World MS DAY – May 26, 2010 – Toronto Public Library Blog

An estimated 2.5 million individuals suffer from MS (Multiple Sclerosis) worldwide. Sadly, Canadians have one of the highest rates of MS cases in the world. According to the MS Society of Canada, the rate of MS in this country could be as high as 240 per 100,000 people. On the bright side, Canada is considered a leader in terms of diagnosing, treating and improving the quality of life of people with MS.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. The cause of MS is still unknown but research suggests that in MS an individual's immune system starts reacting against his or her own tissues. Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to get MS and it's more common in Caucasians. MS usually strikes between the ages of 20 and 40 but may occur at any age.

While no cure exists for MS, treatment can reduce the number of attacks and lessen their severity. Active research into finding a cure for MS is conducted worldwide. One of the latest highly publicized treatment attempts is the Liberation Treatment. Championed by Italian vascular surgeon Dr. Paolo Zamboni, Liberation Treatment is based on the theory that MS is caused by blocked veins in the neck which restrict the normal outflow of blood from the brain to the heart. This medical condition is called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI). While Dr. Zamboni's surgical technique to treat this condition shows promise, it is still an experimental treatment.

To learn more about MS, check out some of the recent books at the Toronto Public Library. To see which branch has a copy of the book you are interested in and to place a hold, click on the covers below.