The History of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system and believed to be an autoimmune disease as well. An autoimmune disease arises from an inappropriate immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body.

In the case of Multiple Sclerosis, the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, also called myelin, are damaged. One can compare Myelin to the insulation on electrical wires. When myelin is damaged, the messages that travel along that nerve may be slowed or blocked. Symptoms of MS may include:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs
• Double or blurring of vision
• Tingling, pins and needles sensation or pain in parts of your body
• Electric-shock sensations that occur  with bending head backwards
• Tremor, lack of co-ordination or unsteady gait
• Slurred speech or problems when swallowing
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

These symptoms consistent with MS have been studied and researched for centuries in order to determine the causes and progression of the disease. Treatment has improved to help patients to live a normal life as possible.

1838-1868: Some of the first autopsy reports dates back to 1838. The reports included detailed images of the bodies of the deceased revealing what we now understand to be  areas ‘’plaques’ or  scar tissue caused by inflammation of the brain. In 1868, an association was made by a French professor named Jean-Martin Charcot between the plaques he saw in an autopsy with the tremors, slurred speech, and irregular eye movements from which the deceased woman suffered but he didn’t know what caused the mysterious disease.

1870s: MS was officially recognized as a disease in its own right in the 1870s.

1930s: Medical breakthroughs like to view cells under a microscope helped the medical community to study the progression and symptoms of MS. It was also now possible to detect abnormalities in spinal cord fluid and record electrical activity of the nerves.

1960s: One theory made more concrete in the 1960s was the idea that the immune system attacked the myelin coating of the nerves, and therefore acted like an autoimmune disease.

1980s: In 1981 the first MRI was used to view the brain of someone with multiple sclerosis.

The University of Maryland Medical Centre stated that the majority of patients with MS can look forward to a normal, or very close to normal, life span. People diagnosed with MS tend to pass away from other conditions rather than MS, making it vital to understand this condition. Some of the reasons why people pass away include heart disease and cancer, and not necessarily MS itself. Except for patients with severe MS, life expectancy can be quite good and treatments can be very effective indeed.

In our modern day and age, living with MS has become more manageable and the life expectancy of patients are increasing. However, there is currently no cure for MS, making it vital to get the right treatment and make the necessary lifestyle changes so that you can live a full life.

HealthLine.com is a popular resource that offers expert health advice from qualified professionals and experienced contributors. Find out more about MS on Healthline.com.

How to treat a Bruise

One of the unpleasant things parents have to deal with is treating our kids’ bruises. There are several organic ways of dealing with bruises, which are kind to your kids’ skin and to their health. Bruises are unsightly black and blue marks caused by blood that leaks out from the capillaries just under the skin. While bromelain, a common ingredient in pineapple has been recommended, as well as steak, there are better remedies to be had according to James A Duke, PhD the author of The Green Pharmacy and the nation’s foremost authority on healing herbs. Dr. Duke worked for 30 years for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a botanist, specializing in healing plants, so he has a very impressive background.

Let’s take a look at natural ways to treat bruises:

·         Arnica – or Arnica Montana is a natural herb, which used topically will relieve pain from swelling and inflammation while it acts as a natural antiseptic. When looking for the ointment in health food stores look for one that is at least 15% arnica oil. You can also make your own by boiling the dried arnica herb and applying the cooled tincture with a clean cloth.

·         Bromelain – this is a natural ingredient found in pineapple, but for this study the supplement bromelain is much more practical because when eating pineapple so little of the bromelain actually can be used to aid in the healing process. Those who use this course of action recommend taking a supplement containing 150 to 450 milligrams three times daily on an empty stomach.

·         Eat citrus fruits which are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. These help to strengthen the capillaries making them more resistant to blood leakage.

·         Grape seeds – Create your own grape juice using the entire grape in a blender so that the seeds get pulverized. Grape seeds are equivalent to pycogenol and increase the level of vitamin C in the body - assisting in healing.

·         Parsley – Parsley has a host of health benefits and nutritional elements as well, but is often scraped off the plate when the dinner is finished. It seems that crushed parsley makes a wonderful poultice to chase the blues away, the black and blues, that is.

·         Raw potatoes – cut open a potato and apply it directly to the bruise to draw out the soreness.

·         St. John’s Wort is not just a mood elevator but is also used to treat bruises, cuts, burns and other wounds. In fact Commission E has endorsed it for years. Take the beautiful flower or dried herb and steep it in vegetable oil so you have it on hand when needed. Sometimes this herb oozes red, but not to worry. This is natural for St. John’s Wort.

·         Witch Hazel – both the leaves and the bark of this bush has been used for over a thousand years to treat all kinds of skin conditions. It is truly a remarkable remedy for bruises and it is already bottled and sold in many stores and pharmacies.

Of course it goes without saying that any serious injury and treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

Entertainment for Kids

Due to the series of vaccination shots that Mr. Burrito had, he was skeptical to go to the doctor. However, there were red spots that was emerging from his feet so we had to bring him to the doctor again. Although it wasn't bothering him, we had to make sure that doctor could take a look at it to make sure. The doctor doesn't know what it is though so we came home empty and clueless.

While waiting  for us to be called, they spent time watching the fishes inside the  big aquarium.  The establishments's huge   fish tank or aquarium is  a very good entertainment for the kids while waiting in the lobby.

We have no idea   what these red spots are.  We gave him some  benadryl and it seemed to help a little bit.

When we came out  at the doctor's office, it was snowing very hard.

Our weekend was spent running errands and playing in the snow.  The kids  went sled riding at their Pap's  side yard.