New remedies for impotence.

Studies of the brain tissue of 11 people who had MS found that many nerve fibers in the areas of MS damage (called lesions) seemed to be severed. Dr. Trapp speculates that this severing may account for the permanent neurological impairment in MS. Further research is needed to determine if this represents the common course of MS.

This study does provide additional reason to consider early treatment of MS with the new drugs that reduce inflammation and lesion formation. The promising research on protecting and regenerating nerve fibers, as well as studies on regrowing myelin, continues to be important for a future victory over MS.

New remedies for impotence

Health-care professionals like to say erectile dysfunction, or ED, because "impotence" sounds as if a man is completely powerless. As the media frenzy following FDA approval of Viagra showed, ED affects an estimated 20 million to 30 million American men. Up to 75% of men with MS have trouble attaining or sustaining an erection because of the disease.

For more than a decade, surgical treatments, mechanical devices, and self-injections have been available. In 199 7, the FDA approved MUSE (alprostadil). Taken via a tiny suppository inserted into the penis, MUSE works in 5 to 10 minutes.

Viagra (sildenafil) is the first oral drug for ED. Taken about an hour before anticipated sexual activity, the pill works only in the presence of sexual stimulation. Two other oral ED drugs are in development.

"Just knowing there are more options may help men with MS talk about ED with their partner and their neurologist," said Dr. Nancy Holland, director of the Society's Clinical Programs.

For information about MUSE, call Vivus, Inc. toll-free at 888-345 MUSE [888-345-6873].

For information about Viagra, call Pfizer, Inc. at 800-879-3477.

News Bulletins

* The Medal of Freedom for Justin Dart, disability rights activist. "He has been my guide in understanding the needs of disabled Americans," said President Clinton, as he gave Mr. Dart the nation's highest civilian award.

* A lot of you are out there. Dr. John F. Kurtzke, winner of the 1997 Dystel Award, continues his decades-long work with the National Academy of Sciences Medical Follow-up Agency. He is analyzing rates of survival of U.S. veterans 50 years from the onset of MS, and seeking more data on the effects of sex, race, education, environment, and birth order on MS risk.

* New clues to MS fatigue. With the help of PET scanning, a noninvasive technology that can track chemical reactions in the brain, researchers in Switzerland found that people with MS fatigue exhibited impaired glucose metabolism in key brain areas where myelin loss appeared to have occurred.

* An implant for incontinence. The FDA has approved the Sacral Nerve Stimulation System, which can prevent sudden, uncontrollable loss of urine caused by involuntary bladder contractions. The pacemaker-sized implant from Medtronic, Inc. requires major surgery, and is not prescribed unless drugs or diet changes have failed.