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 »

A new electronic, multidose, autoinjection device improves subcutaneous delivery of interferon beta (IFNB)-1a in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study presented here at the 19th Meeting of the European   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 »

Patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who receive glatiramer acetate (GA) or interferon (IFN) beta show a reduction in cognitive impairment and relative stability of cognitive and affective variables at 2 years, according to the results of an observational study presented   more »

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

The human placenta could be an important source of stem cells for curing leukemia, sickle cell disease and other blood-related disorders, a new study reveals. These stem cells appear to have distinct advantages over the techniques currently used to fight such diseases, and they   more »

Gabapentin enacarbil was effective in improving symptoms in patients with primary restless legs syndrome (RLS), and also was well tolerated, according to investigators reporting here at the Movement Disorder Society's (MDS) 13th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders. Lead investigator Sarah E. DeRosset MD, PhD, Glaxo Smith Kline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and colleagues evaluated the effects of gabapentin enacarbil on RLS symptoms, mood, quality of life, and functioning   more »

This is an early phase study designed to test the safety of a compound. This is one of the steps necessary before conducting a large clinical trial to determine if the agent ONO-4641 is effective in MS. 　 Main Eligibility R   more »

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Escalating-Dose Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of CS-0777, Administered   more »

A physical therapist (PT) assesses problems with body movement and function, and offers ways to manage them. An occupational therapist (OT) helps make it easier for people to perform their usual daily activities. Both of these professionals can suggest ways to help manage tremor to minimize   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 »

Tremor, defined as an involuntary rhythmic shaking of a body part, affects between 25% and 60% of people with Multiple Sclerosis. MS tremor tends to affect the limbs, the head and neck, the vocal cords, and the trunk of the body. It can interfere with the ability to do everyday activities such as speaking, swallowing, writing, and   more »

This research study will evaluate a treatment for moderate to severe spasticity associated with MS. All patients must have been on baclofen for at least four weeks prior to first visit. This study requires five visits over   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 »