Multiple Sclerosis and Medical Myths by COEM in Charleston, SC
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Table of Contents:
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
Diet for multiple sclerosis (MS)
What natural treatments are there for multiple sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic medical condition that affects the spinal cord and brain. Experts mostly believe that MS is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers, known as myelin. This disrupts the communication between the brain and the organs of the body.
There are several medical myths associated with this condition. Here we will discuss these myths.
• You will need a wheelchair if you are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
This is not true. The fact is that despite having MS for fifteen years, only 20% of people end up in a wheelchair.
• People with MS cannot work.
This is another common myth associated with MS. Some people may find their careers challenging after being diagnosed with MS. However, most of them can easily continue with their jobs.
• MS is a condition that affects only older adults.
This is also untrue. The symptoms of this condition surface for the first time between the age of 20 and 40.
• People who have MS should not exercise.
This is not true. On the contrary, exercise helps the patient alleviate MS symptoms and also helps to regain strength and balance.
• You do not need to treat MS if your symptoms are minor.
This is false. If you have MS, early treatment is essential even if your symptoms are minor because it helps slow the disease’s progression.
• You should avoid pregnancy if you have MS.
This is also a common myth associated with MS because your risk for a miscarriage, even if you have MS, is equivalent to someone who does not have MS.
• Multiple Sclerosis is hereditary.
Even though there is a genetic component to MS, only one in 67 children inherit MS from their parents. Therefore, there is very little chance of the disease being hereditary.
• MS is always fatal.
This is not true. Despite MS is a chronic and lifelong condition, it is not fatal.
There is no single test that can confirm multiple Sclerosis (MS) as of now. So instead, doctors usually test the patient for MS by excluding other possible diagnoses. Once they are sure no other conditions explain the patient’s symptoms, they start looking for signs of MS.
It will do you good if you follow a high-quality diet containing plenty of vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, seafood/ plant proteins, and monounsaturated fats. Avoid processed foods and meat products
There are plenty of natural treatments available for Multiple Sclerosis, like following a healthy lifestyle and diet. You can also use certain herbal supplements such as echinacea, ginkgo, fish oil, valerian root, St. John’s wort, cranberry, and cannabis to treat MS. Additionally, dietary supplements, exercise, and alternative medicine are also viable treatment options for MS.
If you are looking for expert multiple sclerosis treatment, get in touch with us at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine or schedule an appointment with our expert doctors. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.
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