The Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis and Breakthroughs in its Understanding.

The period of intensely hot weather in the summer was hard for everyone but particularly so for those who have Multiple Sclerosis (MS); a condition where hot weather and overheating can significantly worsen symptoms.

MS is an autoimmune disease damaging the myelin sheath covering the nerves of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. Normally nerves conduct electrical impulses extremely rapidly but lesions of the myelin block or slow the electrical conduction and hot weather exacerbates this. For those with MS, it is particularly important to keep cool and rested, counteracting increased symptoms and the fatigue experienced with MS.

In developing a regular yoga practice for someone with MS, identify the right activity level for that person; it should avoid practice that needs bursts of energy which could cause overheating and also avoid postures where muscle tension needs to be held over time which could cause problems with muscle spasms. Warming up slowly and using steady moving asana whilst maintaining slow and deep breathing is helpful.

Inflammatory processes also affect severity of symptoms but with careful attention to managing stress and depression, along with nutrition, these processes can be damped down.

MS is a condition that challenges those that have it to consistently look after themselves and their health. Stress is a major factor in symptom management. Lifestyle may need to be significantly adjusted as well as facing the fear of how the condition will progress. Regular yoga practice helps - managing stress, improving fatigue, maintaining strength and working with the psychological aspects of living with a chronic condition. Yoga provides a sense of empowerment and encouragement to keep mobile and active in the face of challenge.

A recent major breakthrough in research has confirmed the cause of MS as Epstein Barr virus (EBV). EBV is also known as glandular fever and is extremely common in the population. Most of the population have contracted this virus in childhood or as young adults. What was puzzling before the research was undertaken, was how such a common virus could be the cause of a relatively uncommon condition.

Research study data revealed conclusive evidence that although EBV is common, MS is a rare complication of it. After contracting EBV, a small percentage of individuals show an increase in neurodegenerative protein in the brain, which within a period of 5 years, develops into MS.

It appears that the initial EBV infection tiggers an immune response and in a case of mistaken identity, antibodies react against the virus and the similar biochemical structure of the myelin. Viral persistence may continue to stimulate the immune response leading to the progression of MS.

Confirmation of EBC as the cause of MS is a breakthrough as it significantly improves the likelihood of better treatment such as via anti-virals, which is welcome news for those who are living it.