Potential New Treatment for Multip... Feb 20, 2010
Potential New Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis: Constricted Jugular Veins Could Be a New Clue to MS ... Potential New Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis ... Multiple Sclerosis has always been thought of as just an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and central nervous system - this assumption might soon change. (Suite101.com)
Related: Calif. research shows pot can ease muscle spasms Feb 19, 2010
The first U.S. clinical trials in more than two decades on the medical benefits of marijuana confirm pot is effective in reducing muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and pain caused by certain neurological injuries or illnesses, according to a report issued Wednesday ... In four studies, participants suffering from multiple sclerosis, AIDS or diabetes, along with healthy volunteers injected with a chili pepper substance to induce pain, were randomly assigned to receive cigarettes... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Migraine More Common in Women With Multiple Sclerosis Feb 18, 2010
17, 2010) Migraine is seen more frequently in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) than those without, according to a study that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto April 10 to April 17, 2010. See Also. (Science Daily)
Migraine Tied to Raised Multiple Sclerosis Risk Feb 18, 2010
TUESDAY, Feb. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Migraines are more common in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in those without the disease, new research shows. The study looked at close to 117,000 U.S. women participating in the Nurses' Health Study II, including 18,000 who had been diagnosed with migraine at the start of the study. (MEDLINEplus)
Non-Invasive Testing, Earlier Surgery Can Stop Seizures in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Feb 18, 2010
17, 2010) When medication fails to control seizures in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems and frequently causes epilepsy, surgery to remove part of the brain is often necessary ... 13, 2008) Early tests show promising results for a new treatment for tuberous sclerosis, which can cause tumors in organs throughout the body. (Science Daily)
JMU's high-scoring Evans fights kidney disease Feb 18, 2010
The affliction -- focal segmental glomerular sclerosis -- disrupts the filtering system in her kidneys, causing high blood pressure and sometimes leaving her with low energy reserves. It's the same ailment that affected former NBA stars Alonzo Mourning and Sean Elliott. (ESPN -- Women's Basketball News)
Drinking Milk During Pregnancy May Lower Baby's Risk of Multiple Sclerosis Feb 13, 2010
12, 2010) Drinking milk during pregnancy may help reduce your baby's chances of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as an adult, according to a preliminary study released February 10 that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto April 10 to April 17, 2010 ... 29, 2005) Over a three-year period, the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) was reduced in women taking oral contraceptives, according to a study in the September issue of Archives of... (Science Daily)
Multiple Sclerosis Feb 12, 2010
BBC News - 'I had controversial MS treatment twice. Page last updated at 12:06 GMT, Thursday, 11 February 2010. (BBC News -- Health)
Drinking Milk While Pregnant May Lower Kids' Multiple Sclerosis Risk Feb 11, 2010
TUESDAY, Feb. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Children born to mothers who drink lots of milk and have a high dietary intake of vitamin D during pregnancy have a much lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life, researchers say ... The nurses were followed for 16 years, and 199 of them developed multiple sclerosis (MS) during that time period. (MEDLINEplus)
Brain blood vessels clue to MS Feb 11, 2010
More than 55% of multiple sclerosis patients have been found to have constricted blood vessels in their brains, a US study says ... "They show that narrowing of the extracranial veins, at the very least, is an important association in multiple sclerosis. "We will know more when the MRI and other data collected in this study are available. (BBC News)
Jimmie Heuga, 66; skied for 1964 US Olympic team Feb 10, 2010
- Former US Olympic skier Jimmie Heuga, who won a bronze medal at the 1964 games and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six years later, died Monday ... Mr. Heuga was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1970 after displaying symptoms for a year ... In 1983, Mr. Heuga founded the Jimmie Heuga Center for MS in Edwards, a nonprofit now called Can Do Multiple Sclerosis. (Boston Globe)
Local briefs: Governor, ag official to tour Ag Expo Feb 9, 2010
Former U.S. Olympic skier Jimmie Heuga, who won a bronze medal at the 1964 games and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six years later, died Monday ... Federal health officials warned doctors Friday that the risk of a deadly brain inflammation linked to the multiple sclerosis treatment Tysabri increases with use of the drug ... -based Biogen Idec Inc. and Irish drugmaker Elan Corp. PLC, for multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
More Doses of Multiple Sclerosis Drug Raise Risk of Brain Infection Feb 9, 2010
FRIDAY, Feb. 5 (HealthDay News) -- In the latest blow to the controversial multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday announced that it was slapping a new warning on the drug's label ... "This is not new information. We've had this information for a couple of months now [but] the labeling in the past did not make a distinction between the time frames that people were on the drugs," said Dr. John Richert, executive vice president for research and clinical... (MEDLINEplus)
Blacks With MS Have More Severe Symptoms, Decline Faster Than Whites, New Study Shows Feb 7, 2010
6, 2010) Fewer African Americans than Caucasians develop multiple sclerosis (MS), statistics show, but their disease progresses more rapidly, and they don't respond as well to therapies, a new study by neurology researchers at the University at Buffalo has found ... Weinstock-Guttman directs the Baird Multiple Sclerosis Center in Kaleida Health's Buffalo General Hospital ... "Initially, multiple sclerosis was considered primary a white-matter disease," says Weinstock-Guttman, "but today we know... (Science Daily)
Federal regulators post safety update on Tysabri Feb 6, 2010
Federal regulators yesterday posted a safety update to doctors and patients confirming changes made to the label of Tysabri, a popular treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis ... Many multiple sclerosis patients have said the drug dramatically reduces debilitating flare-ups of their symptoms. (Boston Globe)
FDA warns of brain risks with frequent Tysabri use Feb 6, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP) Federal health officials are warning doctors that the risk of a deadly brain inflammation linked to the multiple sclerosis treatment Tysabri increases with use of the drug ... -based Biogen Idec Inc. and Irish drugmaker Elan Corp. PLC, for multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Cladribine or Placebo for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Feb 4, 2010
NEJM -- A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Cladribine for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis ... A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Cladribine for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis ... We report the results of a 96-week phase 3 trial of a short-course oral tablet therapy in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Oral Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis — Sea Change or Incremental Step? Feb 4, 2010
NEJM -- Oral Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis -- Sea Change or Incremental Step ... Oral Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Sea Change or Incremental Step ... The long-awaited arrival of oral formulations for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis is welcome news for the estimated 2. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Will America Follow Europe Into Decline? Feb 4, 2010
In short, the United States is free, or nearly so, from the principal factors that have led to the decline and immobilism of Europe, its sclerosis, rigidity, and lack of ability to confront the challenges facing it. But like Europeans, Americans have not proved deeply attached to limited government, and the difference between Europe and America in this respect is only one of degree rather than type. (The American Conservative)
Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Fingolimod in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Feb 4, 2010
NEJM -- A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Fingolimod in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis ... A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Fingolimod in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis ... Background Oral fingolimod, a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator that prevents the egress of lymphocytes from lymph nodes, significantly improved relapse rates and end points measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as compared with either placebo or intramuscular interferon beta-1a, in phase 2 and 3 studies of... (New England Journal of Medicine)
First Evidence That the Brain’s Native Dendritic Cells Can Muster an Immune Response Feb 2, 2010
They suggest several strategies to propel research for treatments of brain diseases that include multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, obesity and ... (May 7, 2009) Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, including neurons in the gray matter. (Science Daily)
Scientists Find Survival Factor for Keeping Nerve Cells Healthy Feb 1, 2010
This breakthrough by Drs Jon Gilley and Michael Coleman at Babraham, an institute of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), furthers our understanding of the basic biology of our nerves and provides new insight into the factors causing neurodegenerative diseases like Motor Neurone Disease and Multiple Sclerosis ... Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, motor neuron disease and multiple sclerosis are some of the neurodegenerative disorders that involve a block of axonal... (Science Daily)
Multiple sclerosis risk changes with the season Jan 30, 2010
Previous studies have shown multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are more often born in spring than in any other season, indicating that there is an environmental risk factor for the disease. A paper in the journal Neurology, reviewed for f1000 Medicine by Emmanuelle Waubant and Ellen Mowry, now suggests that this seasonal effect is mediated by the gene HLA-DRB1. (EurekAlert!)
Icahn Proxy Materials Sent to Biogen Idec-Source Jan 28, 2010
Biogen, which makes the multiple sclerosis drugs Avonex and Tysabri, has failed to excite investors with its performance or its pipeline of experimental new drugs ... And there is concern increasing competition may hurt sales of its flagship multiple sclerosis drug Avonex. (ABC News -- Wire)
Mortality rates for pediatric rheumatology patients significantly lower than previously reported Jan 28, 2010
While rheumatic diseases present well-known risks to health, function, and quality of life, several conditionsjuvenile rheumatoid arthritis, childhood systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, various vasculitides, and systemic sclerosis are associated in various studies with a small but significant increase in mortality. The Cleveland Clinic study team, however, maintains that previous mortality studies were relatively small, reported mortality outcomes only on specific diseases, had a... (EurekAlert!)
People on the Move Jan 26, 2010
In this position, LaVigne is responsible for managing all revenue-producing activities and external relations that promote awareness about amyotrophic laterals sclerosis, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig s Disease. The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington named Denise Hyater the association director of resource development. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Little Pill Means Big News in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis Jan 26, 2010
26, 2010) A new drug for multiple sclerosis promises to change the lives of the 100,000 people in the UK who have the condition, say researchers at Queen Mary, University of London ... Multiple sclerosis is a disabling neurological condition which usually starts in young adulthood. (Science Daily)
One-man cannabis van raises queries of legality Jan 26, 2010
His chronically sick patrons, who include those with AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis, number in their hundreds ... Its anti-spasmodic properties have proved useful in treating spinal-cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Tourette syndrome. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
MS pills show promise and risk, studies say Jan 25, 2010
ATLANTA Tests of the first two oral drugs developed for treating multiple sclerosis show that both cut the frequency of relapses and may slow progression of the disease, but with side effects that could pose a tough decision for patients ... 5 million people around the world have multiple sclerosis, a neurological disease that can cause muscle tremors, paralysis and problems with speech, memory and concentration ... Doctors are likely to turn first to current options until the pills' side... (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
FDA Clears Multiple Sclerosis Drug Jan 23, 2010
WASHINGTON (January 22, 2010)--Federal health regulators Friday approved an Acorda Therapeutics drug thats designed to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis, an often-disabling disease that affects the nervous system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says Ampyra is the first drug approved to help multiple sclerosis patients walk. (KWTX.com, TX)
Hope of new treatment for MS patients Jan 22, 2010
A newly-tested treatment for multiple sclerosis reduces relapse and deterioration in patients, without many of the negative side effects associated with other treatments, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). WASHINGTON (AFP) - A newly-tested treatment for multiple sclerosis reduces relapse and deterioration in patients, without many of the negative side effects associated with other treatments, a study said. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Obituaries for Thursday, January 21, 2010 Edition Jan 22, 2010
Memorials to National Sclerosis Society or the Jefferson City Animal Shelter are preferred. The family was served by Freeman Mortuary, Jefferson City. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
IBD Editorials Jan 22, 2010
Unless private employment growth resumes soon, the United States risks falling into the same long-term economic sclerosis that has plagued the welfare states of Western Europe for decades. Large, freq. (Investors Business Daily)
First Oral Medications for MS Show Promise Jan 22, 2010
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Two new drugs -- both oral, rather than injected -- may soon be available to combat multiple sclerosis. Three studies, all being published early online Jan. 20 in the New England Journal of Medicine, find that the new drugs -- fingolimod and cladribine -- reduce relapse rates in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) ... "Oral drugs are what people with MS have been wishing for a long time. This is wonderful news for people with MS," said... (MEDLINEplus)
Low Vitamin D Levels Associated With Greater Risk of Relapse in Childhood-Onset Multiple Sclerosis Jan 22, 2010
21, 2010) Low vitamin D blood levels are associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse attacks in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who develop the disease during childhood, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco ... "We have known for some time that vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for developing MS, but this is the first study to assess whether vitamin D levels influence the disease course of those who already have... (Science Daily)
Trials spark hope of pill for MS Jan 21, 2010
Oral drugs to treat multiple sclerosis could become available in 2011 after promising results in two trials ... Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological disorder affecting young adults ... FROM OTHER NEWS SITES First tablets to fight multiple sclerosis 'dramatically reduce relapse' - 1 hr ago * Two MS drugs soon to be offered - 8 hrs ago MS breakthrough new pills twice as effective as existing therapies - 8 hrs ago Novartis edges ahead of Merck KGaA in MS race - 10 hrs ago *... (BBC News)
Niagara U. picks up $1M gift Jan 20, 2010
Inc. CEO and chairman Jeremy Jacobs, was a leading multiple sclerosis researcher. He chaired the department of neurology at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and directed both The Jacobs Neurological Institute and the Baird Multiple Sclerosis Research Center at Buffalo General Hospital. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Story:NJ medical marijuana bill is signed into law Jan 19, 2010
The bill allows patients with ailments such as cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis to buy up to 2 ounces of marijuana a month at state-monitored dispensaries ... New Jersey is the 14th state to allow patients with diseases such as cancer, AIDS, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis to use marijuana to alleviate their pain and other symptoms. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Association between novel TARDBP mutations and Chinese patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Jan 19, 2010
TARDBP mutations have been reported in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in different populations except Chinese. The present aim is to investigate the association between TARDBP mutations and Chinese patients with ALS.. (BioMed Central)
New ALS Drug Slips Through Telling Phase II Clinical Trials Jan 15, 2010
14, 2010) A drug already used to treat symptoms of epilepsy has potential to slow the muscle weakening that comes with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), scientists report after completing a Phase II clinical trial -- an early, small-scale test to show if the drug works and continues to be safe ... A report online December 4 in the journal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis says the drug talampanel showed some ability to slow the loss of major daily life activities such as speaking, walking and... (Science Daily)
Role of Key Protein in ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia Identified Jan 15, 2010
In the current edition of the Journal of Neuroscience, researchers in the laboratory of GIND Associate Director Steven Finkbeiner, MD, PhD have found how the protein TDP-43 may cause the neurodegeneration associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusion bodies (FTLDu) ... 8, 2008) In recent months a spate of mutations have been found in a disease protein called TDP-43 that is implicated in two neurodegenerative disorders:... (Science Daily)
At Biogen Idec, one of them had to go Jan 11, 2010
After taking the reins at the combined company, he filled its product pipeline with cutting-edge drugs to treat multiple sclerosis, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, Mullen took a risk on Tysabri, a promising new drug to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis that was much more effective than anything already on the market ... Harrison, from Argent Capital, agreed that Biogen Idec has solid cash-generating products, especially its Avonex drug for multiple sclerosis and Rituxan, a... (Boston Globe)
Newsweek: Coma patient media frenzy haunts doctor Jan 10, 2010
Patients with end-stage Parkinson's disease, end-stage multiple sclerosis, amylaterltrophic sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), etc, are examples of this. Patients in a minimally conscious state, however, have almost none of these higher brain functions intact, although some probably feel physical pain. (MSNBC -- Health)
Woman returns from stem-cell therapy in China Jan 10, 2010
During stem-cell treatments at the hospital, Miller got to know many families and patients from around the world -- people of all ages undergoing the same therapy formultiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other diseases. One was a 15-year-old California boy, diagnosed with Leber's 14 months ago. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Research adds to evidence that autism is a brain 'connectivity' disorder Jan 10, 2010
Tuberous sclerosis, commonly associated with autism, is linked to defects in axon guidance. Studying a rare disorder known as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), researchers at Children's Hospital Boston add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that autism spectrum disorders, which affect 25 to 50 percent of TSC patients, result from a miswiring of connections in the developing brain, leading to improper information flow ... "Normally ephrins cause growth cones to collapse in neurons, but in... (EurekAlert!)
Childbirth May Slow Progression of Multiple Sclerosis Jan 10, 2010
TUESDAY, Nov. 24 (HealthDay News) -- Having children may slow the progression of multiple sclerosis, new research suggests ... Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own defense system attacks myelin, or the protective fatty substance that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ... "Having one or more children does seem to be beneficial," said Patricia O'Looney, director of biomedical research for the... (MEDLINEplus)
Teen Obesity Ups MS Risk in Women Jan 10, 2010
TUESDAY, Nov. 10 (HealthDay News) -- While there are plenty of good reasons to avoid obesity in your teens, a new study now suggests that extra weight in adolescence may increase your risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) later ... Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ... "We're beginning now to get clues about things that might predispose a person to MS," said Dr. John Richert, executive vice president of research... (MEDLINEplus)
Brain & Nervous System Jan 10, 2010
Besides charting the nature of space and time and penning the bestseller "A Brief History of Time," Stephen Hawking has another distinction: He beat the life-expectancy odds for people with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ... A Mayo Clinic study, announced in January 2008, details an unprecedented method to predict brain aging disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, called ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, and Parkinson's disease ... A five-minute eye exam costing about $150 for both eyes... (CNN -- Health)
