[caption id="attachment_135" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Multiple Sclerosis affects many Americans, especially women. Multiple sclerosis affects many Americans, especially women.[/caption] What is Multiple Sclerosis? MS is caused by the immune system eating away at the protective sheath of myelin around the nerves. This affects the brain's ability to communicate with the rest of the body. How Many People Have Multiple Sclerosis? Currently, about 400,000 people in the United States are living with MS. In total, about 2.5 million people around the world have been diagnosed with the disease. There are about 200 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each week. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis There a number of symptoms associated with MS. They can be quite different on a case-by-case basis. Symptoms include:

  • Numbness in limbs, usually on one side of the body at the same time, and trunk weakness
  • Partial or total loss of vision, normally in one eye
  • Blurred or double vision with dizziness
  • A shocking sensation when moving the neck a certain way
  • Tremors
  • Slurred speech
Is There a Cure for Multiple Sclerosis? Unfortunately, there is no known cure for MS. It often goes into prolonged remission between attacks, referred to as a relapsing-remitting course of MS. During attacks, corticosteroids and plasma exchange are used for treatment. Multiple Sclerosis and Complex Rehab Technology It can start with something as simple as a feeling of numbness or a persistent feeling of weakness. You go to the doctor, tests are run, and you're told that you have multiple sclerosis. Life seems forever changed. This is a scary scenario. However, manufacturers and suppliers of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) are dedicated to helping provide individually configured equipment that helps maintain health, independence, and quality of life every step along the way. NCART is here to help too. We want to make sure that all individuals have appropriate access to CRT products and supporting services. Contact us with questions or to find out how you can help us protect appropriate access to Complex Rehab Technology!