Multiple SclerosisMultiple Sclerosis (MS) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) usually affects women more than men. The disorder most commonly begins between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age. The exact cause is not known, but MS is believed to result from damage to the myelin sheath, the protective material which surrounds nerve cells. It is a progressive disease, meaning the nerve damage (neurodegeneration) gets worse over time. In addition to nerve damage, another part of MS is inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. The inflammation destroys the myelin, leaving multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis). It also causes nerve impulses to slow down or become blocked, leading to the symptoms of MS. Repeated episodes, or flare ups, of inflammation can occur along any area of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms vary because the location and extent of each attack varies. Usually episodes that last days, weeks, or months alternate with times of reduced or no symptoms (remission). Recurrence (relapse) is common although non-stop progression without periods of remission may also occur. Researchers are not sure what triggers an attack. Patients with MS typically have a higher number of immune cells than a healthy person, which suggests that an immune response might play a role. The most common theories point to a virus or genetic defect, or a combination of both. There also appears to be a genetic link to the disease. MS is more likely to occur in northern Europe, the northern United States, southern Australia, and New Zealand than in other areas. Geographic studies indicate there may be an environmental factor involved. People with a family history of MS and those who live in a geographical area with a higher incidence rate for MS have a higher risk of the disease. VideosArticles
Hyperbarics As An Alternative Therapy: Extensive international medical research, over the past twenty years, has demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy will be considered an integral role in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. In many parts of the world, hyperbaric is considered a key component of an effective MS treatment program. In some countries in Europe, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is covered by insurance and is the main treatment for MS. Some theories suggest that Multiple Sclerosis could be attributed to a lack of oxygen in the body, resulting in the lesions that appear on the spinal cord of patients undergoing SPECT scans. Regardless of what the causes of MS are, there is irrefutable evidence supporting the treatment of MS patients with hyperbaric oxygen. More and more medical researchers have come to regard hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a potent therapy for the successful treatment of multiple sclerosis without the side effects associated with many pharmaceuticals. Hyperbaric has been shown to reduce pain significantly, modulate the immune system, increase energy, alleviate sleep dysfunction, and reduce cognitive impairment. In many cases, patients are also able to discontinue use of many of their pharmaceuticals. Researchers in one study tested the effects of hyperbaric on the T and B lymphocytes of Multiple Sclerosis patients tested patients suffering with the condition on an average of more than 9 years. Ninety percent of patients tested demonstrated immune modulation after hyperbaric treatments. Some medical professionals state that the most effective protocol for hyperbaric oxygen on persons with MS is that of lower pressures at 1.5 ATA or below for longer treatment times. Some studies suggest that pressures of 1.5 ATA or below are most beneficial in correcting immune imbalances and pressures at higher levels can have a negative impact on the immune system. |
