The program includes presentations by MeritCare providers and topics range from what the disorder is to how to manage the symptoms to what treatments and medications will be available in the future. In addition, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society with be presenting a program for children ages 5-12 to help them understand the disorder. Following the programs, the presenters will do a panel discussion with the audience, so attendees can ask any questions they may have.
Information about multiple sclerosis from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society:
- Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is a disorder where the immune system incorrectly attacks the person's healthy tissue.
- MS can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness and more. These problems may be permanent or may come and go.
- Approximately 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Most people diagnosed are between 20 and 50. More than twice as many women as men are diagnosed.
- There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. There are now FDA-approved medications that have been shown to "modify" or slow down the underlying course of the disorder.