This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I've got it. Baclofen is my favorite drug.

But, what causes spasticity?

I mean, what's going on mechanically? The nerves are doing what? the nerve impulses are doing what?

I've looked all over the internet for an explanation and can't find one.

All my neuro has said is that the "nerves are excited". Ok, but what does that mean? And why are they excited?

spasticity can be caused by electrolyte imbalance.

magnesium, which is low in MS patients, helps relax muscles.

serum magnesium should be at least 0.91 mmol/L. when i get down under .90 i can feel my muscles tightening.

dietary magnesium comes from sources like dark dark leafy greens. www.whfoods.com is a good resource.

best supplementary form to date is albion-process chelated magnesium glycinate. best absorption, least GI side effects.

some links to earlier discussion on sodium potassium calcium and magnesium wrt muscle and nerve function. includes links to great animated resources.

http://www.thisisms.com/ftopicp-73765.html#73765
body chemistry on sodium and potassium (two very worthwhile animations to check out once you visit the above post)

http://www.thisisms.com/ftopicp-125427.html#125427
the calcium/magnesium connection.

HTH!

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my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com

I believe the root cause of spasticity in ms is the lack of a good nerve signal to the muscle. When a muscle doesn't get an electrical signal, it tightens up. That's why corpses have stiff muscles. I also agree with Jimmylegs that magnesium helps spasticity.

correct tzoo, and the nerve signals depend on the correct balance of electrolytes to power the polarization and depolarization cycles that fire nerve and muscle function.

_________________
my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com

A muscle can either tighten or loosen. The brain gives the orders, the spinal cord executes them. The default stance of the human body is that of a fetus and this is what will happen if you completely remove the brain.

In MS, information about the current length of a muscle do not reach the brain, hence information from the brain that says "It 's ok, the muscle is not that long" does not reach the spinal cord. The latter, "afraid" that the muscle is about to be harmed, sends an excitatory signal, ordering it to tighten.

Magnesium helps by making the muscles less tight, thus somehow decreasing the "voice" saying "I am about to be cut! Do something!". Definitely, spasticity is not a deficiency, but can be helped just a little.

Baclofen simulates excitation by the signals that should come from the brain, asking the spinal cord to relax the muscle. But that is a veeeeeeeery stupid drug: It will relax all muscles, all the time. Not just when you need to relax them. It is a fantastic pain killer, but it is more than useless in aiding you walk.

When I was first diagnosed, I was given the impression that we may not be able to cure MS, but we can manage its symptoms. For some reason, I believe that we can't do either. All these years, I haven't taken any drug that worked. I am in serious doubt about applied science. I consider it nothing more than some kids playing the researcher. Research that does not help is useless and should be avoided. I wonder how many drugs would make it if the price were proportional to the therapeutic result, after it happens...

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Shortest joke: "We may not be able to cure MS but we can manage its symptoms."

Hi Tzootsi,



Rigor mortis actually has to do with calcium, ATP, and the bonds between actin and myosin (the thin and thick filaments of the muscle).



NHE

that's really cool NHE! i never studied rigor mortis but it makes so much sense for calcium to be involved.

_________________
my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com