Multiple Sclerosis

MS is the sort of condition that for most patients is a relapsing-remitting one, meaning its symptoms can come on at different times with varying degrees of intensity, and then go into periods of remission.

A majority of sufferers eventually develop a secondary-progressive form, in which symptoms become more regular. At the Magaziner Center, our mission is to make remission the outcome patients can look forward to.

What is multiple sclerosis?

MS is a progressive, neurological disease affecting the central nervous system. It is a condition in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves, myelin, slowly eating it away. Damage to the myelin prevent the brain from being able to communicate with the rest of the body in areas like speech, sensation and movement, and eventually causes deterioration of the nerves.

What causes MS?

While it is unknown exactly what causes MS, there are several factors that scientists believe contribute to the condition.

• Immunologic: MS is an immune-mediated disease, meaning that the immune system malfunctions and begins to attack the central nervous system, affecting the myelin sheath.
• Genetic: If a close relative has MS, your chances of developing it are only slightly higher. For example, if one parent has MS, their children have a two to five percent chance of getting the disease. It is believed that a genetic susceptibility causes a reaction to specific environmental agents, causing an autoimmune response when these agents are encountered.
• Environmental: Researchers have found increased numbers of MS cases in countries located farthest from the equator, making it likely that a vitamin D deficiency is involved. When the skin in exposed to sunlight, the body produces more vitamin D, which is beneficial to the immune system.
• Infections: It is possible that pathogens may be a causative factor, especially viruses, which can cause inflammation and break down the myelin.

What are the symptoms of MS?

MS can cause a wide range of symptoms usually beginning between 20 and 40 years of age. Some symptoms may come and go while others are more persistent. These include:

• Numbness, tingling, pins and needles, itching, burning or stabbing pains
• Loss of balance and lack of coordination
• Weakness in limbs
• Blurred vision
• Loss of mental clarity
• Muscle spasms and tremors
• Trouble speaking or slurred speech

How they treat it

Mainstream practitioners usually rely on drugs that work by suppressing the immune system, preventing it from attacking the myelin. As with any immune-suppressing drugs, these involve significant risk of side effects, including headache, back pain, anemia, cough, diarrhea, abnormal liver function, nausea and hair loss. One of these drugs, Aubagio, carries a black box warning.

How we treat it

At the Magaziner Center for Wellness we use a functional, non-pharmacological approach to treating MS, involving natural therapies that work in conjunction with the body’s own healing mechanisms. The kinds of therapies we utilize in each case are based on individual symptoms, a thorough physical exam and detailed laboratory findings. These can include cellular detoxification, nutrient and immune balancing, reducing blockages of energy flow and oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial function and establishing an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle.