Multiple Sclerosis

At the Nardella Clinic in Calgary, our Naturopathic Doctors’ primary aim is to prevent the progression of MS and offer relief from acute symptoms.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease caused by the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. MS can be a chronic, progressive or relapsing and remitting disorder.  The myelin allows for communication between the nerves.  With progressive demylenation there is a disruption in this vital process, resulting in sensory and motor disabilities. MS is commonly diagnosed between 15 an 50 years old and is much more common in women than men.

Alberta has one of the highest rates of Multiple Sclerosis in the world. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include:

• Muscle spasms
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling

There are many theories as to why MS develops.  Research suggests it is an autoimmune process.  This creates an immune mediated myelin sheath destruction creating a focal area of damage.  This damage is characterized by inflammation which eventually may lead to permanent scarring.  Many factors influence the initiation of the autoimmune process.  Genetics, infections, environmental and lifestyle factors, or an interaction of these factors, have shown to increase risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

Genetic studies have shown a dramatically increased risk if an identical twin has the disease.  If a parent has MS, the children have a five fold increase risk.  There is a much higher prevalence for those with a Northern European background.  Several studies suggest that MS is triggered or exacerbated by an infection.  Herpes virus HHV-6 is associated with higher risk of relapse.

Smokers with elevated levels of Epstein Barr virus are 70% more likely to develop MS than people with no known risk factor.  Clostridium perfrigens (food borne bacteria) can cause permeability issues in the blood brain barrier and demylenation.  Other studies suggest multiple co-infections could be involved in MS.  Many additional infectious agents have been found in MS patients, such as mycoplasma, Chlamydia and Borrelia.

Many environmental factors may contribute to the onset of MS.  Low levels of vitamin D, levels of industrial toxins such as benzene, high fat diet, effects of solar and geomatic activity and hypoxia are just a few of the possible triggers. Multiple factors appear to be implicated in the initiation and evolution of the disease.

Nardella Clinic naturopaths in Calgary use a number of therapies depending upon the specific patient’s circumstances.