new research in an animal model suggests. Unlike other known cytokines, this messenger substance is essential for the development of the disease. By the end of this year, a clinical trial will be launched in which GM-CSF is to be neutralized in MS patients. Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110424152445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418161658.htm New research suggests that people who are exposed to low levels of sunlight coupled with a history of having a common virus known as mononucleosis may be at greater odds of developing multiple sclerosis than those without the virus. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418161658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418093846.htm Scientists have developed the first of a new class of highly selective compounds that effectively suppresses the severity of multiple sclerosis in animal models. The new compound could provide new and potentially more effective therapeutic approaches to multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases that affect patients worldwide. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418093846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328161840.htm Any possible pain relief that marijuana has for people with multiple sclerosis may be outweighed by the drug's apparent negative effect on thinking skills, according to new research. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328161840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328092411.htm Understanding that angioplasty -- a medical treatment used by interventional radiologists to widen the veins in the neck and chest to improve blood flow -- is safe may encourage additional studies for its use as a treatment option for individuals with multiple sclerosis, said researchers in a recent presentation. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328092411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110327191157.htm Multiple sclerosis is a disabling autoimmune disease in which nerve fibers are attacked by the patient's own immune system. Researchers have now identified a new mechanism that contributes to nerve fiber damage -- and shown that this damage can be reversed. Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110327191157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322151308.htm Recent research mapping the function and information processing of the spinal cord could improve treatment for spinal cord injuries. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322151308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314100831.htm Research into how the brain transmits messages to other parts of the body could improve understanding of disorders such as epilepsy, dementia, multiple sclerosis and stroke. Scientists have identified a protein crucial for maintaining the health and function of the segment of nerve fibers that controls transmission of messages within the brain. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314100831.htm