Providing Details...
on MSAA and MS
Founded in 1970, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national, nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). MSAA provides ongoing support and direct services to individuals with MS, their families, and their care partners. Overseeing MSAA's activities is a national Board of Directors comprised of accomplished professionals from across the country, volunteering their time for MSAA. Providing medical consultation is MSAA 's Chief Medical Officer, who reviews all of MSAA's medical information and chairs our Healthcare Advisory Council. MSAA meets all 20 criteria of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and is in the exclusive group of national charities that has been awarded the BBB Accredited Charity Seal.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults. In the United States, approximately 400,000 people have MS. It is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, which damages or destroys the protective covering (known as "myelin") surrounding the nerves of the brain, eyes, and spinal cord. The nerves (also known as "axons") may become damaged as well. MS is not contagious, and in most cases, does not shorten life expectancy. Researchers continue to seek a cause and a cure.
Individuals with MS may experience one or more of a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include visual changes, fatigue, bladder and bowel dysfunction, numbness, dizziness, impaired mobility, chronic pain, and other physical, mental, and emotional difficulties. Initially, most individuals with MS experience periods of symptom flare-ups ( "exacerbations"), lasting from two days to several months. These are followed by periods of remission, when symptoms may lessen or subside. Heat intolerance is a classic MS tendency, where a rise in temperature (internally or externally) may temporarily increase symptoms.
Six medications have been approved by the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the long-term treatment of MS. Taken individually (not in combination), the first four (Avonex ®, Betaseron®, Rebif®, and Copaxone®) are given through injections at one's home; the latter two (Novantrone® and Tysabri®) are administered via intravenous infusions at a medical facility. Several medications and therapies are also available to manage the symptoms of MS.
For more information on MS, its treatments, and how MSAA can help, please call (800) 532-7667, or visit www.msassociation.org.
