3 Invisible Symptoms of MS Coping Options
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition in which the body’s immune system directs itself against the central nervous system (CNS). Most often, this impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The symptoms of this condition can vary widely, with some people experience mild effects and others struggling to complete daily tasks.
Frustratingly, many of the symptoms of MS aren’t outwardly visible. These behind-the-scenes challenges are therefore often endured silently, while the patient’s friends and family members may assume that their appearance of health indicates minimal to no suffering. Here are some of the symptoms which, despite their invisibility, can be debilitating; along with practical coping mechanisms to help you maintain your quality of life.
Pain
Up to two-thirds of people with MS report pain. For many, it interferes with aspects of daily life, including career, recreation, mood, and their ability to complete activities. The steady discomfort is suspected to result from fatigued muscles, which are working to compensate for those weakened by the disease. Sometimes, chronic pain is reported to feel like a tight band around the chest or torso, known as the “MS hug.” It may also feel like burning, prickling, aching, or “pins and needles.”
Sharp pains, on the other hand, are believed to be from faulty nerve signals caused by the lesions produced by MS in the CNS. The damage to the nerves is called dysesthesia and can impact the legs, feet, arms, and trunk. Up to 55% of people with MS have experienced this “clinically significant pain,” and while it isn’t necessarily dangerous, it can be a source of significant frustration.
For some people, compression stockings or gloves can minimize the pain caused by dysesthesias. For others, pain is more pronounced and requires the use of medications. Doctors may prescribe anticonvulsant medications or antidepressants, which change the ways in which the CNS reacts to pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen, and warm compresses can also be used to combat pain under a doctor’s supervision.
In many cases, chronic pain is best addressed through anti-inflammatory drugs, either over-the-counter or prescription. Stretching routines may also aid in maintaining flexibility in the muscles, which could help with pain levels. Massage therapy and physical therapy may also be beneficial. Some seeking an alternative option will consider stem cell therapy due to the potential regenerative ability these stem cells offer for those with MS.
Ultimately, discomfort for MS patients varies in intensity. On days when pain is most severe, changing your routine may provide the greatest relief. Whether it’s declining a social event or using a mobility-assistive device, it’s important to find ways to put your comfort first when experiencing intense pain.
Fatigue
The fatigue MS patients experience goes beyond general tiredness: it is often described as a flu-like feeling of exhaustion or extreme muscle weakness. It occurs in 80% of people with the condition and is therefore among its most common symptoms. Although the condition itself can be the cause, it’s also possibly related conditions, such as sleep disorders, medications, and depression could be culprits behind fatigue.
To determine the best form of treatment for your fatigue, consult with your doctor to pinpoint the reason for your exhaustion. If it’s the condition itself, lifestyle management tactics developed through occupational and physical therapy could make day-to-day tasks more manageable. Scheduling rests and even short naps could help you conserve energy. Also, while it might seem counterintuitive, light physical activity might actually combat energy depletion.
For sleep-related issues, stress management, relaxation training, and sleep regulation techniques may be beneficial. If your fatigue comes on suddenly, occurs regularly, and begins to interfere with responsibilities, consider talking to your doctor about medication options.
Cognitive Issues
Cognitive impairment, including issues with memory, perception, learning, and problem-solving, is reported by nearly 50% of people with MS. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether the symptom is tied to the mental fatigue or “brain fog” the condition causes, or whether the mental glitches are actually a result of the impact MS has on the CNS.
While research on the best methods for treating cognitive impairment in MS is still ongoing, there are some tactics you can implement to work around any mental challenges you may experience. Mood management is a good starting point: if you experience inexplicable mental or emotional shifts, you could be suffering from depression. This symptom may be a result of the condition itself, or it could be attributed to medications, in which case you could discuss with your treating physician to see if adjustments to your treatment may be needed.
For some people, brain exercises such as puzzles and memory games help to maintain mental acuity. The brain is a muscle, and working it out regularly is important to facilitating strength. Planning your days in advance is also a good way to minimize any challenges cognitive issues may pose. Schedule important tasks for the times of day when you feel most alert. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek out support from counselors, support groups, or loved ones. Isolation can exacerbate cognitive decline, but socialization can improve or minimize the symptom.
How Altering pH Can Improve Stem Cell Applications for Skin Conditions
Researchers have observed that the pH inside of certain stem cells affects their ability to proliferate and differentiate. These cells include mesenchymal stem cells and pluripotent stem cells, all of which have important applications in regenerative medicine. It is therefore important that pH be optimized to ensure that these stem cells can proliferate and differentiate so that they can be as useful as possible when utilized for therapeutic purposes.
A recent review, published in Current Problems in Dermatology, explored the importance of pH to stem cell function as well as the factors that influence pH. According to the authors, a protein known as the sodium hydrogen exchanger regulates intracellular pH and impacts both the proliferation and differentiation of different types of stem cells. When pH is changed, either within the cell or outside the cell – where the cell is exposed to the change in pH – stem cell functions
The effect of pH in stem cells is highly relevant for skin conditions and therefore for the practice of dermatology. According to the reviewers, research on how the sodium hydrogen exchanger and pH levels affect skin stem cells (also known as epidermal stem cells) and their behavior could enable the discovery of new interventions to improve the use of stem cells in skin therapies. This research would be particularly relevant for skin conditions like melanoma, psoriasis, and wound healing because the movement and proliferation of stem cells are
Reference: Charruyer, A. & Ghadially, R. (2018). Influence of pH on skin stem cells and their differentiation. Current Problems in Dermatology, 54, 71-78.
Parkinson’s Disease May Go Beyond Just Dopamine
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes tremor
Parkinson’s disease is caused by loss of brain cells in a specific region of the brain called the substantia nigra. The neurons in this area of the brain contain dopamine, and as those nerve cells die, the levels of dopamine in the brain decrease. Consequently, patients with Parkinson’s disease often take medications that improve or accentuate dopamine signaling in the brain. These drugs can be effective for a certain period of time, but eventually, the condition will overcome the ability of these drugs to improve dopamine signaling. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but researchers hope stem cells may be the answer.
Since dopamine drugs have worked reasonably well to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, researchers assumed that replacing dopamine cells in the brain would help treat Parkinson’s disease. In a way, it did. When people with Parkinson’s disease received transplants of stem cells intended to produce dopamine, some of them experienced dramatic improvements in motor function. However, patients still had several other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as fatigue, bowel problems, sexual problems, and mood disorders. Neuroscience researchers realized Parkinson’s is not just about a loss of dopamine. It turns out, that while stem cells can help
As a result of this groundbreaking work, researchers are now planning and implementing experiments in which Parkinson’s disease patients will receive stem cell transplants containing both dopamine cells and seroton in cells. If effective, we will be one step closer to a new and powerful treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Reference: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/scicurious-brain/parkinsons-is-much-more-than-dopamine/?WT.mc_id=send-to-friend
7 Tips for Enjoying Healthy Holidays
The holiday season is often seen an opportunity to indulge, so wellness typically isn’t the first thing that comes to mind this time of year. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some sweet treats and rewarding yourself for a year of hard work, now is still a good time to prioritize your health. Doing so can help you ensure you feel great not only through this season but for many more to come. Here are 7 hopefully helpful tips for promoting your health this holiday season.
1 Avoid the Flu
Flu season is upon us, but it’s never too late in the season to get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so. Even in healthy people, flu complications such as pneumonia and dehydration could pose serious health risks. The CDC advises everyone over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot, as long as they have no known allergies to the vaccine or eggs. While it isn’t 100% effective
2 Go for Exams
Many people have met their deductibles by this time of year, so if you aren’t up-to-date on your health screenings, now is a good time to schedule appointments as needed. If you’re a woman over the age of 40, this includes mammograms, while men 50 and up should have prostrate screenings. Colonoscopies should be completed every ten years starting at the age of 50, and at 65, it’s a good idea to have bone density studies performed.
3 Practice Safe Food Prep
With so many recent foods recalled, it’s more important than ever to practice safe food prep. While there’s no way to be entirely sure your food is 100% free of pathogens, you can take a few steps at home to reduce your risk of exposure. Be sure to wash your hands and surfaces frequently, prepare meats separately to prevent cross-contamination,and always wash produce thoroughly.
4 Always Wear Seatbelts
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season
5 Stay Warm
If you intend to spend some time outside, be sure to dress appropriately and keep your head, hands, and feet protected with warm clothing. Additionally, try to keep your nose warm – research shows the virus behind the common cold is more likely to take hold if your nose is chilly. Don’t forget to keep a spare blanket, gloves, and hat in your car to provide warmth in the event you should ever get stranded.
6 Beat Stress
The holidays are practically synonymous with stress, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some time out to practice healthy stress management. Yoga, meditation, and even a brisk walk around the block can be used to clear your head as needed. This time of year is also linked to seasonal depressive disorder (SAD),so if you find yourself losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, schedulea session with a counselor who can help.
7 Eat Well and Exercise
You can expect to find an abundance of delicious treats, rich foods, and alcoholic drinks at most holiday gatherings. While it’s perfectly fine to indulge this time of year, remember that moderation is key. Limit drinks to one to two at most, and sip water in between to stay hydrated. Offset less-healthy meals with vegetable-rich choices for the rest of the day. Never skip a meal to make up for an indulgence you’ll have later on, either. Instead, fill up on meals with lean protein and veggies, such as a vegetable omelet or grilled chicken salad, earlier in the day. That way, you’ll be less likely to overeat later.
Don’t forget to take some time out for whatever form of exercise you enjoy, too. It can even be built into family time. If you’re visiting with loved ones, for instance, consider taking a walk as a family or going to a group aerobics class nearby. Not only will you feel better physically, but exercising can also support a better mood, too.
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