Genetic Factors, Signs & Symptoms of MS

Genetic Factors, Signs & Symptoms of MS
Learn more about multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the immune system turns against itself. Immune cells attack the coating of the nerves, brain and spinal cord. This coating or myelin is unable to communicate body messages very well as it’s being attacked.

Symptoms of MS

  • Numbness
  • Vision problems
  • Vertigo that lasts for days
  • Bad balance
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Bladder urgency or weakness
The first step of diagnosis is an MRI to check for spots on the brain and spinal cord. Blood testing can rule out other diagnoses. As roughly ninety percent of people with MS have abnormal spinal fluid, spinal taps are sometimes used to check for antibodies.

Risk for MS is increased by smoking. Childhood obesity is another trigger. Additionally, exposure to the Epstein Barr virus (mononucleosis) may lead to MS.

Listen as Dr. Barry Singer joins Dr. Susanne Bennett to discuss diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 1
  • Audio File: wellness_for_life/wl373.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: Barry Singer, MD
  • Organization: I Can With MS
  • Guest Website: MS Living Well
  • Guest Twitter Account: @drbarrysinger
  • Guest Bio: Barry SingerBarry Singer, MD, is the director and founder of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, one of the largest comprehensive care multiple sclerosis centers in Midwest. The center is on the campus of Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis. 

    Dr. Singer has been in the BJC Medical Group since 1999 and remains on staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis where he practiced full-time from 1999 to 2008. He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Singer graduated college from Duke University in 1988 and medical school from Columbia University in 1992. His neurology residency was at Cornell-New York Hospital and his two-year multiple sclerosis fellowship was at the National Institutes of Health. 

    Dr. Singer has been an investigator in more than 25 clinical trials focused on new multiple sclerosis treatment options since 1994. He continues to publish in the field of multiple sclerosis, present at global scientific meetings and serves as course director for national continuing medical education programs. As a leader in multiple sclerosis and patient advocate, he lectures on MS throughout the U.S. and globally. In 2016, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and serves on the Executive Committee. He has also served on the health advisory committee of the Gateway Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from 2000 to 2017 and is the recipient of the 2008 Pathlighter Award. In addition, Dr. Singer has received a Congressional Proclamation for MS Research in 2008.
  • Length (mins): 28:03
  • Waiver Received: Yes
  • Host: Susanne Bennett, DC
Published in Wellness for Life
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