vol2 - Page 47
Page 47
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the nervous system which is affected and according to the severity of the disease°
The symptoms can include one or more of the following: weakness, tingling,
numbness, impaired sensation, lack of coordinations, disturbances in equilibrium,
double vision, loss of vision, involuntary rapid movement of the eyes (nystag_s),
slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, spasticity, weakness of limbs, sexual dysfunc_
tion, para_ysls, and impaired bladder and bowel fu_ctionso
4. Each person aff_i_ed by n_]tlple sclerosis is af?ected different]yo
?%
In some persons_ the s.ympto_ o_ the disease are barely detectable, even over
long periods of t_me. In these cases, the persons can 1_ve their lives as if
they did not suffer from the disease° %n others, more of the symptoms are present.
": and acute, thereby limiting their physical capabilities° Moreover, others may
experience sporadic, but acute, symptoms.
5. At this time, there is no known prevetntion or cure for multiple
/"
..... sclerosis. Instead, there are onloy treatments for the symptoms of the disease.
There are very few drugs specifically designed to treat spasticlty. These drugs
often cause very serious side effects. At the present ti_e two drugs are
approved by FDA as =safe" and %ffective" for the specific indication of
spasticity. These drugs are Dantriu_ and Llor_sal baclofen.
6. Unfortunately_ nelther Dantriu_ nor L1oresal is a very effective
spasm coB_ro'l drug. The'St _arglnal _edical _._Ii_y, high toxicity and potential
therapy.
L_/
.... 7. As a result, _any physicians routinely prescribe tranquilizers,
_scle re_axani:$, mood e'lev_tors and sedatives such a_ Valiu_ to patients
experiencing spasticityo _hile these drugs do not directly reduce spasticity
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