Medical Background: Multiple Sclerosis

By Sherrie Nevill

Multiple Sclerosis often affects adults between the ages of 20 to 40 years of age, although the cause of multiple scleroses is still unknown. One explanation is that a virus or some antigen triggers a reaction against the body's own tissues, an autoimmune reaction. Another possible link is heredity; about fifteen percent of the people affected by MS also have a relative affected. One thing that appears to be very clear is environmental. Statistically, occurrences of MS is greater in to people who were raised (0 - 15 years of age) areas where the weather is more temperate (1 - 2,000 people), compared to children raised in more tropical climates (1-10,000). Changing geographic locations after adulthood does not seem to change the chances of acquiring the disorder. Another interesting fact is the gender equation, most people are afflicted with MS are women.

Myelin sheath is composed of lipoprotein layers wrapped around the nerve fibers. Inflammation results in damage of the myelin sheath interrupting the nerve fiber's ability to carry messages. A simple analogy is like the insulation in electrical wires. The insulation become damaged an electrical short is likely to occur. The term "Multiple Sclerosis" refers to many areas of sclerosis, scaring, in the central nervous system. The Myelin sheath allows for smooth integrated coordination; when it is damaged impulses become jerky, uncoordinated and nonexistent. Unprotected nerves can die.

The onset of symptoms varies greatly from person to person, depending where the demyelination occurs. Common sensory symptoms could include numbness, tingling or pain. Visual disruptions could be blurred vision, partial or total blindness and pain in one eye. Dizziness and vertigo is common, as well as normal sexual function. Clumsiness, weakness, fatigue, stiffness, tremors, spasticity, lack of balance, and uncoordinated eye movements are just a few of the possible motor symptoms. Neurologic symptoms can be subtle or dramatic mood swings, depression, emotional control and mental impairment. For some people the symptoms have flare-ups with remissions of stability; while others have a gradual progression with no relapses; still others have progressive with flare-ups. It is very rare for a person to have one episode followed by little to no progression afterwards.

Just as the multiple sclerosis does not have uniform effects from person to person, treatment is also varied. Corticosteroids are a common therapy for short periods of time to relieve immediate symptoms. Prednisone is a common oral medication. Other treatments include types of interferons and gamma globulins help protect the body from attacking its myelin. People with MS often can maintain an active lifestyle, with adequate rest. Avoiding overheating can help prevent the aggravation of symptoms.

Alpine skiing is one of the great activities for winter recreation. Skiers need to take care in dressing for maintaining adequate thermal protection but not to overheat. Dress in layers. Take regular breaks and look for sign of weakness. Some days will be better that others and morning is normal peak performance times. One of the first adaptive changes for the experienced skier is the use of outriggers to increase balance skills and to distribute weight and pressure to 4 points of contact. Skiers can often remain independent for many years. If the MS effects balance and leg strength the equipment of choice is the bi ski or the hybrid dual skis.