100 Questions & Answers About Multiple Sclerosis

by William A. Sheremata

Overview

Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient or a loved one of someone with multiple sclerosis, this book offers information and comfort. Completely revised and updated, 100 Questions&Answers About Multiple Sclerosis, Second Edition provides authoritative, practical answers to the most common questions asked by patients. Written by a leading specialist in the treatment of MS, this easy-to-read book is a comprehensive guide to understanding causes, diagnosis, treatment, and much more. Including actual commentary from patients, 100 Questions&Answers About Multiple Sclerosis, Second Edition is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the medical, psychological, and emotional turmoil of this disease.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781449627379
Publisher:	Jones & Bartlett Learning
Publication date:	09/30/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	185
File size:	550 KB

About the Author

Professor of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida

Table of Contents

Preface v

Foreword Montel Williams vii

Foreword Gerard M. Lehrer ix

Introduction xi

Dedication xv

Part 1 The Basics 1

Questions 1-15 provide fundamental information about multiple sclerosis (MS):

What is multiple sclerosis"

What is a lesion"

What is white matter"

Part 2 Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis 15

Questions 16-22 describe common symptoms of multiple sclerosis:

What are the symptoms of MS" Which symptoms are most common"

Why am I so fatigued"

How long do the symptoms of MS last"

Part 3 Diagnosis, Identification, and Prognosis of Multiple Sclerosis 29

Questions 23-37 describe diagnosis, identification, and prognosis of different forms of MS:

How is a diagnosis of MS made"

What kinds of MS exist"

Do all people with MS become disabled"

Part 4 Causes of Multiple Sclerosis 53

Questions 38-56 discuss factors that contribute to development of MS:

Do viruses cause MS"

What is the role of the immune system in MS"

Is MS hereditary"

Part 5 Living with Multiple Sclerosis 77

Questions 57-67 discuss some of the changes MS causes in day-to-day life and how to cope with them:

Now that I have been diagnosed with MS, how do I learn to cope with this disease"

How does MS affect sexual function and fertility"

I'm having trouble coping with this diagnosis. Should I seek professional counseling"

Part 6 Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis 99

Questions 68-100 address treatment options for multiple sclerosis:

What are the treatments for MS"

Do "folk remedies," such as snake venom and bee venom treatments, work for MS"

How are MS attacks treated" Why are there different drugs to treat attacks of MS"

Appendix 161

Glossary 163

Index 177

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Greg Thaera, MD (Mayo Clinic Arizona)
Description: This book provides detailed answers to 100 questions, both common and not so common, on the diagnosis, treatment, and impact of multiple sclerosis. This edition includes new therapies that have been developed since the previous edition of five years ago.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a framework for multiple sclerosis patients and their families to understand the various aspects of the disease. These are worthwhile questions and answers, especially for the newly diagnosed who may not know what to expect and have many questions they may be afraid to ask.
Audience: The author has been a practicing neurologist for decades, and he started a multiple sclerosis center where there was a great need; certainly he is a foremost authority on the subject. The book has multiple audiences. The most obvious is the patient. While the book uses scientific terms, it provides ample definitions and explanations. More educated readers are likely to benefit the most from this book. Healthcare students, residents, and practitioners are also likely audiences. For example, as a senior neurology resident, I learned at least 10 novel important facts about multiple sclerosis.
Features: This book covers the known aspects of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for patients with multiple sclerosis. The author is joined in the discussion a patient who provides a fresh, alternate perspective. Both point out common pitfalls in understanding the disease, including use of unproven alternative therapies and the failure to acknowledge emotional stress as a trigger for MS relapses. Because of the patient's positive individual experience with the drug, natalizumab does get a disproportionate amount of attention. However, it is helpful for readers to understand how the medication has been helpful from a patient standpoint. The author's avoidance of steroids in favor of ACTH is an unusual and thought-provoking stance. I was hoping for a citation for some of his references, but this is a small loss as most readers would not have access to the scientific literature anyway. Finally, as a physician, I would recommend that future editions use and define the generic and brand names of medications together, rather than solely describing the commercial product.
Assessment: This is a concise and invaluable guide to multiple sclerosis for both new and experienced patients, caretakers, and medical providers. The author and the patient have done an excellent job crafting this book, and I applaud them for their hard work in this and their other endeavors supporting those with MS. This second edition is particularly valuable in light of new therapies for multiple sclerosis; however, with even more drugs planned for the over next few years, another update may be warranted!

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