MS is not confined to young adults and the middle aged:
There are many chronic, progressive and disabling diseases and conditions documented throughout the medical world. This group is most familiar with MS/CCSVI. The majority of people experience their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Some are not properly diagnosed for many years. Others do not have MS at all but rather have similar symptoms unrelated to this enigmatic condition. It is interesting that more people have been given a diagnosis of MS within the last decade than in the several decades before. In the past five years the patients I have spoken with feel that MS is not caused by one singular factor. I tend to agree with that assertion. The term “Multiple Sclerosis” literally means many scars, referring I assume to the brain and spinal lesions most MS’ers share to one degree or another. Neurologists count, measure and theorize over these lesions more than all other symptoms combined. “Lesion watching” as I call it seems to be almost a hobby for many doctors and patients alike. I don’t discount their importance. Their presence however can be observed in a great number of conditions. Number and size is much less important than their location. Not only can they continue to increase in number while in any given individual taking disease modifying drugs, they may shrink also. The explanation for this is usually suspect because it occurs in those who decline MS drugs in almost equal numbers.
Most of us are informed to a greater or lesser degree that congenital, genetic, and trauma based vascular anomalies is likely the most viable common denominator. We can also add vitamin and mineral deficiencies, genetics, environmental factors, TMJ, trauma, Lyme disease, diet, life style and perhaps a dozen more factors. In my opinion, the most epic progress made in MS treatment is the realization that it is most unlikely that an autoimmune disorder is responsible for MS. The human body is designed to attack foreign bodies or substances that invade any of its unique systems. When this occurs, it is not an autoimmune disorder; it is the expected response of a well-functioning immune system.
Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is a concept this group has been investigating for many years. I am certainly one of its proponents. Those who have achieved success with symptom control through well performed angioplasty procedures in addition to addressing the other issues just mentioned need no convincing of its authenticity and value in defeating MS progression. I firmly believe that other neurodegenerative disorders have some of the same causal factors.
To be given a diagnosis of MS at any age is devastating and difficult. Newly diagnosed individuals rightly fear for their futures as well as their loved ones. Especially tragic is when a child and his or her parents are suddenly confronted with the uncertainties of Multiple Sclerosis and the available treatment regimens. Though I have met and spoken with many adults, I have thankfully not dealt with very young adults and children. This recently changed when I met a 12 year old boy recently diagnosed with MS. He has several MS symptoms we are familiar with as well as Diplopia. Over the past 6 months his vision has deteriorated to the point that blindness will be inevitable. His neurologist prescribed treatment with steroids and Avonex. His parents have chosen another course. He will soon have an angioplasty procedure very similar to my own. None of us signed up for what we were dealt with this disease, but to a child and his family, it is especially devastating. I would like to keep those interested updated on his progress, one way or the other. BTW, his mother was diagnosed with MS two years before he was born. She is still RRMS but physically doing well.