EDSS stands for Expanded Disability Status Scale. The EDSS is used in MS research to measure disability levels in a variety of functional systems, such as balance, touch, vision, bowel and bladder control, or mood. Efficacy (Effectiveness) The extent   more »

MS Glossary 2 of 7 Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) A clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrum The large upper part of the brain, which acts as a master control system and is responsible for initiating thought and motor activity. Chronic Of long duration (the opposite of acute) - a term often used to describe a disease that becomes progressively worse Cognition High-level functions carried out by the brain, including comprehension and use of speech, visual perception and construction, calculation ability, attention (information-processing), memory, and executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and self-monitoring. Cognitive difficulties: Term used to describe memory loss or difficulty concentrating or solving problems. Cognitive impairment Changes in cognitive function caused by trauma or disease process. Some degree of cognitive impairment occurs in approximately 50% to 60% of people with MS. Memory, information processing, and executive functions are among the most commonly affected functions. See Cognition. Computerized axial tomography (CAT scan) A non-invasive diagnostic technique using computer-guided x-rays to examine soft tissues of the body. Coordination An organized working together of muscles and groups of muscles, which enables movement such as walking or standing. Cortisone A glucocorticoid steroid hormone that has anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressing properties. Cortisone may be produced by the adrenal glands or manufactured synthetically. Cytokines T cells produce a type of protein called cytokines. In MS, cytokines can damage myelin. Deep tendon reflexes The involuntary, jerky movements that are normally produced when certain spots on a limb are tapped with a hammer - usually done during a physical examination by a healthcare professional. Reflexes are tested as part of the standard neurological exam. Demyelination A loss of myelin in the white matter of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). Disability A restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being (as defined by the World Health Organization). Disease-modifying therapy Treatment intended to influence the course of the disease, alter its natural history, and treat the cause of the symptom rather than the symptom itself. Dosage Administration of a therapeutic agent in prescribed amounts. Dose Titration Starting out with a lower dose of medication and gradually increasing to a full dose over several weeks to let your body adjust to the medicine. Double-blind clinical study A study (involving 2 groups of patients) in which none of the participants—including subjects, examining doctors, attending nurses, or any other research staff - know who is taking the test drug and who is taking a control or placebo agent. The purpose of this research design is to avoid inadvertent bias of the test results. Dysfunction Difficult or abnormal function. Dysmetria A disturbance of coordination, caused by lesions in the cerebellum. Dysmetria is usually characterized by a tendency to over- or underestimate the extent of motion needed to place an arm or leg in a certain position.   more »

Acute Characterized by rapid onset - usually with recovery. Not chronic or long- lasting. Anaphylaxis An immediate and short-lived, usually severe reaction in which the body responds to what is perceived to be a foreign substance with exaggerated symptoms, such as extreme itching   more »

Question from Reader Do you do all 8 steps 10 times a day? Isn't that a bit much?   more »

In the late 1980s I discovered I never had RRMS but I had just been experiencing a slow progressive slide. At that time, since life expectancy on secondary progressive, was a little shorter than today I began intensive intravenous   more »

Multiple sclerosis, a disease of the nervous system that can leave patients paralyzed, in a constantly deteriorating condition, is one of the conditions health care experts are fighting against. Its onset and development have been associated with deficits in vitamin D metabolism processes,   more »

To determine if exclusive breastfeeding protects against postpartum relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS) and, if so, whether this protection is related to prolonged lactational   more »

Many readers have been wishing to know how they can be part of clinical trials for stem cell research. I have researched stem cell research trials for some time now. I cannot find even one clinical trial for stem cell research   more »

With more and more sunscreens boasting ever-rising sun protection factor (SPF) numbers, knowing what's worth its weight in zinc is more difficult than ever. In the United States, SPF reached a whopping triple digits this   more »

Vitamin-D deficiency may be associated with a higher disability score and increased rate of disease progression for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), new research findings   more »

I was watching a program about MS on W5 or some show like that and they were talking about the benefits of high doses of Vitamin D to decrease relapses in RRMS. I have been taking 3000 IUs/day of Vitamin D, but the man being interviewed said that he was given 10,000 IU's /day. I'm   more »

The high rate of natural production of vitamin D3 cholecalciferol (pronounced cho·le·cal·ci·fer·ol) in the skin is the single most important fact every person should know about vitamin D—a fact that has profound implications for the   more »

Five-point vitamin D primer


Do you put on sunscreen if the curtains are open? Think tanning beds
are for sorority girls? Live in Vancouver?

Well, ...   more »

Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who breastfeed exclusively for at least 2 months appear less likely to experience a relapse within a year after their baby's birth,   more »

If you are a patient and you have to undergo plasma exchange therapy, you may have the following questions...   more »