MS: A Functional Disorder

A forum to discuss research on the origins of MS and its development.
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vesta
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MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by vesta »

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A FUNCTIONAL DISORDER

If I had known that Multiple Sclerosis is essentially a problem of fluid circulation (blood, cerebrospinal, lymphatic, glymphatic) through the central nervous system, I wouldn’t be handicapped today. Let’s not get complicated. In my case all I need is a massage and/or various fluid circulation therapies to stop attacks, NOT a surgical intervention such as angioplasty and certainly not a drug. In fact I now realize that I halted my first major attack with a Shiatsu massage just as my Neurologist was about to administer steroids.

See my site for a full discussion of practical solutions to treating MS. http://www.mscureenigmas.net/

February 13, 2015 PLOS ONE (http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObj ... tation=PDF) published a double blind study revealing that it takes twice as long for blood to flow from the heart through the brain and back to the heart in MSers than in normals, this regardless of the MSers condition. In other words, poor blood perfusion through the brain is a marker for MS. There it is, what we needed to know. The Answer.

All of this gets complicated so let’s summarize. There are two fundamental schools of thought about MS etiology (causation) and treatment. One is biochemical, the other functional (fluid circulation).

Biochemical includes the auto-immune theory, bacterial infection, viral infection (Epstein Barr especially), vitamin deficiency (eg Vit D3 or Vit B12), nutritional deficiencies, toxicity exposure.

There are two basic forms of FUNCTIONAL Multiple Sclerosis. 1) CCSVI MS concerns defective veins. 2) STRUCTURAL MS concerns bones, muscles, and arteries. In both cases the blood and cerebrospinal fluid circulation are obstructed or slowed. Effective treatments differ, in the one case the veins need to be addressed, in the second the body structure. Consider Chiropractor Dr. Michael Flanagan’s opinion: “Obstruction to blood and CSF flow in the spinal canal and cranial vault may play a causative or contributory role in neurodegenerative and neurological conditions of the brain and cord.”( http://www.thisisms.com/ Re : CCSVI and CCVBP upright doc March 29, 2016)

Biochemical focuses on the inflammatory “auto-immune” phenomena. Where does the inflammation come from, spontaneous generation? I would say it is a response to poor blood and or cerebro-spinal fluid perfusion which injures the tissue, that is the functional issue. And even if a dormant Herpes virus re-activates, is it the immune response to the virus which matters or simply the poor blood perfusion of a tensed body?

I’ve come to think that PPMSers (10-15% of cases) suffer primarily from injury to the spine and/or obstructions in cerebro-spinal fluid. And RRMS evolves into SPMS as the skeletal structure is progressively deformed thereby putting pressure directly on the spinal cord and/or obstructing cerebro-spinal fluid circulation. (See : http://www.mscureenigmas.net/ Under « Cure or Control ?” « MS Positive Feedback Loop”).

Some ideas to consider taking known epidemiological factors into account:

My theory: Childhood “stress” deforms and damages the vascular system leading from the brain and spine, thus eventually causing blood refluxes which damage the tissue. MS progresses as “attacks” deform the body structure leading to pressure on the spine.

1) Cold causes the upper back to tense up which hinders vascular development. (More MS in colder climates, see http://www.healthline.com)

2) Vitamin D deficiency may damage vascular development. (Dr George Ebers has found a genetic marker in MSers which means they need more Vit D.)

3) Since sun exposure releases Nitric Oxide essential to vascular health (revealed by heart research), deficiency may damage vascular development.

4) SUCCESS STRESS. Cultural/Religious beliefs may stress the child while in the developmental stage. Consider statistics in Israel. Same Sun Exposure, different demands to Succeed. More MS in Protestant N. Ireland than Catholic S. Ireland. Highest in Presbyterian Scotland. Crete Urbanization. See http://www.mscureenigmas.net/ blog 6/1/12 “Success Stress”. Also http://www.healthline.com

5) Mononucleosis (EBV virus). Crowdfunding study proposed to see if taking valocyclovir will heal MS by eliminating EBV? I believe the childhood illness actually damages the vascular system so that ridding the virus later will be of minimal use. And ingesting regularly an anti-viral medication will damage the immune system. We shall see.

6) Dr. George Ebers reports that 60 years ago there was no difference between men and women in MS incidence. The advent of Birth Control Pills which are known to affect the VASCULAR system correspond to this timeline. Are female hormonal therapies sufficient to tip a pre-existing vulnerability over the edge into full blown MS?

7) While RRMS strikes women 2 to 3 times more than men (think veins), PPMS is thought to strike principally men (think spinal cord/cerebrospinal fluid flow obstructions caused by accidents, child sports injuries, lifting heavy weights which progressively injure the spine.) See “MS Positive Feedback Loop” under Cure or Control.

8) And nutrition? Poor childhood diet may hinder healthy development of the vascular system as well as weaken the immune system while also increasing body stress.

I believe proper diet serves 4 purposes: a) to detoxify and prevent body stress on the vascular system i.e. the blood reflux and/or on the cerebro-spinal fluid b) to heal and reinforce the endothelium of the vascular system at the cellular level c) to nourish the brain cells (white matter, myelin sheath, axons, grey matter) especially important if there has been some brain damage and d) to re-inforce the immune system in order to de-activate a latent virus or bacteria .

9) Professor George Ebers’ research has revealed that white matter lesions do NOT determine disability which casts in doubt current diagnosis and treatment for MS.(see posted Nov 4, 2013)
a) The study of 1,000 patients over a 30 year period revealed that relapses are unrelated to long term outcome.
b) His 25 year study of Disease Modifying Drugs revealed they don’t stop descent into disability.

10) Consider that grey matter atrophy defines disability. Chris Sullivan has proposed that one can monitor grey matter atrophy by comparing successive MRI images with a RULER. http://sullivanweb.me/pdfdocs/atrophy-3.pdf
and http://sullivanweb.me/pdfdocs/atrophy-4.pdf (See http://www.mscureenigmas.net/ blog post 1/22/16)

11) Before administering Steroids to stop an MS Attack, try a Shiatsu Massage. http://www.mscureenigmas.net/ Blog post 3/20/2016 « MS Attack : Shiatsu Massage or Steroids ? »

12) Heat intolerance. Dr. Michael Flanagan again. Consider that the brain is protected by fluid circulation in the skull. If the fluids (blood, cerebro-spinal) are obstructed, the brain will heat up. Do we need to get more complicated than that?

MY SIX STEPS TO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS HEALTH

1. DETOXIFY
“Dr. Hyman explains his 10 day detox diet. (Thisisms.com)
I had the advice/assistance of a kinesiologist/nutritionist and won’t myself suggest a detox protocol. Dr. Hyman maintains that a simple diet change over 10 days will do the trick (or at least be a beginning) which is something anyone can try. So why not?
See also Detoxification and Supplements

2. OPTIMAL NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS - Paleo-Macrobiotic Diet

3. ENHANCE BLOOD/CEREBROSPINAL FLUID CIRCULATION - CCSVI - See Acupuncture (which includes Tens Self Acupressure)
Simple blood/cerebrospinal fluid circulation thérapies such massage, acupuncture, neuro-muscular electrical stimulation, osteopathy, or swimming may suffice. I do daily Tens self acupressure treatments to stay afloat and try to get an acupuncture or osteopathic treatment once a month. A serious venous blockage may require ANGIOPLASTY. Prior to taking that decision, one might consult a specialist in skeletal disorders (e.g. Chiropractors or Osteopaths) to be certain a bone, muscle, artery etc is not obstructing the vein. Upright Cine MRI can best determine cerebro-spinal fluid flow.

4. SUNLIGHT OR UV RAYS on the skin at least 15 minutes daily to release Nitric Oxide essential to vascular health and blood circulation.

5. EXERCISE BUILD UP PROGRESSIVELY (Treatment by a Physical Therapist can help)

6. Keep Epstein Barr (any herpes virus) DORMANT. I use Classical Homeopathy to prevent viruses and to stay healthy. I take Oscillococcinum to prevent ANY virus, and, as needed, a foundation remedy (for me Pulsatilla at the moment). Hugo Macia proposes Dr. Goiz’ “Biomagnetic Pair”which is known primarily in the Spanish speaking world and in my opinion corresponds to an “energy” therapy like acupuncture or kinesiology.

Previously published on my site MS Cure Enigmas.net http://www.mscureenigmas.net/
Last edited by vesta on Thu Apr 28, 2016 3:43 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Luongo
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by Luongo »

I definitely want to look into this later when I have more time. This is one of the most encompassing theories I've read and it really hits home, especially knowing how poor the circulation of my own fluids are. I wonder if the chronic dehydration problems of PwMS play into this at all.

Thank you for sharing!
MSbro
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by MSbro »

All of your points are well presented but until anyone can "prove" any of the many current possible theories as to the cause of MS, then we will continue to have many different opinions on this truly complex disease. Treatments that work for some patients do absolutely nothing for the next one and vice versa making things even more frustrating.

I think the scientists are getting closer to the answer especially since they have been investigating areas outside the original auto immune only theory.
vesta
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by vesta »

Greetings:

My point is that right here and now MSers can help themselves or easily get the help they need. Ever since I began to work on my "fluid" circulation I feel much better and can stop "attacks". Mornings I get my husband to give me a 45 second upper back massage, afterwards running his hands down the bands of muscles parallel the spine, both of us standing, to get what appears to be sluggish blood from my head moving. If he can't do that, I use a simple TENS acupressure treatment which I describe on my site. If I'm upset I do the TENS even if I'm tired (10-15 minutes will do.) One evening 3 years ago I failed to do that and had a mini-"attack" overnight which injured the spine (well, I now think my progression is in the spine.) The first time I tried that autumn 2010 I couldn't believe I just stopped an "attack", especially since the immediate impression after a self treatment is very subtle, almost non-existent- perhaps a mood change for the better. Yes, I may respond better to the electrical stimulation than others. (Talking about the TENS treatment.) But it is very clear to me now that I stopped my first BIG attack with a Shiatsu massage. Why wait for some magic "proof" when one can help oneself right now. As to scientific proof, that won't happen as far as chiropractic or massage or acupuncture treatments for MS because there is no funding for most alternative treatments.
See uprightdoc's take on that issue (referring to chiropractic treatment for MS) published today on Thisisms.

"The fact there aren't peer review studies is not an excuse. There are no studies because you can't get public funding to do studies, which are expensive. As far as I know, Dr. Rosa got lucky and got private funding, which is like hitting the lottery. Dr. Woodfield writes excellent proposals for studies using the NUCCA method. NUCCA has been trying for decades to get funding for studies but it is nearly impossible. They just published a study on migraines but it is a small study. Migraine studies are very important. Seizures and epilepsy also need to be studies. Much, much more needs to be done."

And thanks for your comment Luongo. I hope you can find a workable solution thinking about "fluid circulation".

Best regards, Vesta
MSbro
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by MSbro »

Vesta,

I hear what you are saying and I am VERY happy that the treatment you are using works for you. But because MS appears to be so complex someone else trying this may not get any benefit at all.

And I realize that peer reviewed studies are expensive and time consuming but how else can one scientifically prove that a treatment has any benefit on MS up and beyond the placebo effect which can be so strong.

I am by no means discouraging MS patients from trying any number of treatments on their disease but as we have seen over the years the results are so varied and widespread. The current day drugs, in my opinion, are not the answer and while some patients benefit to some degree from using them, these medications (which have some nasty side effects) can end up causing more harm in the long run. Not that the companies who make them have much of a concern for that!
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Scott1
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by Scott1 »

Hi,

A good note. Much of it it overlaps nicely with other views such as Leonards, mine and others.

They are interesting observations and a useful contribution. Thanks.

Regards,
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CureOrBust
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

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vesta wrote:"The fact there aren't peer review studies is not an excuse. There are no studies because you can't get public funding to do studies, which are expensive. As far as I know, Dr. Rosa got lucky and got private funding, which is like hitting the lottery. Dr. Woodfield writes excellent proposals for studies using the NUCCA method. NUCCA has been trying for decades to get funding for studies but it is nearly impossible. They just published a study on migraines but it is a small study. Migraine studies are very important. Seizures and epilepsy also need to be studies. Much, much more needs to be done."
As proven by the Charcot project, the funds are there for the taking. Now there is no excuse.
vesta
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by vesta »

CureOrBust wrote:
vesta wrote:"The fact there aren't peer review studies is not an excuse. There are no studies because you can't get public funding to do studies, which are expensive. As far as I know, Dr. Rosa got lucky and got private funding, which is like hitting the lottery. Dr. Woodfield writes excellent proposals for studies using the NUCCA method. NUCCA has been trying for decades to get funding for studies but it is nearly impossible. They just published a study on migraines but it is a small study. Migraine studies are very important. Seizures and epilepsy also need to be studies. Much, much more needs to be done."
As proven by the Charcot project, the funds are there for the taking. Now there is no excuse.
Actually, I quoted uprightdoc who wrote that on CCSVI and CCVBP on April 26, 2016, and he was referring to studies relating to Chiropractic. The Charcot project is not working on Chiropractic as far as I can tell, but rather on the viral connection to MS. The funds aren't there for functional issues.

Regards, Vesta
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Luongo
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by Luongo »

Another thought that occurred to me. People with MS are known to have an elevated ACE level (more typically associated in people with sarcoidosis). The high ACE level is indicator of a problem with the renin-angiotensin system which regulates fluid movement within the body (this is my low level understanding of it). This could be a sign of something else taking place.
vesta
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by vesta »

Scott1 wrote:Hi,

A good note. Much of it it overlaps nicely with other views such as Leonards, mine and others.

They are interesting observations and a useful contribution. Thanks.

Regards,
Hi Scott:

Thanks for the comment. I always enjoy the conversation you share with Leonard and look forward to your next posts.

Regards, Vesta
MSbro
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by MSbro »

Luongo wrote:Another thought that occurred to me. People with MS are known to have an elevated ACE level (more typically associated in people with sarcoidosis). The high ACE level is indicator of a problem with the renin-angiotensin system which regulates fluid movement within the body (this is my low level understanding of it). This could be a sign of something else taking place.
Because MS effects the transmission of various nerve signals throughout the body, you would think that different organs and/or systems would eventually be affected as well. Their functionality would not be normal and as a result you end up getting all kinds of secondary complications and thus a wide variety of symptoms. The question is what comes first...the damage to axons which transmit the signals or damage to the systems and organs which then cause axon damage. After 75 years of research they still don't have the answer to this!
vesta
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by vesta »

Luongo wrote:Another thought that occurred to me. People with MS are known to have an elevated ACE level (more typically associated in people with sarcoidosis). The high ACE level is indicator of a problem with the renin-angiotensin system which regulates fluid movement within the body (this is my low level understanding of it). This could be a sign of something else taking place.


Thanks Luongo for the observation which seems to tie into the MS/fluid circulation theory. I confess ignorance about ACE and will look into the information you've provided. Any ideas you may have are most welcome.

Best regards,

Vesta
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by hmacoli »

Hi Vesta

Congratulations for your brilliant and clear explanation about this complex desease. I agree with most of your points of view. You have give an integrative approach of MS which explains most of the factors about MS, at less physical ones. I think there is alsoa to consider phycological ones that are in general mispreciated in literature which put more enphasis in aspects related with MS phycological issues expost crisis. Of course there are a pléyade of cofactors and genetic predisposal to suffer MS where different herpes virus as the most favourite candidates according with different MD would characterised the desease. It means the functional disorder you have been talking about would not lead to MS if there was not a previous infection (as you implicity has also mentioned in your post) in chilhood linked to other issues and this would be in my opinion the most characteristic factor of MS since a Physical point of view but I repeat in my opinion to really treat MS there is to treat first (or better both together) phycological and physical issues. Congratulations again. My best regards.
Hugo
vesta
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Re: MS: A Functional Disorder

Post by vesta »

hmacoli wrote:Hi Vesta

Congratulations for your brilliant and clear explanation about this complex desease. I agree with most of your points of view. You have give an integrative approach of MS which explains most of the factors about MS, at less physical ones. I think there is alsoa to consider phycological ones that are in general mispreciated in literature which put more enphasis in aspects related with MS phycological issues expost crisis. Of course there are a pléyade of cofactors and genetic predisposal to suffer MS where different herpes virus as the most favourite candidates according with different MD would characterised the desease. It means the functional disorder you have been talking about would not lead to MS if there was not a previous infection (as you implicity has also mentioned in your post) in chilhood linked to other issues and this would be in my opinion the most characteristic factor of MS since a Physical point of view but I repeat in my opinion to really treat MS there is to treat first (or better both together) phycological and physical issues. Congratulations again. My best regards.
Hugo
Thanks Hugo for your very encouraging post. I have been moving and disconnected from the internet, hence my delayed response. (Also somewhat disconnected from MS as a subject of discussion.) I would treat the psychological issue as one causing enough body tension to restrict blood/CSF fluid flow. I'll say no more now. I realize I have neglected the fact that the autonomic nervous system functions through the spine and that it impacts venous blood flow. I need to understand that issue better.
Thanks again,`
My best regards, Anna (Vesta)
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