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Multiple Sclerosis: The Latest on Treating and Living with MS

Recorded on 2/26/2006

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Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology

PROGRAM DETAILS:

What do Richard Pryor and the main character on the television show West Wing have in common? They both suffered from multiple sclerosis, a serious, chronic disorder that receives much attention, yet many people do not know much about it. In this episode of Patient Power, hear renowned multiple sclerosis (MS) researcher Dr. Randy Schapiro explain the causes of MS and new progress in treatments being made. Also, two MS patients discuss their experiences with this condition.

Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease can vary and fluctuate, coming and going like waves. These unpredictable symptoms can include paralysis, loss of vision, weakness, slurring of speech, numbness, loss of balance and others. Diagnostic tests used to determine whether a person has MS are MRI and CAT scans, spinal fluid analysis, and electrical tests of the nervous system. The good news is that new treatments are making it easier for patients to live normal lives, and to delay or even change the course of the disease.

Dr. Randy Schapiro, a neurologist at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, discusses progress in MS treatments. He goes into detail about different classes of stabilizing medications used, including interferons, or proteins that the body makes in response to a foreign stimulus; the polypeptide Copaxone; and immune suppression such as Novantrone, a chemotherapy drug. These all have a good chance of slowing down the disease in most patients. Doctors also monitor the relapse rate, disability levels, and MRI scans. Dr. Schapiro also discusses the role of DNA technology in creating new drugs. He is excited about new technologies and medications currently being tested.

Karla and Ken both discuss their experiences living with MS. Karla, a recent college graduate, was diagnosed at 21 years of age. Upon learning her diagnosis, she initially felt angry, but was eventually able to reach acceptance through internet research and support groups like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Karla currently writes for the Multiple Sclerosis network on HealthTalk.com. Watch a video with Karla as she describes what it means to be a Powerful Patient. Ken is the communications director for the American Jewish Committee, a very high-pressure position that requires lot of work and travel. Ken didn’t want to tell his employer, but eventually decided to do so. Many people with MS do not publicly exhibit symptoms, so it’s easy to conceal. Ken advises to continue working and to seek out support from other patients with the disease.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:

Randy Schapiro, M.D. Adult Neurologist, Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology Dr. Schapiro is an Adult Neurologist at The Schapiro Center for Multiple Sclerosis at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology. He attended medical school at the University of Minnesota and went on to complete an internal medicine residency at Wadsworth VA Hospital in Los Angeles and a neurology residency at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Schapiro is board certified in neurology. more >

	Karla Margeson, Patient Living with Multiple Sclerosis Looking at me today, you'd see a healthy, active, able-bodied young woman. You wouldn't know that just 4 short years ago I was nearly paralyzed on my right side, slurring my speech, having difficulty standing upright and feeling so confused I often couldn't understand simple things people said to me. You wouldn't guess that my vision is severely blurred, that... more >

Kenneth Bandler, Patient Living with Multiple Sclerosis Patient Living with Multiple Sclerosis more >

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