Category Archives: MS Treatment

Ann Romney, wife of presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and Jack Osbourne, son of rocker Ozzy Osbourne, may not have much in common politically. On a personal level, however, they are both battling the same serious illness. With news that both have multiple sclerosis, the national media has revisited this debilitating autoimmune disease that affects about 400,000 people nationwide, 2,500 of them in New Mexico. With MS, a persons immune system attacks the central nervous system, damaging nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, explains Albuquerque neurologist Dr. Corey Ford, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Specialty Clinic at the University of New Mexicos Neurosciences Center. It does not affect the nerves in the arms or legs, or the muscles directly. The nerve damage that does result can show up as a variety of symptoms, including vision loss, weakness, sensations of numbness or tingling, loss of balance and mobility issues, bladder and bowel problems, dizziness, tremors, spasticity and problems with cognition including short-term memory loss, slowed thinking and difficulty with multitasking. Which MS patients manifest which symptoms, to what degree and for how long is the big unknown, says Ford. Albuquerquean Dave Bexfield, 44, first noticed intermittent symptoms in 2006 flashes … Continue reading →

The care a Perth man provided to his wife who had multiple sclerosis and was malnourished and had infected bed sores when she died five years ago is being investigated by the coroner with a suggestion the case involved "likley neglect". Coroner Dominic Mulligan is examining the circumstances surrounding Mrs Devine's death, particularly the quality of care provided by her husband Andrew Devine. Mrs Devine was diagnosed with MS in 1999 and both she and her husband were registered nurses. Counsel assisting the coroner Melanie Smith told the inquest this case involved "likely neglect". Ms Smith told the court Mrs Devine was only hospitalised twice in the last two years of her life and questions would also be raised about her treatment by health professionals. She said she wanted to make it plain that the case could be referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions if the evidence heard at the inquest indicated an indictable offence or offences had been committed in connection with Mrs Devine's death. "The cause of death is in issue in this matter, in particular whether Mrs Devine's MS or the consequences of her likely neglect were the cause," Ms Smith said. Forensic … Continue reading →

Ben Gommers, with his mother, Arts Minister Ros Bates. Photo: Supplied Arts Minister Ros Bates's son Ben Gommers has been hospitalised for depression after "incorrect and sensational" media reports put him under enormous stress, according to his mother. Ms Bates released a statement this afternoon saying she informed the Premier she will be taking additional medical leave to recover from shoulder surgery as well as spend time with her 25-year-old son who is under the care of a specialist while he seeks treatment for depression. The statement comes after a week in which the Transport Director-General Michael Caltabiano stepped down to face a parliamentary probe over allegations he misled estimates hearings over his professional connection to Mr Gommers' lobbying firm Entree Vous. "My attempts to return to work were premature and Ive accepted medical advice that further rest is required," Ms Bates said. Advertisement "During this period, Ill be spending time with my son Ben who has been under enormous stress and continued scrutiny from often incorrect and sensational reporting of his chosen career. "On Monday, October 22, Ben was admitted to hospital to be treated for depression "I will always be a mother first and an MP and Minister … Continue reading →

Phil (centre) with HAD's driving centre manager David Wooder (left) and driving assessor Sean Lawrence By Laura Burge Sunday, October 28, 2012 7:02 AM A FORMER soldier who was diagnosed with both prostate cancer and MS at the same time has spoken out about how he has overcome obstacles to keep up his independence. To send a link to this page to a friend, simply enter their email address below. The message will include the name and email address you gave us when you signed up. Send link To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in. Phil Davies, from Breachwood Green, was diagnosed in August 2010. The cancer is in remission, and he is receiving specialist treatment for MS. Mr Davies, who served in the Intelligence Corps in Hong Kong, Northern Ireland and Germany, believes he had MS for a while before being diagnosed. But one of the signs which pointed to something being wrong was when he was driving. Excerpt from: Former soldier speaks about fight against cancer and MS … Continue reading →

Lindsay B. Eastman, DDS, MS, PA, joined efforts to treat the millions of American adults who require gum disease treatment. As a Bradenton periodontist, Dr. Eastman wants Floridians who suffer from this disease to seek the treatment that they need before further complications arise. Gum disease not only causes dental issues but has also been linked to other serious illnesses or conditions. The new Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure is now available at his offices. Bradenton, FL (PRWEB) October 28, 2012 Understanding the actual LANAP procedure may help patients realize that it is minimally invasive and causes little, if any, pain. The procedure begins with Dr. Eastman checking the pocket depths between the gums and the teeth. This is where the bacteria causing the disease reside. The PerioLase MVP-7 laser utilizes pulsating light to destroy the bacteria and to eliminate diseased gum tissue. The doctor then removes tarter or calcium deposits on the teeth. The laser is then used to help the healthy tissue re-attach to the tooth root. Only one percent of dental professionals in the country are trained on this procedure. As a Bradenton periodontist, Dr. Eastman treats patients from all over the state who wish to have … Continue reading →

WESTON, Mass. (AP) Biotech drugmaker Biogen Idec Inc. said Thursday its profit grew more than 13 percent in the third quarter, led by sales of the company's multiple sclerosis treatment Avonex. Company shares rose in afternoon trading as Biogen boosted its annual guidance. The Massachusetts-based company said revenue from Avonex grew 8 percent to $736.2 million in the period. Sales of the company's cancer drug Rituxan grew 8 percent to $288 million. Those gains helped offset sales of the company's older multiple sclerosis treatment, Tysabri, which declined by 1 percent to $275 million. Overall, Biogen earned $398.4 million, or $1.67 per share, up from $351.8 million, or $1.43 in the prior-year period. Total revenue grew 6 percent to $1.39 billion. That performance topped Wall Street expectations. Analysts polled by FactSet expected earnings of $1.59 per share on revenue of $1.38 billion. The company raised its full-year adjusted earnings guidance to between $6.40 and $6.50. That's up from a July forecast when the company predicted earnings above $6.20 per share. Analysts expect $6.44 per share. Shares of Biogen Idec rose $3.58, or 2.5 percent, to $145.64 in afternoon trading. Biogen focuses on treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, hemophilia and autoimmune disorders. Multiple … Continue reading →

12-10-2012 13:48 Canadian study that tracked 80 multiple sclerosis patients who underwent the controversial "liberation treatment" outside of the country suggests that about half of them saw their symptoms improve after the procedure. Researchers in British Columbia surveyed 80 people over the phone one year after they received the controversial treatment, which involves opening up blocked veins to improve blood flow from the brain. "The picture that seems to be coming out is that about half of the patients feel some improvements in MS symptoms. The degree of improvements ranges from mild to significant," Dr. Anthony Traboulsee, medical director of the UBC Hospital MS Clinic, told CTV News. "And about half the patients feel exactly the same as before the procedure or worse." About 11 per cent of surveyed patients reported complications around the time they received the liberation treatment. Another 13.8 per cent experienced troubles up to one month afterward. Pain and bleeding were among the complications experienced. One patient suffered a stroke after the procedure while another one reported symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. Nine patients had difficulties related to the procedure itself. One reported insufficient anesthetic and said they woke up near the end … Continue reading →

Novartis AG (NVS) recently announced results from two large phase III studies of its multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Gilenya. The company intends to present data from the studies at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (:ECTRIMS). The studies evaluated the early and sustained efficacy benefit and long-term safety profile of the drug. Gilenya is the first approved once-daily oral therapy for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. Results from the pivotal FREEDOMS (n=1272) and FREEDOMS II (n=1083) studies revealed that early treatment with Gilenya has a significant positive effect on relapses and MRI outcomes, including loss of brain volume, in MS patients. The difference between the drug and placebo was significant by day 82 in FREEDOMS study, whereas the same was observed by day 64 in the FREEDOMS II study. Novartis also published new data from the PANGAEA observational study. The study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of Gilenya in everyday clinical practice. The overall safety profile as revealed by the study was identical with the previous data. We note that in June this year, Novartis reported long-term data from an extended phase III head-to-head TRANSFORMS study. Data from the TRANSFORMS study revealed reductions … Continue reading →

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ts4pv3/key_findings_from) has announced the addition of Decision Resources, Inc's new report "Key Findings from Treatment Algorithms: Multiple Sclerosis" to their offering. Until recently, the MS market comprised a stable mix of time-tested disease-modifying therapies with established roles in treatment several interferon-beta (IFN-) products, glatiramer acetate (Teva's Copaxone), and natalizumab (Biogen Idec/Elan's Tysabri). Today, however, the MS market stands at the brink of transformation. The 2010 launch of fingolimod (Novartis/Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma's Gilenya)the first orally administered disease-modifying drug for MSmarks the beginning of a new era in MS treatment that will feature enhanced treatment choice, increasingly complex decision-making for prescribers, and an invigorated push toward individualized treatment. In the coming years, neurologists will strive to integrate new therapeutic options with unique risk/benefits into an ingrained treatment paradigm that favors long-term safety and clinical experienceeven at the expense of more-robust efficacy. Key Topics Covered: 1. Background a) Publication Update b) Report Contents and Features c) Current Practice Guidelines See the original post here: Research and Markets: Key Findings from Treatment Algorithms: Multiple Sclerosis … Continue reading →

WESTON, Mass. & DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Biogen Idec (BIIB) and Elan Corporation, plc (ELN) announced that results from 11 company-sponsored TYSABRI presentations, including 10 posters and one platform, will be available for viewing at the 28TH Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Lyon, France, October 10 13. Key data highlights from ECTRIMS include: These data further establish the benefits of TYSABRI in reducing relapse rates and slowing disease progression, said Alfred Sandrock, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, Development Sciences and Chief Medical Officer, Biogen Idec. Data from TOP demonstrate that patients who began TYSABRI earlier had better outcomes than patients in the study who were switched to TYSABRI at two years, further demonstrating the positive effect TYSABRI can make for those living with MS. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an often debilitating disease of the brain and spinal cord that affects nearly 2.1 million people worldwide. While a number of disease modifying therapies are currently available, an unmet need remains for effective treatment options. Common symptoms of MS, such as cognitive difficulties, fatigue and visual function can have a tremendous impact on people living with MS. said Hans Peter Hasler, Chief Operating Officer, … Continue reading →